○ Expect to resume pre-COVID life in first half (10%) or second half (35%) of year
○ Hope to pursue domestic travel (57%), overseas travel (54%), cultural activities (54%) and outings (53%)
○ 81% of respondents say they are following COVID-19 prevention guidelines in daily life even after easing of social distancing measures

According to a recent survey, approximately half of Gyeonggi Province residents expect to resume pre-COVID life this year. A majority of respondents indicated that they prioritize travel and cultural activities after the easing of social distancing restrictions, followed by private gatherings such as alumni reunions and leisure activities.

According to a survey of 1,000 residents conducted on April 23 after the lifting of social distancing rules on April 18, respondents indicated that resuming pre-COVID life is possible this year, with 10% expecting to do so “within the first-half of this year” and 35% “within the second-half of this year.” Of the remainder, 34% answered “within the next year,” 14% “after 2024” and 1% “never.”

Regarding activities people prioritize upon the easing of social distancing rules, respondents answered “domestic travel” (57%), “overseas travel” (54%), “cultural activities such as movies, performances, sports, and art exhibitions” (54%) and “outings” (53%).

They also indicated “private gatherings such as alumni reunions and work gatherings” (48%), “family gatherings such as weddings and birthday parties” (48%) and “sports and leisure” (47%). “Visiting entertainment facilities such as pubs, karaokes and clubs” ranked the lowest at 21%.

A majority of residents (81%) responded that people are “diligently observing” COVID-19 prevention guidelines in daily life, such as the wearing of masks, even after the easing of social distancing restrictions. Only 17% of respondents responded that they are “not observing” such practices.

It was found that 30% of residents are engaging in outdoor activities more frequently than before upon the easing of social distancing rules, while 65% answered “similar to before” and 5% “less than before.”

Ryu Yeong-chul, Director General of Gyeonggi Province’s Health Bureau, commented, “With the easing of social distancing restrictions, compliance with individual infection control guidelines has become all the more important.” He added, “We ask that residents actively participate in individual hygiene measures such as vaccination, mask wearing, hand washing, ventilation and sanitizing, minimizing social gatherings, and seeking medical treatment if COVID-19 symptoms develop.”

This survey was commissioned by Gyeonggi Province and conducted by KSTAT Research, which polled 1,000 residents aged 18 and over on April 23 by telephone. The confidence level is 95% with a sampling error of ±3.1%p.