The following emergency disaster alerts arrived by cell phone during a little over two hours on Christmas Day for people living in three provinces of southwestern South Korea. For people like me who aren’t fluent in Korean, the Ministry of the Interior provides automatic translations into English and Chinese.
Please see the text for some preliminary categorizations and attempts to interpret the messages. But I suggest that you consider (if you have time and inclination) reading through them quickly and trying to come up with some preliminary categories to help understand what is happening (“open coding” for folks who practice qualitative research). Please let me know your thoughts: waitzkin@unm.edu
Here are translations of a few terms that may be confusing: “gun, eup, myeon, dong, gu ri” = towns of different sizes; “gil” = street
[Gumi City Hall] 2 cases confirmed. No.195 (family of confirmed case), No.196 (contact of confirmed case) epidemiological investigation underway. In accordance with the information disclosure guidelines, information below eup/myeon/dong will not be disclosed.
2020-12-25 12:22
[Gyeongsan City Hall]12. 24., 3 cases confirmed/ Please follow the quarantine rules during the year-end and New Year holidays, religious facilities should be non-face-to-face, banned from entering a restaurant with 5 or more people, advised against private gatherings of 5 or more, and wearing masks. 2020-12-25 12:15
[Seocheon County Office] From today ▲No gatherings at entertainment and pubs ▲Singing rooms, restaurants, cafes, etc. will be closed after 21:00 ▲Public facilities in Seocheon-gun closed ▲Religious facilities are banned from face to face meetings, and meals 2020-12-25 12:14
[Uiseong County Office] Information on the travel history of confirmed patient in Cheongsong② 12.14. (Mon) 19:00~19:30 Uiseong Traditional Market Eonnine Sikdang(chicken feet) (prevention completed) Visitors are requested to undergo examination at the Health Center Selection Clinic. 2020-12-25 12:13
[Yangsan City Hall] Yangsan No.74 confirmed, contact of Yangsan No.53, showed symptoms during self-isolation, no contact and no travel history. 2020-12-25 12:13
[Uiseong County Office] Guidance on the travel history of confirmed case in Cheongsong ① 12.14.(Mon) 17:00~19:00 Visitors to Kingdanggujang, Uiseong-eup (quarantine completed), are requested to undergo examination at the Public Health Center Screening Clinic. 2020-12-25 12:13
[Iksan City Hall] Refrain from visiting other regions and holding private meetings. Observe the principle of non-face-to-face religious activities. Thorough compliance with quarantine rules for each business site. Always wear a mask. 2020-12-25 12:12
[Eumseong County Office] Related to travel history of case No.145, if you have visited a restaurant located in Gamgok-myeon(Woljeong Kalguksu), please contact Eumseong-gun Health Center (872-2136). 2020-12-25 12:09
[Pohang City Hall] Travel history of case No. 190. In accordance with the government’s information disclosure guidelines, the contacts have been identified and the travel history will not be disclosed. 2020-12-25 12:08
[Naju City Hall] 12.22.(Tue) 12:30~13:00 Visitors of 혁신산단 오늘애밥상(Hyeoksinsandanjungang-gil 24, Wanggok-myeon), please consult and undergo examination at the screening clinic in your area. 2020-12-25 12:06
[Wando County Office] For the safety of the citizens, please join the family safety campaign such as Christmas and New Year holidays ▲ cancellation of meetings, events, and trips ▲ refraining from visiting hometown and visiting other regions ▲ keeping distance. 2020-12-25 12:05
[Hwaseong City Hall] COVID-19. Suwon City (Residing in Bongdam-eup) case confirmed. Transfer to the quarantine hospital and disinfection at home and surrounding areas scheduled, please refer to the Hwaseong City website for details. 2020-12-25 12:05
[Uiwang City Hall] Uiwang cases No.116~118 confirmed, please refer to the blog for details. reurl.kr/4C9EBB03JY 2020-12-25 11:57
[Gurye-gun Office] Cancel New Year-end meetings during the COVID-19 special quarantine period ▶ Non-face-to-face religious activities ▶ Stay home ▶ Always wear a mask ▶ Your participation will protect me and my neighbors from COVID-19. 2020-12-25 11:53
[Sacheon City Hall] 3 cases confirmed (Sacheon 61~63) ▲ 2 are family and contact of Sacheon No.60, 1 is under investigation ▲ Transferred to life treatment center ▲ Epidemiological investigation and identification of contacts underway▲ Quarantine in progress. 2020-12-25 11:50
[Osan City Hall] COVID-19. The 131st case confirmed, please refer to the Osan City homepage and Kakao Talk Channel (Osan City) for details.
