City Hall Square and Gwanghwamun, New Tourist Attraction

Sejongro Intersection and City Hall Square are emerging as a new tourist attraction as the whole world watches tens of thousands people take to the streets in the downtown Seoul area, which became a hub of street cheering.

Foreign tourists continue to visit the area even when there is no mass street cheering taking place. “I am here to experience excitement and energy of street cheering myself,” said American tourist Dana Dimon (32) busy snapping pictures. “I can feel Korea’s passion for soccer.”

“I want to have some pictures of this place,” said Japanese tourist Hiros Yuka (25) while taking pictures with friends, “which has become well known not only in Korea but in Japan. We are deeply impressed by the waves of red-clad supporters.”

The site is attracting foreign residents in Korea as well. “Street cheering culture will become a part of my memory in Korea,” said Franka Van Vandelron (46) who works at Dutch Embassy.

“I can see many foreigners take pictures while they are passing by” said Kim Yong-wook (27), a staff at Hotel Plaza located near City Hall. “The number of tourists in this area has sharply increased of late,” he added.

Hyo-Lim Son aryssong@donga.com