South Korea has reported more than 200 new coronavirus cases for the third consecutive day, as the government mulls tightening social distancing to curb persistent outbreaks from offices, medical facilities and small gatherings.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) posted 223 cases as of Sunday midnight, marking the eighth straight day of triple-digit increases and the highest since early September.

Health authorities warned of re-strengthening distancing curbs which were relaxed about a month ago to the lowest levels, as small cluster infections continue to break out while the pandemic is raging around the globe.

Tighter curbs would ban public gatherings of 100 people or more, limit religious services and audiences at sporting events to 30 per cent of capacity, and require high-risk facilities including clubs and karaoke bars to widen distance among guests.