Some 70-thousand people from across the nation and overseas,.. from foreign dignitaries to ordinary citizens representing a broad cross-section of society filled the 38-thousand square meter National Assembly Square to capacity as the first female president of Korea took the oath of office.
The new president picked the venue in order to show her will to respect the legislature during her five-year term.


"Thank you so much for inviting us to the ceremony. We believe that you will make Korea a country where everyone is happy."

The audience was filled with foreign dignitaries, including Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce, as well as other foreign delegates and ambassadors to Korea.
Adding a dash of color to the ceremony were major figures from the arts and entertainment world, including K-pop sensations like Psy and JYJ and soprano Sumi Jo, known for having a voice from heaven.

The ceremony was held under the slogan of "Opening a New Era of Hope: Unity, Progress and the People," reflecting her desire to ease long-standing social and regional divisions and unify the country.


"I have three children. I hope the president will make it possible for them to study in a safe and fun environment.
As for me, I want the president to make sure that our tax money is being used in a transparent manner for worthy causes."


"I really think President Park Geun-hye will open a new era of people's happiness."

Although the inaugural ceremony took place Monday morning, the new president took over from her predecessor at the stroke of midnight through a bell ringing ceremony at Bosingak Pavilion in Jongno District in downtown Seoul.
In attendance were 18 representatives from Korean society who embody her administration's goals.
Kim Yeon-ji, Arirang News.

Reporter : yjkim@arirang.co.kr