Even After Returning to the Blue House, 'Daengdaeng Run' Will Continue... Presidential Security Service to Limit Random Checks

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

On the 14th, the Presidential Security Service announced that it would minimize public inconvenience resulting from the relocation of the presidential office back to the Blue House. The agency emphasized that it would ensure maximum public accessibility to running and hiking near the Blue House-activities that had previously raised concerns-and that it would also limit random security checks that used to take place on roads leading to the Blue House.

In a press release issued on this day, the Presidential Security Service stated, "As we proceed with the re-designation of 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, which aims to ensure the safety of the head of state while respecting the daily lives and convenience of the public.

In particular, the agency said, "We plan to implement a variety of measures to minimize inconvenience for citizens," and added, "We will also guarantee running around the Blue House (Daengdaeng Run), which had raised concerns among runners." The running course around the Blue House, which gained popularity because runners could trace a dog-shaped route on their map, will remain accessible. The hiking trails on Bugaksan, which were opened to the public during the Moon Jae-in administration, will also be managed in a way that is as citizen-friendly as possible, with minimal restrictions.

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, checkpoints were used to verify the destinations of ordinary citizens and to inspect their belongings. Going forward, these will be limited to managing the flow of vehicles. The agency also stated that it is considering ways to continue operating the autonomous bus service connecting Gyeongbokgung Station, the Blue House, and the National Folk Museum of Korea on weekdays without restrictions.

Additionally, the agency reported that preparations for the Blue House's reopening have included safety inspections for ground subsidence (sinkholes), inspections of 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, "We will thoroughly prepare all necessary security and safety measures during the process of returning to the Blue House, but we will also make every effort to respect the daily lives and convenience of the sovereign people." He added, "The principles of 'open and low-profile security' promised by the government of popular sovereignty will continue to be upheld without compromise."