By Honorary Reporter Martina Marrandino from Italy
Photos = Martina Marrandino

Located in the bustling Seoul district of Yeouido, the National Assembly is Korea's official legislature. Its main job is to enact and revise laws that run the country and scrutinize and approve the national budget, as well as supervise the executive branch. Thus this institution holds a great deal of power and influence. 

As a history and politics enthusiast, I and a couple of friends on March 19 visited the National Assembly. 

The National Assembly Building in Seoul's Yeouido district houses the nation's legislative branch.

The complex comprises several buildings including that of the National Assembly. After clearing the security checkpoint, I visited the National Assembly Memorial Hall, which honors the country's democratic history and those who played a significant role in establishing democracy here. 

One of the memorable moments was a legislative simulation that helped me understand how decisions are made at the National Assembly. In a mock session, we watched a video of debates and voted on the screen for, against or abstain. The screen displayed the results in a process similar to a real legislative vote.

My friends and I visited the National Assembly (left) and took part in a legislative simulation (right).

After leaving the hall, I walked to the National Assembly Building, which impressed me with its modern design standing out against the city skyline. The building sports beautiful modern Korean architecture with sleek lines and glass facades. Here, I visited the plenary chamber, where lawmakers convene to debate and vote on bills, amendments and resolutions. 

The chamber's magnificence hit me immediately after I entered it, with a spacious layout and stunning ceiling design. The seats were arranged in a semicircle around a podium at the front. The speaker's chair in the center features an intricately designed wall on the back decorated with the country's national emblem. Additionally, the guide said cutting-edge technology at the chamber facilitates communication and voting during sessions. Members can access individual consoles that display the session agenda and vote by pressing their touchscreen monitors.

The plenary chamber of the National Assembly is on the left and a shot of the building is on the right.

Visiting the National Assembly was a remarkable experience that made me appreciate the importance of democracy and role of elected officials in shaping society. It also raised my understanding of and admiration for Korean democracy and the nation's political structure. 

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.