SEOUL, Feb 8 (Reuters) - South Korea reported the lowestdaily number of new coronavirus cases since late November as thegovernment slightly eased social distancing restrictions in theface of growing criticism from businesses impacted by the rules.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)reported 289 additional cases as of midnight Sunday, with thedaily tally falling below 300 for the first time since November23.

In recent months South Korea has been battling its largestand most persistent wave of infections, with daily cases peakingat more than 1,200 over the Christmas holiday.

Despite the drop in cases since then, authorities have beenhesitant to ease unprecedented social distancing restrictionsahead of the Lunar New Year holiday from Feb. 11, when tens ofmillions of Koreans usually travel across the country to familygatherings.

South Korea on Saturday eased curfews on more than half amillion restaurants and other businesses outside the capitalSeoul, letting them stay open an hour later, amid a publicbacklash over tight curbs to contain COVID-19.

Rules remain stricter in the capital Seoul and surroundingareas, where more than 70% of infections are concentrated.

In late January, authorities extended social distancingcurbs until Feb. 14 - including a ban on private gatheringslarger than four people - and called on residents to stay homeduring the long holiday.(Reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa)