Blue House extends reservation hours, opens more gates for visitors

The Blue House is changing its policies to accommodate more visitors by extending the online reservation closing time and opening more gates for entry, the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation said on Monday.

The Chunchumun Gate [YONHAP]

The Blue House is changing its policies to accommodate more visitors by extending the online reservation closing time and opening more gates for entry, the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation said on Monday.

The closing time for online reservations will be extended from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., starting Thursday. On-site admissions — exclusively available to older adults, national meritorious persons and foreigners — will be shortened, changing from 5:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is to reduce confusion and increase opportunities to visit the Blue House, according to the foundation.

The Blue House will also accommodate group visits through the Chunchumun Gate, providing "a more comfortable and pleasant environment" for visitors.

Groups of 11 or more visitors will enter through the Chunchumun Gate, reducing the confusion due to crowds concentrated at the main gate and speeding up the entry process, providing convenient access to the nearby Chunchugwan building and restroom facilities, said the foundation.

"We prioritize providing a comfortable and pleasant environment for visitors to fully appreciate the value and charm of the Blue House, which is open to the public," said a representative of the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation. "We will continue trying to make the Blue House more comfortable and approachable, bringing it closer to the people."

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]