◈ Seoul Official Announcement 2020-355

Administrative order on the compulsory wearing of masks 

to strengthen measure to prevent the spread of Corona-19

In accordance with the 「Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act」 we hereby issue this administrative order requiring the compulsory wearing of masks within the City of Seoul in order to strengthen efforts to prevent the spread of Corona-19.

23^rd August 2020

Acting Mayor of Seoul

1. Persons subject to this order: All residents and visitors to the City of Seoul

2. Contents – Wearing masks both inside* and outside**.

※ N.b., It is not necessary to wear a mask where it is unavoidable such as when consuming food and beverages or in one’s personal abode.

* Inside: Modes of transport including but not limited to buses, subway, ships, aeroplanes and other vehicles, and buildings and all structures that are separated from the outside by four walls.

** Outside: All mass gatherings participants will be or may reasonably expect to be in proximity with other people; including but not limited to rallies and concerts

3. Applicable law – Clause 2 and clause 2-4 of Section 1 of Article 49 of the 「Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act」

4. Reason: This administrative order requiring the wearing of masks at all times has been deemed necessary to strengthen personal prevention measures and block the further proliferation of Corona-19 in the wake of rising concern about the risk of the disease spreading throughout the country following a sudden rapid increase in the number of cases of Corona-19 in the capital area.

5. Applicable period: From Monday 24^th August 2020 until such time as the Social Distancing Level is reduced below level two

※ A grace period until 12th October 2020 will be given prior to the levy of fines

6. Start of enforcement: Midnight on Monday, 24^th August 2020

7. Requests for a copy of the administrative order: Persons subject to the conditions of this administrative order may request a full copy of the order in accordance with Section 1 of Article 24 of the Administrative Procedures Act.

8. In case of dissatisfaction with or objection to the contents of this administrative order, a request for administrative adjudication may be submitted to the Central Administrative Appeals Commission within 90 days of its enforcement in accordance with Section 1 of Article 23 of the Administrative Appeal Act, and pursuant to Article 9 of the 「Administrative Litigation Act」 a lawsuit for its dismissal may be filed with the administrative court holding jurisdiction.

9. Persons who are in violation of this administrative order may be subject to a fine of up to KRW100,000 in accordance with Section 4 of Article 83 of the 「Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act」 (N.b. a grace period until 12th October 2020 will be given prior to the levy of fines), and may also be subject to a claim for any or all of the associated tracing, testing and treatment costs arising out of the circumstances of their violation.

10. Supervisory Official: Assistant Mayor for Public Health, Seoul Metropolitan Government.