South Korean restaurants remain empty as coronavirus fears spread
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South Korean consumers are opting to avoid crowded places, causing restaurant bookings to plunge by as much as half as fears grow of the spreading coronavirus.
“Lunar New Year, followed by graduation and enrollment ceremonies, should have been a chance to boost our sales,” said the owner of one Seoul Chinese restaurant. “This year, though, reservations have dropped by more than half.”
Group dinners, accounting for a significant portion of all sales at this time of the year, have dwindled, and schools are canceling graduation and enrollment ceremonies.
“It’s important that I don’t get infected, but it is also important not to take any chance of spreading the disease to other people. It doesn’t hurt to stay careful,” said a local office worker.
Some companies have chosen to axe group dinners.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary reason for the decline in South Korean restaurant bookings?
What is the primary reason for the decline in South Korean restaurant bookings?
Consumers are avoiding crowded places due to growing fears about the spread of the coronavirus. This behaviour has led to a significant drop in reservations and group dinners.
Q.How much have restaurant bookings reportedly fallen?
How much have restaurant bookings reportedly fallen?
Restaurant bookings have plunged by as much as half. One Seoul Chinese restaurant owner stated that their reservations specifically have dropped by more than half compared to previous years.
Q.Which types of events are being cancelled or reduced, impacting restaurant sales?
Which types of events are being cancelled or reduced, impacting restaurant sales?
Schools are cancelling graduation and enrollment ceremonies, which typically involve group dinners. Companies are also choosing to axe their group dinners, both contributing to reduced restaurant sales.
Q.What time of year is usually important for restaurant sales in South Korea?
What time of year is usually important for restaurant sales in South Korea?
The period around Lunar New Year, followed by graduation and enrollment ceremonies, is usually a significant time for boosting sales. Group dinners also account for a large portion of sales then.
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