People on May 13 watch a traditional performance in front of the main building of the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae. (Jeon Han)

By Jung Joo-ri

More than two million people visited Cheong Wa Dae over the 146-day period after its opening, almost double the number who visited Gyeongbokgung Palace (1.08 million) in Seoul last year.

The Cultural Heritage Administration's committee for opening Cheong Wa Dae to the public on Oct. 2 announced the figure, adding, "Thanks to strong public interest and love, the number of visitors to Cheong Wa Dae broke the two million mark as of Oct. 2 at 10:35 a.m."

The opening began on May 10 with the inauguration of President Yoon Suk Yeol and his administration. The interior of key buildings within the compound was opened on May 23, including the main building and Yeongbingwan (state guesthouse).

 
Due to the surge of visitors, the committee from June 12 raised the maximum number of daily visitors to 49,000 from 39,000. Onsite sales of 500 tickets were conducted twice a day at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for senior citizens over age 65, disabled people and non-Koreans.

An array of programs was scheduled for visitors. June to August saw traditional performing arts like jultagi (traditional tightrope walking), an Intangible Cultural Heritage, and a taekwondo demonstration. From July 20, a 12-day summer evening tour of Cheong Wa Dae was launched. During the Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) holiday, events were held to show traditional performing arts like pungmulnori (farmers' percussion folk music) and ganggangsullae, a traditional circle dance featuring song and dance by women and performed on Chuseok under a full moon. 

On Sept. 29, six trees inside the compound were designated natural monuments and part of the inner landscape called "Old Big Trees of Cheong Wa Dae." 

The committee said, "We will continue doing our best to ensure that Cheong Wa Dae receives a lot of love as a venue for the public to receive a special experience."

etoilejr@korea.kr