Self-Quarantine in South Korea in 2021

This study explored the psychological changes, adaptation processes, and paradigm shifts experienced during self-quarantine. It collected data through in-depth interviews with 19 participants. Using the phenomenological method, it observed that negative psychological changes—such as fear, remorse, a sense of claustrophobia, and uncertainty—and health-related anxiety were common during self-quarantine. Additionally, when looking at life during self-quarantine, it was confirmed that there were restrictions on leisure pursuits, psychological recovery period, and social support. Finally, it was possible to establish new experiences through a paradigm shift toward digital life in limited circumstances. The results provide fundamental data by phenomenologically analyzing change under unique pandemic circumstances. Plain language summary This study explored the psychological changes, adaptation processes, and paradigm shifts experienced during self-quarantine. It collected data through the interviews with 19 participants. It observed that negative psychological changes—such as fear, remorse, a sense of claustrophobia, and uncertainty—and health-related anxiety were common during self-quarantine. Additionally, when looking at life during self-quarantine, it was confirmed that there were restrictions on leisure pursuits, psychological recovery period, and social support. Finally, it was possible to establish new experiences through a paradigm shift toward digital life in limited circumstances.