The Role of Face Masks Changed by COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

The Role of Face Masks Changed by COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

Purpose: As SARS-CoV-2, which was the main cause of the global pandemic, has repeatedly mutated in various forms, the threat of the virus has decreased considerably, and the spread has also subsided. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the change in the role of masks and sustainable mask consumption according to the change in perception of wearing masks during the pandemic. Research design, data and methodology: This study used a descriptive review method as a literature review, and utilized the literature search method in PubMed, Riss, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Among them, a total of 46 papers were selected in the final stage. Results: As a result, it can be seen that during the pandemic, masks changed their roles according to social trends as their perceptions changed from general perceptions of protecting from external environments or diseases to fashion items with quarantine functions. Conclusions: Masks will be continuously consumed as one of the fashion items with the function of quarantine that protects the respiratory tract from the external environment that is indispensable in our daily lives. Therefore, measures should be taken on sustainable consumption measures according to consumer demand for disposable masks.