South Korea eases curbs, imposes vaccine passports in 'living with COVID-19' campaign

Women wearing masks to avoid contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease walk at a park in Seoul, South Korea, August 24, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji

SEOUL (Reuters) - New rules aimed at moving South Koreans toward "living with COVID-19" came into effect on Monday, with the easing of a range of curbs and the introduction of vaccine passports at high-risk venues such as gyms, saunas and bars.

The switch of focus comes as more than 75% of the country's population has been fully vaccinated. The first phase of the revised rules is due to last for a month, with plans to scrap all restrictions by February.