Completely Open Cheongwadae... Citizens Enjoying Walks and Hiking

Complete Opening of Cheongwadae from the 10th... Hiking on Bukaksan Behind Cheongwadae Also Allowed
Citizens Arriving Earlier Than Opening Hours Say "We Can Tour with Ease"
Self-Employed Expect Tourism Revenue Increase

Around 7 a.m. on the 10th, citizens are passing through Chunchoomun to climb the fully opened Bugaksan.
Photo by Gong Byung-sun mydillon@

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] “It’s so open!” Around 7 a.m. on the 10th, citizens who climbed the fully opened observatory on Bukaksan Mountain looked down at the Seoul cityscape. Unlike before, the Blue House area was also visible at a glance, and citizens repeatedly expressed their amazement. Citizens dressed in hiking gear gathered to take photos with the Blue House in the background. Mr. Lee (64), who climbed the mountain fully equipped with hiking clothes, said, “It seems that a space has been created not just for leisure but where citizens can participate and gather.”

The Blue House opening event on this day began with the complete opening of the Bukaksan hiking trail. From 7 a.m., citizens were able to climb the hiking trail behind the Blue House, which had been blocked due to Blue House security. Even before the Chunchoo Gate opened, about 100 citizens gathered to climb Bukaksan. When the gate opened, citizens headed toward Bukaksan in turn. Some citizens climbed the mountain even using walking sticks. Event staff kindly guided citizens who asked for directions along the hiking trail.

On the 10th, the Bukaksan hiking trail behind the Blue House was fully opened. Some citizens climbed the mountain using walking sticks.
Photo by Gong Byung-seon mydillon@

Mr. Jung (71), who had been waiting for the trail to open since 6 a.m., said, “I have lived in Samcheong-dong for over 40 years, so it feels very emotional that the restrictions are lifted,” adding, “I came to Bukaksan early in the morning to feel freedom.” Some citizens expressed regret that the Blue House was not fully opened. Mr. Han (70), who came from Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, said, “I came to see the Blue House but just learned that there is a limit on the number of visitors,” and added, “If I get a chance, I will come again to tour inside the Blue House.”

After climbing for about 30 minutes, the hiking trail near Baekakjeong on Bukaksan, which had been a restricted area until now, came into view. After unlocking the gate and entering, it was not long before they could stand at the observatory overlooking the Seoul cityscape. Citizens took out their cameras to capture the Blue House, Gwanghwamun Square, Namsan Tower, and Lotte World Tower.

From 12 p.m. on this day, general visitors will be allowed to enter the Blue House grounds. A total of 26,000 citizens, selected by lottery through prior application, will be able to freely tour the grounds. According to the Blue House relocation task force (TF), a total of 90,977 people applied for the tour on this day, making the competition rate about 3.5 to 1. Weekend visits are so popular that the competition rate rises to as high as 7 to 1. To assist citizens walking near the Blue House, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced traffic control from Yeongbinmun Gate to Chunchoo Gate until the 22nd.

Citizens showed excitement ahead of touring inside the Blue House. On this day, citizens visited the Blue House even earlier than 11 a.m., when the main gate opening event started. An event official said, “Since 7 a.m., people selected by lottery for the Blue House opening have been arriving continuously,” adding, “They come early to look around not only the Blue House grounds but also the surrounding scenery.”

The cafe near the Blue House main gate was also filled with citizens waiting for the Blue House opening. Mr. Hwang (71), who visited the Blue House with his family, said, “I was curious about the surroundings of the Blue House, so I came earlier than the opening time,” adding, “Previously, you could see the Blue House by applying separately, but with the full opening, I can visit with a more comfortable mind.” Mr. Yang (29), who visited the Blue House, said, “I applied for all dates because I thought applications would be crowded, and I was selected on the first day,” adding, “Every time I walked in front of the Blue House, I thought the building was beautiful, so I’m happy to have the chance to see inside the grounds.”

The road in front of the Transition Committee office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Photo by Gong Byung-sun mydillon@

Self-employed business owners near the Blue House also expressed their expectations. This is because the area near the Presidential Transition Committee office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, where protests had been held repeatedly, has become quiet along with the full opening of the Blue House. Mr. Jang, who runs a hanbok rental shop next to the Transition Committee office, said, “Instead of protesters, more people are coming for tourism purposes,” adding, “Sales were hit due to COVID-19, but I hope the commercial district recovers with the Blue House opening.”