2020-12-25 11:45
[Geoje City Hall] 12.21.(Mon)~12.23.(Wed) Visitors to 군자대한곱창 Geoje Gohyeon Branch (66-2 Seomun-ro, Geoje-si) are requested to be examined at the Geoje City Gymnasium Screening Clinic. 2020-12-25 11:40
[Mokpo City Hall] ▲Heat check at large marts ▲ Stop operation after 21:00 in movie theater ▲Reinforce quarantine measures such as limiting reservation within 50% of accommodation facilities. 2020-12-25 11:40
[Mokpo City Hall] Nationwide 12.24~’21.1.3 ▲ Prohibition of private gatherings for workers in nursing homes ▲ Non-face-to-face religious activities ▲ Prohibition of meetings with more than 5 people in restaurants 2020-12-25 11:39
[Naju City Hall] 12.21.(Mon) 12:30~13:00 Visitors to 혁신산단 금성숯불구이(828-1, Deoksan-ri, Wanggok-myeon), are encouraged to consult and undergo examination at the screening clinic in their residence. 2020-12-25 11:39
[Gimje City Hall] Gimje No.89,90,91 confirmed / Canaan nursing home residents confirmed during hospital quarantine / No travel history or contacts 2020-12-25 11:39
[Eumseong County Office] During isolation at Somang Hospital, one additional case confirmed (Eumseong No.143) related, No.144~145 (general) confirmed, travel history and contacts are scheduled to be posted on the homepage after epidemiological investigation
2020-12-25 11:35
[Wonju City Hall] 12.22.13:20~14:30 Those who took the 6th Variable Insurance Sales Qualification Test in 2020, on the 4th floor of Kyobo Life Insurance Building(160 Wonil-ro) in Hakseong-dong, please get tests at a health center by 16:00. 2020-12-25 11:35
[Cheonan City Hall] 14 cases confirmed [① voluntary inspection ② Cheonan 529’s contact ③~⑤, ⑩~⑭ Cheonan 530 related ⑥ Cheonan 540 related ⑦ Cheonan 540’s contact, family ⑧ Cheonan 532’s contact, family ⑨ Cheonan 528 related] related measure are underway
2020-12-25 11:31
[Ansan City Hall] 5 cases confirmed (Banwol, Hosu, Jungang, Idong) due to contact with the confirmed person, emergency quarantine at residential area completed. For details, please refer to the website and SNS pf.kakao.com/_frbxkl 2020-12-25 11:30
[Cheongsong County Office] Regardless of symptoms, everyone is encouraged to get a test at the Hyunseo Cultural Sports Park and the Cheongsong Health Medical Center Screening Clinic. 2020-12-25 11:26
[Jecheon City Hall] One additional case with COVID-19 confirmed (Jecheon-242) (confirmed during self-isolation). Please strictly follow the quarantine regulations such as wearing a mask. 2020-12-25 11:25
[Jungnang-gu Office] 12.25 (Fri) 10 cases confirmed (No.642~651, Myeonmok, Myeonmok2, Myeonmok 3.8, Sangbong 2, Mangwu 3, Sinnae 1). Epidemiological investigation underway. It will be released on the website immediately upon completion. 2020-12-25 11:21
[Jeju Island] As of 0:00 on the 25th, 19 additional cases confirmed (accumulated confirmation 349, cured 121, death 0, self-isolation 1,542) covid19.jeju.go.kr/info.jsp 2020-12-25 11:21
[Gyeongju City Hall] [Travel history of confirmed case in other region] Maetdol Sundubu (Bukgun-gil 7) 12.18(Fri) 10:43~11:00 (Visitors at the same time are encouraged to get tested) 2020-12-25 11:19
[Jeju Island] As of 0:00 on the 25th, 19 additional cases confirmed (accumulated confirmation 349, cured 121, death 0, self-isolation 1,542) covid19.jeju.go.kr/info.jsp 2020-12-25 11:21
[Gyeongju City Hall] [Travel history of confirmed case in other region] Maetdol Sundubu (Bukgun-gil 7) 12.18(Fri) 10:43~11:00 (Visitors at the same time are encouraged to get tested) 2020-12-25 11:19
[Gyeongju City Hall] Epidemiological investigation is underway for confirmation No. 198 (contact person related to Gyeongju Sungkwang Church) and will be made public immediately after completion. 2020-12-25 11:18
[Naju City Hall] [Time Correction] 12.23.(Wed) 12:30~13:00 Visitors to 혁신산단 Korean Food Buffet (51, Deoksanjungang-gil, Wanggok-myeon,), please get tests at the local health center. 2020-12-25 11:17
[Danyang County Office] As of December 25th at midnight, all the people who are in contact with Jecheon Insurance are negative. Please observe the prevention rules, such as going out during the year-end holidays, refraining from meetings, and wearing masks. 2020-12-25 11:16
