The study looked at how people's daily lives have changed after COVID-19, their perceptions of the virus, and their emotional responses. Data was collected from 1,000 adults in South Korea, focusing on those in the Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon regions. Both men and women reported facing financial difficulties due to COVID-19, with decreased monthly incomes. People expect to continue prioritizing health and personal hygiene even after the pandemic ends. Men were found to be better at distinguishing between true and false information about COVID-19. Women tended to experience higher levels of anxiety, helplessness, irritability, worry, and loneliness or sadness related to the pandemic. The study suggests that preparing for a post-COVID-19 world, rather than just its end, is crucial for effectively dealing with future infectious diseases.