Cheongwadae - the Blue House

Cheongwadae (The Blue House) Front View. The Blue House, or Cheongwadae (청와대 in Korean) is the official residence of the president of South Korea.

Introduction

Cheongwadae (The Blue House) was the South Korean president's house for the past many presidents. However, since the newly-elected president (from 2022-27), Suk-yeol Yoon, took office, he decided to move the presidential house away from Seoul and build a new one. The new president's office is in Yongsan area.

Therefore, during his term, you and all visitors can freely tour around the Blue House' surroundings without any restrictions.

Situated on a large lot in a park-like setting in downtown Seoul, it was originally built by Japanese colonial forces during their occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945. After many renovations, the Blue House has become a symbol of South Korea's modernity and democracy.

The front facade of the Blue House is designed in traditional Korean architecture, with two stories and several buildings around a central courtyard. The grounds are surrounded by high walls that provide security to the president and his family while also protecting the public from entering private areas of the residence.

The main building of the Blue House is a long, rectangular structure with several wings extending out from either side. The roofs of the different buildings are all tiled in blue hues, which gives the complex its name and makes it easily recognizable from far away.

Inside these structures, there are offices for presidential staff, living quarters for the president, and meeting spaces for hosting other leaders.

The Blue House also contains some of the most important symbols of Korean identity and democracy such as a large statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin from the Joseon Dynasty, a monument to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for South Korea during the Korean War, and a gallery dedicated to former presidents of the country.

In addition, the Blue House has a lush garden with hundreds of different trees and flowers. This area provides a tranquil space for leaders to contemplate important decisions while also providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the beauty of Korean nature.

With its rich history, elegant architecture, and peaceful gardens, the Blue House is truly a national treasure.

cheongwadae & tour

Cheongwadae (The Blue House) is the Republic of Korea president’s official residence and office (something like the White House, for example).

It is called the Blue House precisely due to the blue roof tiles. Its color catches your attention when in the area, and even when you are still far from it.

The Blue House is located at the heart of Seoul, just behind the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace (or we can say the palace is in front of the Blue House!).

It is strategically and beautifully established with the beautiful mountains behind it. The blue tiles blend smoothly with Bugaksan (mountain) in the background.

Wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace

Leisurely Walk

To be in the grounds of Cheong Wa Dae is a great, please. The place is serene and charming. You can track the paths from Gyeongbokgung Palace leading to the Blue House and Samcheong-dong Park area.

I can attest to such leisure as I have done it many times already!

I suggest that you take the East Gate path of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the president’s house because it is the most lovely pathway.

Walking on the path, you will be between two things: Gyeongbokgung Palace wall on the left and old building and art galleries on your right. A road divides the two.

The path beside the palace is lined with fully-grown old trees. While on the opposite side, flashy cafés, Hyundai, Geumho, and other famous art galleries are waiting for art-loving visitors.

Before you reach Cheong Wa Dae, you can find Samcheong-dong Park if you turn right. More art galleries, restaurants, cafés, and similar places are great for relaxing alone or with a company.

the blue house

Now, let me describe a bit about the composition of the impressive structures of Cheong Wa Dae.

First, the presidential residence is composed of the…

President’s Main Office,
a guest house (Yeongbingwan),
the Spring and Autumn Pavilion (Chunchugwan),
a green garden (Nokjiwon),
the Rose of Sharon Valley (Mugunghwa Valley), and
the Seven Palaces.

Chunchugwan is where the president’s press conferences happen. Its roof is also made of earthen tiles.

The Yeongbingwan is where larger events and other official conferences with a significant number of participants and foreign dignitaries are being accommodated.

At the Nokjiwon, you will find trees planted by each president elected. One among these trees is more than 300 years old.

In the Mugunghwa Valley, flowers bloom between July and October which is perfect for taking photos and selfies! The valley has colorful flowers, aside from Mugunghwa, a fountain, and a sculpture of a Phoenix.

All the above structures have their own and unique architectural and artistic designs. They are beautifully made in the traditional Korean style.

Now, if you are feeling interested and excited to visit Cheongwadae (Blue House), there is a group tour being managed. See more below…

The Blue House Guided Tour

The information below is from the government’s website. Therefore, if you have inquiries and other question, please direct them to the contact details I included.

Here we go…

Ten (10) or less, and group visitors (not over 200 people) are allowed for the tour
A child at 8 and below years old should be accompanied—at least ten or less
Saturdays: no group visitors allowed but only individuals with 10 or fewer visitors
You can visit only once a month

Notices & Reminders
1.    Visitors are required to be inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, as the meeting point, 30 minutes before the Cheong Wa Dae Tour. An identification card is also required
2.    No tour every Sunday, Monday and other National Holidays
3.    The tour takes 60 minutes only (checking the visitors takes 30 minutes)

Tour Course Information

Meeting point – Cheong Wa Dae Promotion Hall – Nokjiwon – Gubongwanteo – Sojeongwon – Main Hall – Yeongbingwan (Guest House) – Chilgun (optional) – Mugunghwa dongsan – Cheongwadae Sarangchae

Tourists wearing traditional Korean clothes called 'hanbok'

Activity Information
Cheongwadae Tour

Operating Days: Tuesday-Friday / Every second and fourth Saturday
Tour Schedules: 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00
Registration period: Available at least 20 days to 6 months before visiting
Inquiries: +82-2-730-5800

Free Admission
Gyeongbokgung Palace Parking Lot Inquiry: +82-2-720-7595

Parking Fees
Gyeongbokgung Parking Lot Mid-sized and large vehicles: 4,000 KRW for the first 2 hours

There is a 50% discount for low-emissions and light-weight vehicles.

Address: 1, Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 효자로13길 45 (효자동)
Contact Details
Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Inquiry Phone Number: +82-2-730-5800
Website: www.president.go.kr (Korean only)

There you go. If you do not speak the local language, please use the hotline.
Thanks for reading down to this part.

In sum, Cheong Wa Dae is the official residence of South Korea's President. It has been used as a presidential residence since 1948 and serves as a symbol of the power and prestige of the Korean presidency. The building was recently renovated to modernize its appearance and improve accessibility for visitors.

Cheong Wa Dae has long been an important part of South Korea's political culture, serving as a physical embodiment of the president's power and authority for decades.

With its recent renovations, it will continue to be an important piece of political architecture in the country, representing the office of the president.

Its presence in downtown Seoul symbolizes the nation's commitment to democracy, justice, and its citizens.

Hope you will enjoy your visit around Cheong Wa Dae someday soon!

Thanks and see us again!