[1 Year of Yoon Administration]⑥ One Year Since Cheongwadae Opening... 3.33 Million Visitors

The government opened the grounds of the Blue House in May last year to coincide with President Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration. Public interest was intense. Within five months, the number of visitors surpassed 2 million, positively impacting nearby tourist attractions and commercial districts. The driving force was the history and glory embedded in the landscaping and architecture. For a while, curiosity was piqued as power was veiled behind a curtain.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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As time passes, interest naturally wanes. As of the 24th of last month, the cumulative number of visitors was 3,330,497. The monthly average is 277,541 visitors. No month this year has come close to that. Even last month, when the spring atmosphere was felt, the number barely exceeded 200,000.

A long-term plan is needed for a rebound. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism struggled even with setting the direction. In July last year, Minister Park Bo-gyun reported a Blue House utilization project centered on a high-quality art space to President Yoon Suk-yeol. The plan involved reconfiguring the Main Building and Reception Hall into art exhibition spaces and using the Presidential Residence and Grand Garden as a comprehensive performing arts stage. The Palace of Versailles in France was cited as a model.

The Blue House buildings were not constructed for use as art museums. Internal modifications are also difficult. Installing temperature and humidity control functions and separate lighting could damage the original structure. This was the main reason the 'Blue House Collection Special Exhibition' planned for last fall was canceled.

Moreover, since December last year, the Reception Hall has been used as a venue for President Yoon's state guest events. The plan to build a new Reception Hall near the Yongsan Presidential Office building was scrapped, so dinners and meetings are frequently held there. Choi Young-jin, head of the Blue House Management and Utilization Promotion Team, said, "On days when there are presidential office events, visitor access will be restricted, and on days without events, only the first floor will be open."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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This policy is based on the final review report of the Presidential Blue House Management and Utilization Advisory Group. The report was scheduled to be released at the end of last year but was not made public even after the advisory group concluded its activities earlier this year. Asia Economy obtained the report through the office of Lim Jong-sung (Democratic Party), a member of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. According to the report, most of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's plans were either not reflected or excluded from priority.

The advisory group established the principles of preservation, management, and utilization as ▲preservation and realization of history and symbolism ▲respect for the role and identity as a center of national growth ▲provision of sustainable content fitting the identity and dignity. They proposed creating a 'historical and cultural space' that preserves, manages, and utilizes various tangible and intangible resources according to their characteristics by zones.

Regarding the Main Building, they advised, "It should showcase content related to the development and prosperity of the Republic of Korea, such as key documents, meeting scenes, and handwritten notes of past presidents, while restoring the appearance of historical moments." About the Reception Hall, they stated, "It should be used for major events of the incumbent president and receptions of foreign dignitaries, continuing its original role." The only space open to the possibility of exhibiting cultural and artistic works such as artworks is the Chunghwagwan. Choi said, "Its size on the second floor (450㎡) is small, making it difficult to hold large-scale exhibitions."

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Recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been focusing on the 'world-class historical, cultural, and tourism hub' mentioned in the report. On the 19th of last month, they held a proclamation ceremony titled 'Blue House K-Tourism Landmark, I am the Blue House Tour Guide' and introduced ten themed walking tour courses. They plan to offer various themes and unique experiences based on historical and cultural tourism resources near the Blue House. Minister Park said, "We will develop and launch customized products for MZ generation, middle-aged, elderly, and family tourists in cooperation with travel agencies."

The primary target is foreign tourists. Although they account for only 1.7% of cumulative visitors, their share rose significantly to 4.4% (6,790 people) in March and 4.8% (8,759 people as of the 24th) in April this year. An Mi-ran, head of the Domestic Tourism Promotion Division at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "If the themed walking tour courses developed by an external agency are finalized by the end of this month, we plan to contact inbound travel agencies to discuss package products." Choi added, "We will support and carry out various overseas promotions, including inviting foreign influencers, to engrain the Blue House as a bucket list destination for people worldwide."

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