Seoul, South Korea, June 12 (V7N) – Tens of thousands of South Koreans are flocking to the historic Blue House, the former presidential compound, as newly elected President Lee Jae-myung prepares to move the seat of power back to its traditional home. The rush of visitors comes after ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol spurned the elegant complex in leafy northern Seoul, deeming it too "imperial" and opening it to the public in 2022.

Yoon, who moved his office to a hastily converted ministry building, was impeached in April over a failed martial law bid and now faces a criminal trial. His successor, Lee Jae-myung, campaigned on a promise to restore the presidency to the Blue House, triggering a frenzy of last-minute visits from citizens eager to see the iconic site before it once again becomes the exclusive domain of the head of state.

"I figured if I missed this chance I would never get to come here," said 65-year-old Jang Myung-hee, who visited with friends, asserting it was the "right call" for leaders to resettle in the Blue House as it "befits the nation's prestige."

Named for its approximately 150,000 hand-painted blue tiles adorning its roof, the Blue House has housed South Korea's leaders for seven decades, having previously been occupied by former colonial power Japan. On the campaign trail, Lee affirmed his commitment to the move, telling local media, "It is traditional, symbolic and optimal."

Official figures reveal a significant surge in Blue House visitors ahead of the June 3 snap election, with approximately 427,000 visitors in May—double the number from the same month last year. In total, over 7.8 million people, including 800,000 foreigners, have visited since the site's public opening in May 2022.

"I have come here with my kids for educational purposes, as it might be difficult for us to visit again," said Son Young-ah, 49. The sentiment of a dwindling window of opportunity was palpable, with one woman muttering upon leaving the main gate, "With this exit, I may never be able to set foot here again."

The Blue House has long captivated public fascination, partly due to a string of misfortunes that have befallen its past occupants, including assassinations, impeachments, corruption trials, and imprisonments. Yoon's relocation was perhaps an attempt to escape such a fate, which some believe is tied to the site's feng shui. However, the change of premises ultimately failed to spare his presidency.

Lee has voiced concerns about the former Defense Ministry building, citing "security issues such as wiretapping" and a lack of the privacy and seclusion offered by the Blue House. Choi Gi-il, a former presidential security aid, noted that not all sections of the compound, including administrative offices and an underground bunker, were opened to tourists, suggesting the site "would only require a bit of renovation to reopen." He added that the main blue-tiled building is primarily for ceremonial purposes and hosting foreign dignitaries, making it less vulnerable to security breaches.

While no specific date has been announced for the presidential return to the Blue House, visitors like 71-year-old Kim Jong-chun feel its reoccupation is imminent. "I held off coming here because I thought I could come here anytime," he told AFP, explaining his decision to visit on his birthday after Lee's election. "For the symbolisms it carries, I deeply support and welcome Lee's decision to return here."

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