South Korea's capital, Seoul, and its neighbouring regions will delay by a week the relaxation of social distancing rules due to a sudden increase in Covid-19 cases, Reuters has quoted the authorities as saying.

The government had said it would relax social distancing and allow private gatherings of up to six people in the greater Seoul area, from the current four, starting July 1 as the country's inoculation drive has been picking up speed.

While the number of daily new infections have remained below 700 since early this month, South Korea reported 794 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

Application of the revised social distancing in the current situation of "severe and critical crisis" may lead to further confusion and more transmission, Seoul city said in a statement.