ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Asia is exercising an advantage over the "wild" West, remaining more cautious about reopening stores and restaurants amid the risk of additional novel coronavirus outbreaks. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
The Big Story

Exits from coronavirus lockdown split 'wild' West from 'cautious' East

Economies are impatient to reopen. Experts say it will trigger a second wave of infections

STEVEN BOROWIEC, Contributing writer, and MICHELLE CHAN and PETER GUEST, Nikkei Asian Review staff writers | South Korea

SEOUL/HONG KONG/TOKYO -- Hanging on a guardrail along a walkway at Yangjae Stream, a large public park in southern Seoul, a massive banner politely asks locals to stay away. Earlier in the spring, the park was closed for weeks as South Korea struggled to rein in what once was the world's largest outbreak of the novel coronavirus outside of China.

It has since reopened, but visitors must wear masks. Takeout food, groundsheets and tents -- mainstays of park outings in South Korea -- are banned due to social distancing guidelines meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more