[Report] The 'Cheong Wa Dae Era' Returns... Local Businesses Buzz While Residents Express Concerns

[Financial News]"Since mid-August, when renovations at Cheong Wa Dae began, we've seen about 100 customers a day. After Christmas, thousands of people are expected to work here, so we anticipate even more visitors," said a local restaurant owner.On Christmas Eve, the 24th, a sign advertising 'Discounts for police officers and Cheong Wa Dae staff' was displayed at a Korean restaurant near Cheong Wa Dae in Jongno District, Seoul. Though simple, the three words on the sign reflected the hope for a revival of local business since Cheong Wa Dae's return. Kim, 63, who has run the restaurant for five years, explained, "We put up the notice around mid-August."
According to Kim, after Cheong Wa Dae was first opened to the public, the restaurant mainly served tourists for two years, resulting in fluctuating customer numbers on weekdays and weekends. Recently, however, construction workers and police officers have become regulars, providing a more stable flow of patrons. The previous evening, three workers called ahead to order three bowls of beef radish soup.
As the relocation of the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea nears completion, local merchants are increasingly optimistic about a recovery in sales. There is renewed hope as the Cheong Wa Dae era returns, three years and seven months after former President Yoon Suk Yeol moved the office to Yongsan in May 2022.
Indeed, foot traffic near Cheong Wa Dae is on the rise. According to Seoul Real-Time Urban Data, as of noon that day, Cheong Wa Dae ranked as the second most crowded spot in Seoul. The real-time population near Cheong Wa Dae was classified as 'slightly crowded,' marking a 135.8% increase compared to the 28-day average for the same time.
Nearby merchants unanimously reported an increase in staff numbers. Officially, Cheong Wa Dae employs about 400 people, excluding security personnel. However, when including dispatched officials from various ministries, security staff, police, and contract workers, the actual workforce is estimated to be in the thousands. On this day, officers from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) were patrolling the area, and groups of workers gathered nearby. Trucks delivering various goods came and went frequently, while police vans and riot police buses were stationed in the vicinity. A convenience store owner noted, "We've seen a significant increase in police customers. In the mornings, they use their welfare points to buy snacks like instant rice, kimbap, cup noodles, and hot bars, each spending about 10,000 won."

However, some residents expressed concerns that rallies and protests near Cheong Wa Dae could increase following the relocation of the presidential office. In the past, the area in front of the Cheongunhyoja-dong Community Service Center, close to the Cheong Wa Dae main building, frequently hosted demonstrations, and the Cheong Wa Dae Fountain was a hotspot for one-person protests and press conferences.
Kim, 44, who has lived near Cheong Wa Dae for over a decade, shared, "The neighborhood is safe enough that I haven't installed security bars on my windows, but in the past, I couldn't leave my windows open during the summer because of rallies and protests. I'm worried it might happen again."
Concerns about increased traffic congestion were also raised. A local real estate agent commented, "Some predict that the population and business district will grow, but others point out that the limited number of lanes makes travel inconvenient. Whether it's a weekday or weekend, if a rally is held, traffic could come to a complete standstill."
The Office of the President of the Republic of Korea plans to complete the relocation of Cheong Wa Dae by the 28th of this month. Most of the work is expected to be finished around Christmas Day, the 25th. Since the Cheong Wa Dae official residence is still under renovation, President Lee Jae-myung will commute from the Hannam-dong Presidential Residence for the time being. The move to the official residence is scheduled for the first half of next year.
jyseo@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yoon Reporter