Bakeries, car dealerships, and kids' cafes become unique Seoul polling stations

In an innovative move to enhance voter accessibility and experience, Seoul is transforming a variety of private establishments into polling stations for the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections and National Assembly by-elections.

While polling stations are traditionally located in community centers, schools, and government offices, Seoul's election commission has designated several private facilities. These locations were chosen for their convenient access and ample space, allowing citizens to cast their ballots in familiar, everyday settings. This approach aims to make the democratic process more approachable and less confined to institutional venues.

Among the unique locations are "La La Bread" bakery in Suyu 3-dong, which will serve as the No. 3 polling station for Gangbuk-gu. The establishment even closed early the day before to accommodate the setup of polling booths. Car dealerships have also been repurposed; the No. 3 polling station for Gwangjin-gu is situated at a Kia Motors dealership, while a Lexus showroom in Guui 2-dong will host another station.

Wedding halls are also stepping in, with Green Convention Wedding Hall in Dobong-gu, Bella Luce Wedding Hall in Hwigyeong-dong, and Propose Wedding and Convention VIP Room in Guro-gu designated as polling sites. For families, spaces like the lobby of the Sirip Hwagok branch, a Seoul-style kids' cafe, and a Hyundai Taekwondo gymnasium will serve as polling stations. The Songpa Book Museum's kids' studio in Songpa-gu is also on the list.

Other unconventional sites include a glass warehouse, a car detailing shop, a literature museum, and an indoor baseball training center for a school's baseball team. These diverse locations are expected to offer voters a unique experience and potentially increase turnout by making voting more convenient and accessible.