The act of wearing a mask in South Korea takes on a deeply social meaning. Masks are supposed to protect both the wearer and others from the dreadful COVID-19. But the emphasis is clearly placed on preventing the wearer from infecting neighbors, colleagues and even strangers.
If I happen to forget wearing a mask in public places (including office elevators and public restrooms), I am bound to witness angry expressions deepening on the upper half of the faces of people nearby. I bet the lower half of their faces, covered by their masks, would exhibit hostility or disgust or probably both.
Since Korea tends to exercise stronger social pressure on people than other countries that put more emphasis on the rights of independent-minded individuals (for instance, the US where its macho president takes strange pride in refusing to wear a mask), I just meekly follow the unwritten rule of keeping my face partially covered whenever and wherever possible.
중략........