[Report] "Viewing Temporarily Suspended from Tomorrow"... Citizens Flock to Cheong Wa Dae

[Financial News] As public viewing of Cheong Wa Dae is suspended from the 1st, the area in front of the Chunchumun gate of Cheong Wa Dae was crowded with visitors trying not to miss the last opportunity. The 01A circular bus shuttling between Cheong Wa Dae and Namsan carried visitors tirelessly at 10-minute intervals. From citizens who succeeded in last-minute viewing after multiple attempts due to difficult reservations, to those who had to turn back after a long journey, the scenes were mixed.
According to the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation on the 31st, all reservations for the 10th viewing session from 9:30 AM to 4 PM were fully booked early. As viewing is temporarily suspended from the 1st for security reasons, citizens flocked to see the 'Cheong Wa Dae without a President' that may never be seen again.
Despite being early on a weekday, dozens of visitors gathered in front of the Chunchumun gate of Cheong Wa Dae. Even in the heat with a perceived temperature of 35 degrees, citizens cooled their sweat with portable fans and fans while waiting for their turn to enter.
Visitors ranged from families to couples and foreigners. Most of them agreed that reservations were difficult. A resident of Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Mr. An (43), said, "After failing to reserve three times, I barely caught the last chance to view. It's hot, but I'm very excited."
A resident of Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Mr. Kim (33), said, "I failed more than five times and kept pressing the 'refresh' button on the website until yesterday," adding, "I was happy to succeed in reserving for two people at 4 PM today."
Many had to turn back as they came without prior reservations. Since July 16, on-site entry has also been impossible for seniors over 65, the disabled, national merit recipients, and foreigners. Mr. Choi (71), who was unaware of these changes, had to take photos with his daughter and grandchild in front of the Chunchumun gate and return to Busan. He said, "I came to see Cheong Wa Dae after a 4-hour KTX ride, but I was very surprised to find out entry was difficult," adding, "I really want to see Cheong Wa Dae within this year, but I'm not sure if I can."
Foreign tourists, in particular, often did not have reservations. Mr. Tao (23), who came with his grandparents from China, said, "Cheong Wa Dae is a famous place for Chinese tourists, and many posts about it are uploaded on the Chinese platform 'Xiaohongshu'." He added, "A friend entered without a reservation before, but the rules changed, so I couldn't enter, which is disappointing." Ms. Eshi (26), who came traveling with her parents from Taiwan, also said, "I learned about Cheong Wa Dae through news and Instagram," adding, "I definitely want to come next time."
There were also visitors who came with their families from the provinces to Cheong Wa Dae. Mr. Kim (65), who came with his wife and brother's family from Daegu, said, "I hurried to make a reservation because I don't know when I'll be able to see Cheong Wa Dae again," adding, "I run a restaurant, but since it's vacation season, I closed the shop to spend time with my family."
Experts advise that even if the President returns to the Cheong Wa Dae office, it is necessary to open Cheong Wa Dae. Professor Jeong Ran-su, an adjunct professor at Hanyang University's Department of Tourism, suggested, "Even if not daily, how about opening it in a way that doesn't affect security and work?" adding, "As there is a high demand for Cheong Wa Dae viewing, it would be meaningful to make it a space for communication with citizens through events."

jyseo@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yun, reporter