A citizen casts their vote at the Guro 5-dong No. 1 polling station set up inside a wedding hall in Seoul’s Guro District on April 10 last year, the day of the 22nd National Assembly election. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 3 (Korea Bizwire) — As South Korea gears up for its pivotal presidential election on June 3, a colorful array of unconventional polling stations across the country has captured public attention—ranging from wrestling gyms to pizza shops and even wedding halls.
While official election law typically designates schools, community centers, and other public institutions as polling sites, private venues may be used when public facilities are unavailable. This year, several privately owned locations have been tapped to host polling, offering both convenience and creativity.
Among the most talked-about is a wrestling gym in Busan’s Suyeong District, serving as the Namcheon 2-dong No. 3 polling station. The facility, once a kendo dojo, changed hands and now operates as a wrestling training center.
Despite the ownership change, local officials chose to retain the location to avoid confusing elderly voters accustomed to the spot.
“This isn’t just any election,” the gym’s manager told Yonhap News. “We felt a civic duty to help. Even though we have to close for two days, we’ll make it up to our members with extra sessions on weekends and holidays.”
Elsewhere, a quaint café named Seungnyong’s Ludiya in Seoul’s Gangdong District and a Gorae Hanip Pizza outlet in Seodaemun District have been repurposed into polling stations. In Sunchang, North Jeolla Province, voters will cast ballots at a campsite. And in Pohang, Gyeongbuk Province, a wedding hall will host voters on what would otherwise be a quiet day.
Election observers monitor the voting process at the Jinwol-dong No. 5 polling station, set up inside Baekdu Taekwondo Studio in Nam District, Gwangju, on April 10 last year, the day of the 22nd National Assembly election. (Yonhap)
Private polling sites receive a modest honorarium or rental fee from the National Election Commission. Yet some, like the wedding hall operators, choose to offer their space for free. “Our venue has served as a polling station for over 20 years,” said one manager. “It’s accessible, has plenty of parking, and we’re happy to support the community.”
The 21st presidential election will take place Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 14,295 polling stations nationwide. Unlike early voting, voters must cast their ballots at their assigned locations, as indicated in mailed voting guides or via the National Election Commission website (nec.go.kr).
With a tense political climate and a historically charged campaign, this year’s election may be remembered not only for its outcome—but also for the unlikely places where democracy takes place.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