[Seongbuk-gu Office] The 715~729 cases confirmed. Quarantine such as residence completed. For more information, please refer to the website and blog. blog.naver.com/storysb 2020-12-25 11:15
[Daegu Metropolitan City] As of midnight on the 25th, 23 confirmed patients (Dong-gu, 6 Nam-gu, 4 Suseong-gu, 3 Dalseo-gu, 5 Dalseo-gu, 5 Dalseo-gu, Dalseo-gu, 5 Dalseo-gun, etc.) should be checked after reservation at the public health center. 2020-12-25 11:15
[Yeonje-gu Office] 2 additional cases with COVID-19 confirmed in Yeonje-gu, refrain from meeting events, ventilation of confined spaces, thorough wearing of masks, and observance of quarantine rules. 2020-12-25 11:13
[Yeonggwang County Office] 24~21’1.3.Special measures for prevention, general restaurants, brunch, bakeries, snack bars, fast food, convenience stores, etc. will be allowed to pay for at least five people, package and delivery after 22:00. 2020-12-25 11:13
[Gimpo City Hall] 2 cases confirmed, No.415~416(Gochon-eup) on December 25th/ Please refer to the Gimpo City blog for details. vo.la/5RINr 2020-12-25 11:11
[Cheongju City Hall] Four confirmed [364 (Cheongju Verifier Contact), 366 (In quarantine/No copper wire), 365·367 (In Investigation). We plan to post the movements on the homepage and blog after investigation. 2020-12-25 11:09
[Yeonggwang County Office] Groups are prohibited in winter sports facilities such as indoor and outdoor ski resorts, ice rinks, snow sledding, etc. Accommodation facilities such as hotels, motels, inns, and guest houses are prohibited from hosting events and parties, and reservations can be made within 50% of the total number of rooms. 2020-12-25 11:07
[Gwangju City Hall] Four confirmed cases occurred (Gwangju 379-382, Sangsang-eup 1, Gonjiam-eup 1, Mokhyeon-dong 1, Taejeon-dong). Confirmation details homepage (corona.gjcity.go.kr) will be released later 2020-12-25 11:06
[Buyeo County Office] Due to the confirmed group of foreign workers in the province, foreign workers and guardians in Buyeo-gun are encouraged to undergo a free corona test at the public health center. (Health Center 041-830-8600) 2020-12-25 11:02
[Incheon Seo-gu Office] (Corrected) 459 to 469 confirmed cases in the West. Quarantine scheduled for residential and surrounding areas. Conducting epidemiological investigations. 2020-12-25 11:02
[Milyang City Hall] Please comply with personal quarantine rules such as 1 confirmed person, 50 Milyang (Contactor No.23 in Miryang, Yoon Hospital) self-isolated inspection/disinfecting the surrounding area of your home/ wearing a mask, etc. 2020-12-25 11:01
[Yongin City Hall] 3 cases confirmed (2 today, 1 additional the previous day) and will be disclosed on social media and website. corona.yongin.go.kr 2020-12-25 11:01
[Ministry of Health and Welfare] Corona 19 infection continues in life. Please cancel all gatherings and trips and stay at home for Christmas and the holidays to ensure the safety of your loved ones. 2020-12-25 10:59
[Yeonsu-gu Office] A case with COVID-19 confirmed(symptomatic case), after an epidemiological investigation it is scheduled to be posted on the homepage and SNS of the Office. reurl.kr/3379A999Fv 2020-12-25 10:56
[Incheon Seo-gu Office] Occurrence of 359-469 confirmed cases. Quarantine scheduled for residential and surrounding areas. Conducting epidemiological investigations. 2020-12-25 10:55
[Wando County Office] One case confirmed (Gogeum-myeon) with COVID-19. Tested positive during quarantine as a contact related to Gwangju Christian Hospital. No travel history. Citizens are requested to observe the quarantine rules. 2020-12-25 10:54
[Namdong-gu Office] 4 cases with COVID-19 confirmed(Symptomatic case). If you have symptoms, please immediately get a test for COVID-19 at your local public health center. reurl.kr/4C9EBAFDFG 2020-12-25 10:50
[Donghae City Hall] There are many citizens visiting Cheongun Elementary School’s screening center, so citizens who want to be tested for corona 19 should use the general stadium or Mukho Middle School. 2020-12-25 10:49
[Seongnam City Hall] On December 24, 9 more people (1 Jungwon-gu, Bundang-gu, 5 other regions 3) occurred. corona.seongnam.go.kr
