hankyoreh

As the novel coronavirus outbreak shows no signs of abating, the gatekeepers of Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace are now required by the Cultural Heritage Administration to wear preventative masks when on duty. Guards and guides at all palaces and at Jongmyo Shrine are required to wear masks on duty to prevent further spread of the virus. The photo shows guards wearing masks covered with additional black masks depicting goblins that were thought to repel sickness and evil spirits during the Joseon era. (Kim Myoung-jin, staff photographer)