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On site People enjoy walk on reopened Cheong Wa Dae road

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  • Published Jun 27, 2017 5:02 pm KST
  • Updated Jun 27, 2017 5:02 pm KST

First lady Kim Jung-sook walks with crowds gathered in front of Cheong Wa Dae Monday night after it was open to the public for the first time in nearly 50 years. / Yonhap

By You Soo-sun

Crowds gathered in front of Cheong Wa Dae Monday night to set foot on the road in front, now open to the public all day for the first time in nearly 50 years. In celebration, 50 members of the public joined first lady Kim Jung-sook and other presidential staff, becoming the first ones to walk the pathway on its opening night. At the plaza across from this road, hundreds waited for the event to end, when the road would be open to all.

For the first time since 1968, citizens have 24-hour access to the 430-meter-long road, running between Cheong Wa Dae and the back of Gyeongbok Palace. The road, which stretches between the presidential press center of Chunchugwan near Samcheong-dong and a plaza with a fountain in Hyoja-dong, is expected to allow easier access between Bukchon and Seochon villages and also become a major tourist attraction itself.

Many citizens welcomed the change, perceiving it as the government’s effort for more transparency. “I feel a sense of liberation,” said Lee Jung-lim, 54, who has lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years. “In the past, security guards would seek to inspect my belongings. When I refused, they would sometimes follow me to my home,” she said referring to the checkpoints and barricades around Cheong Wa Dae that have now been removed. With her 19-year-old daughter by her side, Lee glowed as she said, “Now all this is changed ― it’s like the new administration is presenting a new, open world.”

Some others lingered, hoping to catch a glimpse of President Moon Jae-in and his wife. Choi Seong-jin, 58, came from Sanggye-dong of Nowon-gu, northeastern Seoul. “I heard about the walking event. Maybe I’ll be able to see the first lady.”

Cho Nam-chul, 69, also waited by the fountain with his wife. He said he would wait until 9 p.m. when the road would officially open to the public. However, he said he hopes this is not just another political show.

“President Moon shouldn’t be easily swayed by public opinion, doing what just looks good,” Cho said. “He needs to listen to all citizens, including those from the other side.”