Opening Cheong Wa Dae

[Anchor Lead]

The street in front of Cheong Wa Dae, which used to be closed at night, will open to the public around the clock starting on June 26. The barricades at the entrance of the street will be removed, and the public will be allowed to take photos against the backdrop of the Cheong Wa Dae.

[Pkg]

The street in front of the Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential residence, is lined with ginkgo trees. Every spring, blossoming cheery trees at the center of the street create a breathtaking view. Over the past half a century, the street had been closed to the public from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for security reasons. But under the new administration's policies, which seek to reduce security and bring the presidential office closer to the public, the street will be open around the clock starting on June 26. The street stretches 460 meters from the Spring and Autumn Pavilion of the Cheong Wa Dae to the Fountain Square. The public welcomed the decision. The Cheong Wa Dae has also decided to change the way it operates five security check points installed near the street. So far, all vehicles were required to stop to undergo security checks, but starting on June 26 they will only be conducted when there is a security threat. The public will also be allowed to take photos against the backdrop of the presidential residence. However, taking images using drones will be banned, as they may be used in terrorist attacks.