The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) will take comprehensive measures for the opening of Cheong Wa Dae on Tue, May 10, focusing on maximizing the convenience of visitors and minimizing the inconveniences of local residents during the thirteen-day-long opening event held from May 10 to 22.

First, the city will take measures to address bus, subway, parking and foot traffic issues in response to the rise in the number of tourists, and increase the convenience of visitors by scheduling additional buses and subway as well as securing parking space for tourist buses. Moreover, inclusive infrastructure will be created so that all citizens, including the elderly, mobility impaired and pregnant women, can conveniently visit Cheong Wa Dae.

In detail, the city began operation of a new city bus route (01), which circulates Cheong Wa Dae and six major bus stops nearby, and installed four new bus stops, including at the National Palace Museum of Korea and Cheong Wa Dae. However, buses will be re-routed to the direction from Gwanghwamun to Anguk Station instead of entering the premises due to the car-free policy on Cheongwadae-ro effective from May 10 to 22.

Second, benches, signboards, portable toilets and other convenience facilities will be installed for the convenience of visitors, and personnel will be dispatched for facility management and hiking trail maintenance.

Third, various cultural programs will be hosted alongside the opening event, such as street performances and special commentaries on the newly opened areas of Bugaksan Mountain.

Fourth, the city will develop content to make the nearby region into a landmark as a tourist attraction.

Tourist information stations will be installed in Samcheong-dong as well as the Seochon and Bukchon regions to provide visitors with information in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. Also, evening guided courses incorporating historical, cultural and tourist resources near Cheong Wa Dae will be available from May 10 to Oct. 31.

Seoul plans to host familiarization tours to attract international tourists and promote Cheong Wa Dae as a new tourist resource through related content and events.