Seoul: The land ministry announced on Tuesday that it has eased access to a park near the former presidential office in Yongsan by removing the reservation process previously required for security verification purposes. This change follows the relocation of the presidential office to Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul, which has relaxed security measures in the area.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the previous policy required visitors to Yongsan Children's Garden to submit their information in advance, a measure that had been criticized for restricting public access to the park. With the updated entry policy, the land ministry aims to operate the park more efficiently and transparently while also considering a name change based on public feedback.

In efforts to enhance park management, the ministry plans to conduct regular monitoring of air and soil quality and make the results publicly available. The park, occupying approximately 300,000 square meters of land, was previously a base for U.S. forces stationed in South Korea. Named Yongsan Children's Garden, it opened to the public in May 2023 under the previous administration after a year of construction.