South Korea's New "Untact" Society Leaves Seniors Behind

I Words and Phrases

Directions: Let's learn some words and phrases used in the article.

vulnerable
able to be easily physically, emotionally, or mentally hurt, influenced, or
attacked
Ex: It is on economic policy that the government is most vulnerable.
digital divide
the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the
Internet, and those who do not
Ex: There is a ‘digital divide’ between rich and poor in terms of
computer use.
distribute
to give something out to several people, or to spread or supply
something
Ex: The books will be distributed free to local schools.
regardless
despite; not being affected by something
Ex: This job is open to all, regardless of previous experience.

II Comprehension
Directions: Listen to the article and answer the questions.

Listening Focus
1. What do seniors in South Korea most commonly use their
smartphones for?
2. Why are seniors still buying tickets from the staff at train stations?
3. What has the pandemic shown that "untact" is about, aside from
shopping?

Listen to the article

Directions: Listen carefully.

South Korea's New "Untact" Society Leaves Seniors Behind 

South Korea is generally considered one of the most successful

countries in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, partly due to the
country's high level of technology. In fact, even before the pandemic,
face-to-face contact had become so reduced that there was a special
word created for business without physical contact: "untact".

The pandemic made "untact" a key part of the country's economic

policy. However, while young people use internet technology in many
ways, only 29.2% of people in their 60s and older know how to
download applications, and only 22.7% use online shopping. Seniors still
most commonly use smartphones for making calls and checking the
time.

Since 97.1% of the country's most vulnerable people, including seniors,

have digital access, it is clear that the internet gap in South Korea
isn't between people with or without technology, but between people
who can and do use it and those who can't and don't, mostly the
elderly.

For example, when there was a shortage of face masks, young people
easily found them online, but seniors stood in close-contact lines at
drugstores. Only seniors, unable to use "untact" ticket machines, still
buy tickets from the staff at train stations, and online information on
virus hot-spots or help services often does not reach the seniors who
need it.

With face-to-face senior support services closed, this digital

divide has become critical. Before the pandemic, South Korea
successfully improved access to digital devices. Now, there are plans
to set up 1,000 digital training centers. Also, as most seniors aren't
leaving their homes, there are plans for simple technology to self-
check health. The pandemic has shown that "untact" is about more
than shopping. It is about distributing information among all
demographics and giving all people, regardless of age, contact with
health and social services.

ANSWER THE QUESTIONS:

Directions: Read each question and give the correct answer based on
the article.
1. What do seniors in South Korea most commonly use their
smartphones for?
2. Why are seniors still buying tickets from the staff at train stations?
3. What has the pandemic shown that "untact" is about, aside from
shopping?

III READ OUT

IV DISCUSSION

Directions: Please answer each question freely or by using the

situation given.

1. Do you think that it is important for all people to be able to use

technology?
2. Would you like to live in a largely "untact" society?
3. Do you think that "untact" options will still be useful after the
pandemic is over?
4. Do you think South Korea's plan of creating 1,000 digital training
centers is a good solution for the seniors?