[Seoul's Future] Professor Kim Jeong-hyun of Hongik University: "The Blue House Must Become a Space That Thinks About the Republic of Korea"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Professor Kim Jung-hyun of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Hongik University said on the 16th, regarding the Blue House opened with the launch of the new government, "I hope it becomes a space where we think about the Republic of Korea."

On the same day, Professor Kim presented the topic "How should the Blue House space be utilized?" at the "2022 Seoul Future Forum" hosted by Asia Economy at Maehwa Hall on the 19th floor of the Press Center in Jung-gu, under the theme "The Future of Seoul, The Future of Seochon." He proposed this by stating, "There is no disagreement that our country is one of the very few that achieved democratization and industrialization simultaneously after experiencing war."

Professor Kim cited the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, as a model. He explained, "The most visited place for school trips in the US is the Independence National Historical Park. It symbolizes American independence and is where independence was actually declared, the nation was founded, and meetings were held." He added, "They pride themselves on being people who longed for freedom and independence, and on being the first country to implement the separation of powers through historic buildings." He continued, "I thought we might have things to be proud of as well," and said, "I believe the Blue House is a good space equipped with things worthy of pride."

Professor Kim emphasized the need to broadly and complexly utilize the spaces from the Blue House to Gyeongbokgung Palace while restoring terrains that were severed or disappeared during the Japanese colonial period. He particularly drew attention to historical facts through records that until the Joseon Dynasty, the Blue House area and the Gyeongbokgung area were connected as one. He stressed that during the Japanese colonial period, the construction of the Governor-General's official residence, dormitories, related facilities, and roads caused these two areas to be disconnected, and that it is necessary to restore this connection.

Regarding the space, Professor Kim said, "Overall, it is land with history, but research or investigation has never been properly conducted. Now, such efforts are necessary." He added, "It is not about 100% restoration, but I think something should be done to commemorate it in some way. Natural terrains such as waterways that extended to Gyeongbokgung Palace have all been cut off. It would be good to make the Blue House more pedestrian-friendly so that Bukchon and Seochon can connect well with each other."