Visiting Friends and Relatives Experiences during COVID-19 through the Mobilities Lens

This study explores the mobility patterns of visiting friends and relatives (VFR) in South Korea during COVID-19, focusing on its route, friction, and mooring. Narratives from a total of 54 hosts and guests reveal unique mobilities shaped by the pandemic, from controlled chaotic mobilities affected by restrictions to individual and interpersonal perceptions and behavioral variations. The systematic level of friction was caused by quarantine, flight schedule changes, and technical barriers related to PCR testing and quarantine apps. At the individual level, personal safety measures justified less restricted mobilities and interpersonal contact. One noticeable change lay in the pattern for the hosts to provide accommodation. Behavioral adjustment was involved by avoiding crowded areas and spending more time outdoors to minimize the risk of infection. Restrictions such as limited opening hours, group size limits, and the closure of attractions shaped the overall experience. At the interpersonal level, limitations on personal contact with elderly or sick family members were significant, especially for visitors whose primary purpose was to meet those family members, other friends, and relatives. Implications for destination management, particularly in policymaking, are provided to facilitate smoother mobilities and understand spatial patterns during the pandemic.