​​Fried chicken and beer banned on beach to prevent COVID-19

By Park Sae-jin Posted : July 8, 2020, 14:58 Updated : July 8, 2020, 15:05

[Photograph by Ki Su-jeong]

SEOUL -- Enjoying a glass of cold beer and fried chicken on the beach to cool off at night has been a favorite pursuit among many vacationers in South Korea. However, such leisure breaks will disappear this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said in a statement on Wednesday that it has issued an administrative order to ban nighttime drinking and eating at 21 major beaches that have more than 300,000 visitors annually. The order will be enforced until beaches close down in August.

Still, people can enjoy alcoholic drinks and food before sunset. Violators will be given a fine of three million won ($2,511).

The ministry stressed that holiday-goers should stop visiting crowded beaches and check tourist spots using an online indicator service. A total of 15 beaches would regulate the permissible number of visitors by receiving reservations. South Korea with three coastal lines opens beaches in early July and shuts down in mid-August. 
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