A person surnamed Park (45), whom I met in front of the Blue House on the 31st, said, "I heard today is the last day open, so I even took time off to come," adding that it was his first visit and that it was a shame to think it might also be the last.
Following President Lee Jae-myung's decision to return his office from the Yongsan presidential office to the Blue House, public tours of the Blue House will be fully suspended starting Aug. 1.
◇ Blue House opened to the public in May 2022… 7 million visitors
On that day, people lined up at the Blue House so they would not miss the last chance to tour. However, indoor tours of main buildings such as the main office had already been restricted since the 16th.
A person surnamed Lee (36), who said she came from Incheon with her family, said, "It was my first time here, but I couldn't see the interior. I don't know when it will be open again, but if I get the chance I'd like to come back."
A person surnamed Oh (27) said, "I saw many royal palaces on my trip to Europe, but I had never seen our country's Blue House, so I visited," adding that she had planned to come with her family but only one spot remained so she came alone.
Blue House visitors surged after President Lee Jae-myung was elected. It appears to be influenced by the campaign promise to return the presidential office to the Blue House.
◇ Nearby merchants are half hopeful, half worried
Reactions among nearby merchants were mixed at the news that tours of the Blue House would be suspended.
On the other hand, restaurants that serve many office workers rather than tourists welcomed the return of the presidential office.
Oh (66), who runs a barbecue restaurant near the Blue House, also said, "In the past, staff often came to eat near the Chunghwagwan or the secretariat, but as the Blue House emptied out customers decreased," adding, "This area is centered on regulars rather than tourism, so we are waiting for the presidential office to return."