Measures to Control the Transmission of COVID-19 in South Korea: Searching for the Hidden Effective Factors.

Rokni, Ladan; Park, Sam-Hun

The experiences of South Korea in controlling the transmission of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) is valuable as a successful strategic plan. However, this research aimed to investigate the effective factors in this process from different perspectives. Based on an analysis of the available information and statistics published by the government, World Health Organization, and local organizations, this research was searching for not only the effective approaches in controlling the transmission but also the effective factors that roots in Korean cultural background and lifestyle. The critical points in controlling the virus transmission in Korea have been to respond promptly, besides of designing an active system of tracing, and early detection. The supply chain management prevented any shortage on the required products. Advanced technology guaranteed the safety of the medical facilities. However, another efficient factor was the Korean social and cultural background, besides the national solidarity. The findings highlight that the mechanisms that help South Korea fight in controlling the transmissions of the pandemic were in line with the World Health Organization's recommendation. However, South Korea gained advantages from other factors that have roots in their social interactions, cultural background, and the well-established and advanced IT systems that enabled the government to manage the outbreak of COVID-19.