Citizens Express Anticipation amidst Poll Opening in Seoul's Electoral Venues
In the heart of Kang Full Cartoon Alley, Gangdong District, a buzz sprang to life at dawn on June 3. Seungryong's Place, a district-run cafe, transformed into a polling station for South Korea's 21st presidential election, welcoming eager voters from as early as 6 a.m. [JOONGANG ILBO]
It wasn't just the usual suspects showing up. Unconventional polling stations popped up all over the city, from wedding halls in Pohang to an indoor badminton court in Gangnam-gu, even sports facilities in Busan and a wrestling facility elsewhere. But the one in the comic book alley, well, that had a charm of its own. [5]
Another capture, another keepsake. Selfie sticks swayed as families lined up for a voting certification photo at the quirky Seungryong's Place. Meanwhile, over in Daehak-dong, southern Seoul, young voters flocked to their polling stations, ready to make their voices heard. [JOONGANG ILBO]
But it wasn't just the youth or the unusual locations that made this election unique. The Hannam No. 3 Polling Station, located at the Jungbu Technical Education Center in Yongsan District, played host to a voter who needed a little extra help. With the aid of a caregiver and paramedics, they cast their ballot and added their vote to the mix. [YONHAP]
These locations were carefully chosen to meet the needs of the Public Official Election Act, which allows private facilities to host polling stations if public spaces are deemed inadequate. [5]
References:[5] Variety show featuring Korea's presidential candidates goes viral before Election Day [I voted, woof]: Young voters use DIY 'certification slips' to make Korea's election go viral](https://www.joongang.co.kr/|en-latest/|articleprint.html?no=61966) Unusual spaces host polls in Korea's presidential election - in pictures
- The unusual polling stations, including Seungryong's Place in Kang Full Cartoon Alley, were not limited to traditional public spaces; some were located in sports facilities in Busan and indoor badminton courts in Gangnam-gu.
- The Public Official Election Act allows private facilities to host polling stations if public spaces are deemed inadequate, enabling locations like Hannam No. 3 Polling Station at the Jungbu Technical Education Center to accommodate voters.
- In addition to the unique locations, the 21st presidential election in South Korea also saw votes being cast by a voter assisted by a caregiver and paramedics at a polling station, highlighting the inclusivity of the election process.
- A sense of general news and politics pervaded the city as families took selfies at quirky Seungryong's Place polling station and young voters flocked to their polling stations, eager to express their opinions and influence the economy and government of South Korea.
