Korean president's house - The Blue House Cheongwadae – 청와대

The Blue House from Korea is the equivalent of the White House in the USA. Located in Jongno-gu of the capital Seoul, Cheongwadae is in fact a complex of multiple buildings, built largely in the traditional Korean architectural style with some modern architectural elements and facilities. The Blue House is one of the most protected official residences in Asia.

This is the residence of the president during his mandate. The name of Cheongwadae doesn’t only represent a location, but it also refers to the highest authority from the Republic of Korea.

In the Goryeo era ( 918-1392) the residence/royal palace’s buildings were situated in the actual location of the Blue House being part of the bottom of the Gyeongbok palace’s garden which was the main palace from the Joseon era (1392 -1910 ).

Destroyed by the end of the 16th century, the Gyeongbok palace was rebuilt at the end of 19th century from the orders of Heungseon Daewongun regent, who named the place as Geongmudae (also called archery place) hoping that the Ministers will develop both their literary and martial abilities.

During the Japanese colonialism period ( 1910 – 1945), the official residence of the General Governor was here, and after the liberation, the president of the Republic of Korea started to use this location as both residence and bureau. It was renamed Cheongwadae in 1960, and the main bureau building was rebuilt in 1991, giving the Blue House the actual shape.

Visiting Cheong Wa Dae (청와대), also known as the Blue House, offers a unique glimpse into South Korea's political history and architectural heritage. Once the official residence and executive office of the President, it has been open to the public since May 2022. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your visit.

📍 Location & Access

• Address: 1 Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

• Nearest Subway Station: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 3. From there, it's approximately a 16-minute walk (about 984 meters) to the main gate. 

• Bus Routes: Buses 1711, 1020, 7018, 7016, 7022, or 7212 stop near Hyoja-dong, which is a short walk to Cheong Wa Dae. 

  
  

🕒 Opening Hours & Admission

• Operating Days: Wednesday to Monday (Closed on Tuesdays)

• Hours:

  • March to November: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM)

  • December to February: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)

• Admission: Free for all visitors 

  
  

📝 Reservation Process

Online Reservation

• Website: opencheongwadae.kr

• Booking Window: Reservations can be made up to 4 weeks in advance.

• Required Information: Name, email address, and a Korean mobile number for verification.

• Note: The online reservation system may require a Korean mobile number, which can be a hurdle for international visitors.

  
  

On-Site Application

• Eligibility: Foreign visitors, senior citizens (65+), persons with disabilities, and national veterans.

• Application Times: Daily at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM.

• Location: General Information Center at the Main Gate.

• Capacity: Up to 500 visitors per session.

• Recommendation: Arrive early to secure a spot, as it's on a first-come, first-served basis.

  
  

🏛️ Highlights of the Tour

• Main Office Building: The central building used for presidential offices and receptions.

• Yeongbingwan (State Guest House): Venue for official events and conferences.

• Presidential Residence: Living quarters of former presidents.

• Sangchunjae: Traditional Korean-style building for informal meetings.

• Nokjiwon Garden: A scenic garden featuring over 120 species of trees.

• Chunchugwan: Press center used for briefings and conferences. 

  
  

📸 Visitor Tips

• Photography: Allowed in designated areas; look for signage or follow the guide's instructions.

• Guided Tours: Available in Korean; audio guides in English, Chinese, and Japanese are provided for non-Korean speakers. 

• Accessibility: The complex is wheelchair-friendly, with ramps and accessible restrooms.

• Weather Considerations: In case of rain or adverse weather conditions, access to certain areas may be restricted to protect the facilities. 

  
  

🏞️ Nearby Attractions

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: A historic royal palace located nearby.

• Bukchon Hanok Village: A traditional Korean village with preserved hanok houses.

• National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA): Showcases contemporary Korean art. 

  
  

For more information and to make reservations, visit the official Cheong Wa Dae website: opencheongwadae.kr.