2020-12-25 10:49
[Jeonju City Hall] Jeonbuk No.769(Jeonju) confirmed/ disinfection of visited sites and epidemiological investigation of contacts underway 2020-12-25 10:44
[Sokcho City Hall] The 40s confirmed to be Sokcho 46 is a family of confirmed people, who were confirmed to be in their 40s and were tested before self-isolation was lifted, and there are no out-of-home traffic lines or contacts. 2020-12-25 10:44
[Busanjin-gu Office] Operating a temporary screening inspection station for Corona 19 in Busanjin-gu (12.21-1.10:00, 09:00-17:00). Anyone with no symptoms can have a free examination at the playground in Seomyeon. ※No parking 2020-12-25 10:41
[Naju City Hall] 12.23 (Wed.) 12:40 to 13:00 Innovation Industrial Complex Korean Food Buffet (Doksan Jungang-gil, Wanggok-myeon 51) Visitors should consult and inspect at their local screening clinic. 2020-12-25 10:40
[Gwangju Metropolitan City] This is to inform you that you have completed identifying contact information for ▲ 931, 934, and 935. https://c11.kr/kit2 2020-12-25 10:38
[Andong City Hall] 1,200 cases with COVID-19 confirmed nationwide ▲ Please refrain from meeting family members and relatives during the year-end and New Year period, and refrain from moving around Andong as much as possible. 2020-12-25 10:37
[Yeongyang County Office] Special measures to strengthen quarantine during the year-end and New Year’s holidays (12.24.-1.3)▲ Abortment of entertainment and Danan bars ▲ Coffee shops, and bakeries can only be packaged and delivered. 2020-12-25 10:36
[Yeongyang County Office] Special measures for strengthening quarantine during the year-end and New Year holidays (December 24 to January 3) ▲ Restaurant business hours until 21:00 ▲ Reservations for more than 5 people and accompanying admission when using the restaurant prohibited ▲ Seating sparsely, seat/table 2020-12-25 10:36
[Bonghwa County Office] Corona 19 Special Quarantine Period Cancellation ▶ Religious Activity Non-face-to-face ▶ Stay at Home ▶ Always Wear a Mask ▶ Your participation will protect my neighbor from Corona. 2020-12-25 10:35
[Gwangju Metropolitan City] 12.21(Mon) 17:00~21:30, 12.22(Tue) 17:00~18:30 If you visited 뭉탱이뒷고기(744, Seonam-dong, Gwangsan-gu), please take a test at the public health center. 2020-12-25 10:34
[Ganghwa County Office] Screening clinic inspection is required when symptoms such as 1 confirmed case of corona 19 occur and cough fever occur. Kakao Talk channel (https://pf.kakao.com/_cxoxnGT). 2020-12-25 10:33
[Jangseong County Office] During the Christmas holidays, please strictly observe the quarantine rules such as refraining from moving out, such as meetings and going out, wearing a mask anytime, anywhere, and staying in a safe home as much as possible. 2020-12-25 10:32
[Muju County Office] Refrain from private gatherings of more than five people ▲ Refrain from visiting other regions ▲ Non-face-to-face religious activities ▲ Wear masks all the time ▲ Spend the Christmas and the holidays safely in a warm house. 2020-12-25 10:31
[Bupyeong-gu Office] 7 cases confirmed (2 contacts of confirmed patients/4 family members of confirmed case/1 resident in other region). Epidemiological investigation underway. Disinfection scheduled. blog.naver.com/withbupyeong 2020-12-25 10:30
[Sejong City Hall] Sejong 135, Cheongju 357 confirmed travel history guide. Please note that it was posted on the city’s website and Naver Post (naver.me/GtjDekz1 ). 2020-12-25 10:30
[Gyeyang-gu Office] 4 confirmed patients with Corona 19 from 262 to 265 in Gyeyang-gu. Conducting epidemiological investigations and quarantine. blog.naver.com/gyeyang_gu 2020-12-25 10:29
[Michuhol-gu Office] 4 confirmed cases (2 out of self-isolation, 1 confirmed contact, 1 evidence box), scheduled disinfection, detailed blog post reurl.kr/4C7EB3C7CR 2020-12-25 10:29
[Yeongdeok-gun] ▲ During the year-end and New Year holidays, we ask you to refrain from moving to other areas for visiting family and relatives. ▲ Religious activity should be non-face-to-face ▲ Let’s block the spread of Covid-19 by wearing a thorough mask.
