Lobby on the first floor of the central government complex opened to the people
It is possible to use Bank and Post Office freely…carrying out the function of the "serving government"


From April 8, the lobby on the first floor of the main office of the central government complex in Sejongno, Seoul is opened to the people, providing visitors with convenience.

The Ministry of Public Administration and Security(MOPAS, Minister Sei-Hoon Won) said it will open the lobby on the first floor of the main office, where customers visit frequently, to the people to realize the "serving government."

Until recently, to use the first floor of the main office, visitors had to receive a certificate for visit after confirming identity at an information office for visitors.


From April 8, customers will be able to enter the first floor freely without the certificate for visit and use convenient facilities (post office, bank, bookstore, shop and restaurant, etc.). They are also able to meet relevant government officials at an interview room.

However, for security of the government office, those who hope to visit offices other than the lobby must get a certificate for visit at an information desk at the entrance to the office.

Also visitors can enter the government office through the center part of the main gate without passing through the side entrance of the main gate any more.

In keeping with the plan for reform of the central government office, the MOPAS has established and implemented the plan to open public government offices. It is also designed to realize the "serving government" and spread such reform drive to other public offices.

Under the opening plan, each public office should push for the project voluntarily in principle according to the institution's situation. In particular, it is required to allow customers pass through the main entrance in case of entering and leaving office in principle, improve customer facilities, including an interview room of the office, and simplify procedures of confirming identity of visitors.

Until recently, customers had to visit office if they want to consult with government officials at public offices. However, it pushes for building an interview room at each public office separately to help customers meet a relevant government official at this place for consultation.

To minimize dead zones of office building for safety and protection, however, it has decided to additionally establish CCTVs and bolster patrol, focusing on reducing inconveniences of people and keeping safe office building environment.

Along with this, to prevent the plan to open public office buildings to realize the serving government from becoming a one-time event, the MOPAS will select best institutions and cases, spread the movement to other public offices and stage PR activities to serve customers through reform of public officials' consciousness.

An official of the MOPAS said, "In the past, there were some indications that government offices carelessly treated customers because of security problems. We will improve services so that customers can feel the changed government and public officials whenever they enter and leave office buildings."