South Korea recorded 1,241 new nCoV infections, a record number within 24 hours, when Christmas was damaged by the third wave of Covid-19.

"We strongly recommend and ask everyone to cancel all meetings or gatherings, even with family members," said Yoon Tae-ho, general manager of health policy.

The total current Korean nCoV infection is 54,770, of which 773 cases died.

South Korea, once considered the world's anti-Covid-19 model, is expanding its mass testing program, with free testing in the Seoul area open until January 3.

The recent few weeks of new infections also originate in a variety of places and communities, including long-term care facilities, prisons, military barracks, churches and schools.

In an effort to curb the pandemic, the government has issued a separate gathering ban on 4 people in the Seoul area from December 23 to January 3.

At Yoido Church in Seoul, one of Korea's largest Protestant churches, the Christmas Mass has only about 15 staff members, choir members and a pastor, is broadcast online.

At Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul, only 15 Catholics are allowed to attend Christmas Mass and must be booked in advance.