COVID-19 triggers shifts in traditions as South Korea celebrates thanksgiving. South Koreans will forego some of their most cherished traditions when they celebrate their thanksgiving holiday of Chuseok this week, as the coronavirus forces many to hold virtual services instead of visiting their ancestral sites.
COVID-19 has given impetus to cultural shifts already taking place in a once Confucian society that has become Asia's fourth-largest economy, which is seeing an erosion in traditional family structures and a rapidly aging population.
Authorities have urged people to refrain from travel and follow social-distancing guidelines during the five-day break starting on Wednesday, even though the rate of new COVID-19 cases has slowed.
Korean media reported that cemeteries and memorial homes greeted less visitors than usual on the first day of the holiday, with some offering online services.
Airport authorities say the number of people taking domestic flights will drop by 25% compared with last year.
Media footage showed relatively empty train and bus stations on Wednesday, although a major Seoul airport's domestic terminal was bustling with travellers. To be sure, not everyone is following the guidelines against travel.
More than 230,000 people are expected to visit the resort island of Jeju this week, compared with 190,000 last year, local authorities said. Many golf courses and beach resorts along the east coast are fully booked.
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