A public health worker puts up signs warning of fines for failing follow rules on wearing protective face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: Yonhap News)
The Seoul Metropolitan Government will launch a 24-hour response system to handle all queries about potential violations of rules on the wearing of masks in public places.
The city announced on Thursday that the system will be in place for two weeks.
Each district office will assign workers to field phone calls on the mask rules and respond to issues if necessary.
Starting Friday, people who do not wear face masks in public or are caught wearing masks improperly will face a fine of 100,000 won.
In South Korea masks are mandatory in all public spaces, including on public transportation, at indoor facilities such as gyms, concert halls and internet cafes, and at outdoor rallies and events.
Exceptions will be made for people who are eating or are unable to wear a mask due to medical conditions.
Seoul city said it plans to issue fines only if a person repeatedly ignores requests to wear a mask, adding that its aim is to stop the spread of COVID-19 rather than to penalize offenders.
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