사회적 거리두기 2.5단계 연장으로 지난한 싸움을 계속해야 하는 자영업자들<br /><br />The pandemic has dampened the overall economy, but those worst affected include small business owners and the self-employed.<br />In fact, the number of self-employed dropped 127-thousand last month compared to the same month the previous year.<br />And with recent level 2-point-five social distancing measures in place in the capital areas since late August, local businesses are really feeling the pinch.<br />Our Kim Yeon-seung took to the deserted streets of Sinchon to see the latest situation.<br />"Sinchon in north west Seoul is surrounded by four universities: Hongik, Seogang, Ewha, and Yonsei.<br />The area usually serves as an entertainment hub for young college students.<br />But with level two-point-five distancing measures extended until Sunday, the streets and shops are empty."<br />This small noodle shop has been in this spot since 1973.<br />It's usually open 24-7, so for the last 50 years customers rarely saw the shop closed... and could always trust that they could come for a hearty bowl of noodles.<br />But with distancing measures forcing shops to close after nine, the owner has lost her main customers.<br />"People usually start coming in from eight to nine PM, but now we can't sell at all. Our sales are just zero. Just zero."<br />This barbecue restaurant has been the go-to place for student gatherings for the last 20 years.<br />It can host up to 150 people.<br />But the latest measures stripped the shop bare of customers and slashed sales to a quarter of what they used to be.<br />The owner had to let most of her employees go.<br />She said she has never seen it this bad.<br />People around here, they all say that they have to leave Sinchon and that this situation is just unbearable. I look around, and it seems about a fifth have closed shops.<br />To help with the struggle, the government announced on Wednesday that they were considering another emergency disaster relief fund for small business owners.<br />Although many welcomed this news, they also say it is not nearly enough to cover their losses.<br />Kim Yeon-seung, Arirang News<br />
