Due to signs of a third outbreak, the Seoul government has decided to cancel the 2021 New Year's bell-ringing ceremony that took place at 12 p.m on December 31 at Bosingak Bellfry.
This is an annual event, attracting the participation of a large number of people in Seoul and has many special performances to celebrate the New Year. Unfortunately, this event will be canceled for the first time after being held 67 years since it began in 1953. In addition, festivals and New Year's countdown parties held in Gangnam or Yeongdeungpo will also be canceled to ensure social distance.
Facing the alarming situation in the past week, the Korean government has to consider the end of the year period as a sensitive period and urge people to minimize gathering activities.
Although there is great hope that the world will have at least two to three Covid-19 vaccines ready to be distributed by the end of this year, fear of the pandemic seems to be pervasive. Therefore, measures such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, maintaining social distance, and limiting the size of gatherings are still essential to ensure the safety of people.
