"I was worried it might be dangerous until the impeachment verdict was announced, but now I can come here with peace of mind."

Citizens are sightseeing around the alleys near Anguk Station in Seoul on the 8th. Photo by Lee Eunseo

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Around 9:30 a.m. on the 8th, the area near the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul was bustling with people. From citizens dressed in hiking clothes heading to Bugaksan to foreign tourists in Hanbok strolling around, it was a scene of daily life returning. Cherry blossoms and plum blossoms were blooming along the streets, and visitors were taking photos with their companions or stopping by shops.

Citizens and tourists are walking along the street near the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 8th. Photo by Seungwook Park

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The police lifted the heightened alert at 6 p.m. on the 7th. The emergency work system that had been maintained was now over. On the 4th, in line with the day of former President Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment verdict, the police declared the highest level of alert nationwide at midnight, which was lifted at 6 p.m. that day, and then a secondary alert was applied in Seoul. The secondary alert was also lifted at 6:40 p.m. on the 5th.

After the impeachment verdict for former President Yoon, the area around the Constitutional Court and Anguk Station is coming back to life. Kim Hyunju (60), who was filming the street with her camera, said, "The impeachment verdict has been delivered, and the weather is nice, so now I can go sightseeing and take photos," adding, "The wounds in the hearts of the people may not have completely healed yet, but I hope stability will return soon." Lee Siheon (29), whom we met in front of exit 2 of Anguk Station, also said, "It's been a while since I visited, but I think it will be nice to come comfortably from now on," and added, "There are still police buses and police lines, which make me uneasy, but I think this is part of the process of returning to normal life."

Foreign tourists were also walking around with bright expressions. Stacey (24) from Russia said, "I learned from the news that there was a big rally here, and when I arrived, I was a bit worried seeing the police presence," but added, "Now I can enjoy visiting famous cafes and browsing clothes, and I feel at ease in the peaceful atmosphere." Nina (28), a tourist from Taiwan whom we met in front of exit 1 of Anguk Station, said, "Just last week, I had to get out of the taxi far away and walk because of the rallies, but now there are no worries."

Citizens are walking along the street in front of Exit 2 of Anguk Station in Seoul on the 8th. Photo by Seungwook Park

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Small business owners near the Constitutional Court also expressed hope for a return to normal. Go Songhee (57), who sells snacks like egg bread and hot dogs in front of the court, said, "Now it's time for everyone to return to daily life," adding, "The number of foreign tourists had dropped a lot, but with the spring peak season and the political situation improving a bit, I expect sales will go up." A woman in her 50s surnamed Lee, who runs a snack shop near the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, said, "Normally, this is the time of year when tourists start pouring in," and added, "With the cherry blossoms blooming, the weather getting better, and the bad situation over, I think business will pick up again."

However, some say it will take more time to fully return to normal. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency plans to continue controlling the area around the Constitutional Court for the time being. Park Hyunsoo, acting commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said, "It's hard to say that all risk factors have been completely eliminated, and the Constitutional Court still feels uneasy," adding, "We will try to balance protecting the court, supporting local businesses, and ensuring smooth passage for citizens."

Park Chanheop (72), who works at a real estate office in front of Jaedong Elementary School, said, "There are still police guarding the streets and some vehicle movement is restricted," adding, "Village buses going to Sungkyunkwan University or Jongno are still being rerouted, so residents are experiencing inconvenience." Park, a 28-year-old who runs a Western restaurant in an alley across from the Constitutional Court, also said, "There were many days we had to close and many reservations were canceled, so I was just waiting for the impeachment verdict. It's disappointing not knowing when the police buses will be removed."