Seoul's Bukaksan Mountain will remain fully open to the public despite the presidential office's return to the Blue House. Visitor information centers along the mountain trails will also reopen.
The Presidential Security Service announced Wednesday that it has decided to maintain 24-hour public access to Bukaksan Mountain following the return to the Blue House era. The agency explained that the full opening maintains the "open security, low-profile security" principle consistently pursued since the launch of the people's sovereignty government, respecting citizens' daily lives, rest, leisure, and convenience.
The Bukaksan area behind the Blue House is a zone where safety management and security operations are conducted due to the presidential residence. However, the security service said it will not impose separate restrictions on visiting hours. The agency plans to maintain thorough security around the Blue House in cooperation with the Capital Defense Command while ensuring no inconvenience to visitors.
The security service also announced that additional opening projects for Bukaksan are being actively pursued. A new 1.32-kilometer trail will be established on the southwestern section of the mountain (toward Cheongun-dong), currently restricted to the public, along with improvements to existing trails to fully open Bukaksan. The agency is coordinating with related organizations on trail maintenance, wildfire prevention, and security measures, with all preparations for additional opening expected to be completed in the second half of this year.
"Keeping Bukaksan open to the public at all times is a symbolic measure practicing the 'open security, low-profile security' principle on the ground," the Presidential Security Service said. "Through trails that do not interfere with Blue House security operations, we will continue to respect citizens' daily lives and spaces, and maintain the shift in security paradigm that breathes with the people."
Meanwhile, the Korea Heritage Service will hold an opening ceremony at Changui Gate on the Hanyang City Wall section of Bukaksan on Sunday afternoon to announce the reopening of six visitor information centers.
The six reopening centers—at Changui Gate, Cheongundae, Gokjang, Sukjeong Gate, Malbawi, and Samcheong—will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round. They will provide visitor guidance and trail patrols to create a safe viewing environment, with interpretation programs and cultural performances for visitors to resume gradually.
The Bukaksan information centers previously provided visitor guidance along the Hanyang City Wall while also controlling access. When the Yoon Suk-yeol administration relocated the presidential office to Yongsan and Bukaksan was fully opened in 2023, the centers were closed entirely. With the Presidential Security Service maintaining 24-hour access despite the return to the Blue House, the centers are reopening with guidance functions only.
The Changui Gate opening ceremony on Sunday will feature a traditional street parade and cultural performances including Arirang. Korea Heritage Service Commissioner Heo Min, French broadcaster Fabien, and other key attendees will walk through part of the Changui Gate center section to celebrate the opening together.
