Presidential Security Service: "Minimizing Redesignation of Security Zones"
Daengdaeng Run and Bugaksan Hiking Trails to Remain Largely Unrestricted
"Checkpoint" Label to Be Removed from Five Blue House Access Routes
On the 12th, officials were cleaning the glass windows at the Blue House main building in Seoul. The "Yongsan Era," which began with the inauguration of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration in May 2022, is expected to come to an end after 3 years and 7 months. December 12, 2025 Photo by Jo Yongjun
The Presidential Security Service announced on the 14th that it would minimize public inconvenience resulting from the relocation of the presidential office back to the Blue House. The agency emphasized that activities such as running and hiking near the Blue House, which had raised concerns, would be guaranteed in a manner as friendly to the public as possible, and that random security checks previously conducted on the Blue House access roads would be limited.
In a press release issued on this day, the Security Service stated, "As we move to redesignate the Blue House security zone, we have set the boundaries as minimally as possible, based on legal standards and safety reviews." The agency explained that this is part of an "open and low-profile security" approach that ensures the safety of the head of state while respecting the daily lives and convenience of the public.
In particular, the Security Service said, "We plan to implement various measures to minimize inconvenience for citizens," and added, "Running around the Blue House (Daengdaeng Run), which runners had voiced concerns about, will also be permitted." The running course around the Blue House, which has become popular for allowing runners to trace a dog-shaped route on the map, will be preserved. The hiking trails on Bugaksan, which were opened during the Moon Jae-in administration, will also remain as accessible as possible, with minimal restrictions, in line with a citizen-friendly approach.
The agency also announced that it would no longer use the term "checkpoint" for the five access roads leading to the Blue House. In the past, Blue House checkpoints were used to verify the destination of ordinary citizens and to inspect belongings, but going forward, their function will be limited to managing the flow of vehicles. The Security Service also reported that it is considering ways to continue operating the autonomous shuttle bus connecting Gyeongbokgung Station, the Blue House, and the National Folk Museum of Korea on weekdays without restrictions.
Additionally, the Security Service noted that preparations for returning to the Blue House have contributed to safety inspections for sinkholes, underground sewage systems, improvements to the traffic system, and maintenance of facilities and the surrounding environment.
Hwang Inkwon, Chief of the Presidential Security Service, stated, "While we will thoroughly prepare all necessary security and safety measures during the process of returning to the Blue House, we will also do our utmost to respect the daily lives and convenience of the people, who are the sovereigns of this nation." He added, "The principles of 'open and low-profile security' promised by the government of national sovereignty will continue to be upheld without wavering."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