2020-12-25 10:29
[Yeongju City Hall] Try to refrain from moving between regions as much as possible at the end of the year and the end of the year, and the mask is the best vaccine. Wearing a mask is essential when visiting multi-use facilities and activities with a high risk of outdoor infection.
2020-12-25 10:27
[Jeonnam Provincial Office] The risk of infection due to contact with others is very high. During the holiday season ▲No small groups such as year-end parties ▲No face-to-face religious activities, ban meetings and meals ▲Please refrain from visiting other areas 2020-12-25 10:25
[Yecheon County Office] Please refrain from traveling with your family and relatives during Christmas and the holidays and observe quarantine rules such as wearing masks and keeping distance.
2020-12-25 10:24
[Changwon City Hall] Changwon 374~376 (Gyeongnam 1159,1162,1163) 3 cases confirmed (Uichang-gu 2, Masanhappo-gu 1). Epidemiological investigation of travel history and contacts underway. Please wear a mask. 2020-12-25 10:20
[Kimcheon City Hall] Please refrain from going out at Corona 19, year-end holidays, meeting and moving to other areas, and observe quarantine rules such as wearing masks. 2020-12-25 10:20
[Geoje City Hall] Geoje 143 (contact 89; hospital-related), 144 (138), 145 (140 family), 146 (checking infection route), and those involved in the examination are under way. 2020-12-25 10:18
[Naju City Hall] Jeonnam 531 (Naju 37) travel histroy identified, contacts are being identified, and the quarantine and disinfection of the facility completed. We will guide you when checking additional travel history. 2020-12-25 10:18
[Gangjin County Office] Rapid proliferation of Corona19 (Gwangju 35, Chonnam 4) in the Seoul metropolitan area, Gwangju and nearby areas, and the eastern part of South Jeolla Province.No moving, indoors.Wearing an outer mask. Minimize human contact. 2020-12-25 10:17
[Buan County Office] Religious facilities for Christmas holidays should be non-face-to-face, with no more than 20 people including video workers, and banning meetings and meals ▲ Please cancel meetings, travel, events, etc. and refrain from visiting other regions. 2020-12-25 10:17
[Ulsan Metropolitan City] Please cancel the meeting this Christmas and proceed religious activities in a non-face-to-face manner. Your participation protects me and my neighbor from the corona. 2020-12-25 10:16
[Hoengseong-gun Office] On December 22 (Tue), 23 (Wed), all workers in Welli Hilli Park tested negative/ please be sure to follow the quarantine rules such as wearing a mask. 2020-12-25 10:16
[Dobong-gu Office] 12.25 (Fri) 16 confirmed cases (502-517). As a result of the epidemiological investigation, the mobile route and action plan homepage (m.dobong.go.kr) will be released. 2020-12-25 10:15
[Jindo County Office] 1,241 cases confirmed nationwide (Gwangju 35, Jeonnam 5) ▲Religious activities should be non-face-to-face (online), prohibit meetings and meals ▲Please stay at home, avoid visiting or going out in other areas 2020-12-25 10:15
[Jindo County Office] Changes in special quarantine measures for the year-end and New Year in Jeollanam-do (administrative order of the governor) √Restaurants(Originally) 21:00 ▶ (Changed) Only packaging and delivery service are allowed after 22:00 √ Please observe the ban on meetings of 5 or more people 2020-12-25 10:10
[Sasang-gu Office] 12.25 (Fri.) Two confirmed cases occurred (confirmed family members and overseas entrants). Please observe thorough quarantine rules such as social distance, restriction of meeting events, and wearing a mask. 2020-12-25 10:09
[Cheongsong County Office] Please refrain from visiting Cheongsong, including family, relatives, and acquaintances during the year-end and New Year holidays, refrain from visiting other regions, and wearing masks is the best vaccine. 2020-12-25 10:06
[Wonju City Hall] Confirmation occurred (280-283).We’re doing epidemiological investigations and disinfection.Please stay safe at home with your family during the holidays. 2020-12-25 10:04
[Gangneung City Hall] 3 additional cases confirmed/ No.107(Donghae citizens, transferred to Gangwon University), No.108,109(No.105’s colleagues on-site at Okgye)/ Please follow the quarantine rules. 2020-12-25 10:03
