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Living and traveling in Korea

How To Visit The Blue House In Seoul: A Guide To Cheongwadae

Did you know you can visit the Blue House in Seoul now? Actually, there were tours before, but now you can see more. Formerly the president’s home, the newly elected Korean president no longer lives there, so they’ve opened it for people to see for the first time in 74 years. If you’re interested in seeing Korea’s government buildings, you should go take a tour of The Blue House, or Cheongwadae (청와대) as it’s called in Korean.

Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) 청와대, Seoul, Korea

Citizens and tourists can see the Blue House but the process to see it is a bit different, so make sure you read carefully. If you’ll be visiting downtown Seoul soon, this is definitely something you should see. Who knows? Maybe the next president will move back in and it won’t be public anymore. It might be your only chance!

How To Get There

The importance of cheongwadae opening, notable south korean presidents, what to see, what to do nearby.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

Situated snuggly behind Gyeongbokgung Palace with Bugaksan behind it, you can easily add this to a day in downtown Seoul.

Address: 1 Cheongwa-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청와대로 1) By Public Transportation: Take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung station, exit 4. Then, take bus 1711, 1020, 7018, 7016, 7022, or 7212 to Hyoja-dong, and it’s a short walk from there.

Alternatively, you could walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace and exit out the back gate to find the Blue House as well. Make sure to check when you buy tickets that the back gate will be open by the time you get there though.

Cheongwadae - Korea Tourism Organization

Days: Wednesday – Monday

Hours: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm

Admission: Free

How to visit: Currently, reservations are required to visit the Blue House. However, if you’re a tourist you cannot make a reservation on the website. Keep reading though because you CAN still visit.

If you’re a citizen of South Korea or a resident of South Korea:

You can register on the Cheongwadae website in order to visit.
Registration can be made up to four weeks in advance.
Up to 6 people can be registered per reservation.
A local mobile number is required to verify your identity.
Website: https://reserve1.opencheongwadae.kr/

If you are a tourist visiting South Korea:

There are two times a day when 500 walk-ins are allowed to enter and this is when you can get in.
Walk-in times: 9:00am & 1:30pm
Note that you should arrive at least a half hour in advance. On popular days, the line can get long fast.
You must bring your passport to show at the ticket booth to enter.

Because every South Korean president lived here, The Blue House was always pretty closed off to the public. There were special events held sometimes, but it was much like the American White House where few people have seen the interior. The new President Yoon Suk-Yeol, who was elected in 2022, decided not to live there and opened the residence up to the public.

Opening up Cheongwadae was a controversial decision but President Yoon strongly voiced his opinions that the Blue House was a symbol of Korea’s legacy of imperial presidencies. He vowed to return the compound to the public and move his office to the defense ministry building in Yongsan. It could be that this tourist attraction is limited to this president’s 5-year term though, so you should go see it while you can!

History of the Blue House

The land that the Blue House is on was originally a royal villa in Hanyang, the capital of the Goryeo Dynasty. Once Joseon took over and Gyeongbokgung Palace was built, it became the back garden of the palace. During the Japanese occupation, they built a government administrative building there.

When the Republic of Korea was established in 1948, the first president Syngman Rhee renamed the building to “Gyeong Mu Dae” and he used it as an office as well as a place of residence. The fourth president of South Korea, Yun Bo-seon, changed the name to Cheongwadae, which literally means “The Blue House” after the signature blue tiling on the roof.

All of the Korean presidents have used this for both their residence and official offices until the latest one, President Yoon Suk-Yeol. After a Presidential decree, The Blue House was declared a public park this year, 2022, and opened to the people for the first time since it was built. You can imagine how excited citizens and tourists have been to visit. There is a limit of 6,500 people that can enter every two hours by reservation for this reason.

Rhee Syngman (이승만) – The first president of South Korea
Yun Bo-Seon (윤보선) – President with the shortest term at 1 year and 224 days.
Park Chung-Hee (박정희) – The longest-serving president at 15 years, 10 months, and 10 days. This is about 3 times the length of a current presidential term in Korea.
Roh Tae-Woo (노태우) – The first president of the sixth and current Republic of Korea.
Park Geun-Hye (박근혜) – The first female president of South Korea, also inspired the largest weekly protest in South Korean history with 10 million people joining.
Moon Jae-In (문재인) – Stepped over the demarcation line at JSA and similarly welcomed Kim Jong Un to step into the south marking the first time since the Korean War a North Korean leader had entered South Korea.

Walking into Cheongwadae, you can feel the excitement of everyone there to see a building that’s been closed for so long. It feels like an incredibly fancy building, and it’s always cool to see cultural sites because you can feel all of the history in a place when you walk around.

Main Office Building (청와대 본관)

This is probably the most recognizable place in all of Cheongwadae. It’s the building that has the blue tiles on the roof that gave the property its name. It has been used as the official presidential office since it was built in 1911 to 2022. Since it’s been opened to the public, it’s been made into a museum of the lives of presidents while they used this space.

Each room in the building shows a different purpose for it, while at the end there’s a display of all of the First Ladies of South Korea. This is also the most popular building, and the line tends to be long. If you want to see it, it should be either the first or last thing you visit while at Cheongwadae.

Yeongbingwan (영빈관)

Yeongbingwan is the state reception hall. This was the place where the president would host guests from other countries. There would be traditional dance performances and banquets here to welcome other heads of state.

Presidential Residence (대통령관저)

This was the home of presidents and their families while they were in office, kept separately from the main building. It includes three sections: Bonchae, which is the actual living space; Byeolchae, which is the reception space, and Sarangchae. This last room is traditionally used as a study by the men of the house.

Sangchunjae (상춘재)

Designed similar to the Presidential Residence, Sangchunjae is a place where traditional Korean artwork is displayed to guests. It’s also a place where receptions and unofficial meetings are held.

Nokjiwon (녹지원)

This is a massive outdoor space that’s perfect for sitting with a picnic blanket and relaxing on a nice day which they might start allowing any day. There are a lot of different trees here, including commemorative trees planted by each president.

Chunchugwan (춘추관)

Built in 1990, this building is the newest addition to Cheongwadae. It’s used for official presidential announcements and for the Press Secretary to give news briefings. The name comes from the record-keeping office of the Goryeo Dynasty.

Chilgung Palace (칠궁)

The name of this building literally means “Seven Palaces”. It’s the place where the spirit tablets of the seven concubines who birthed kings of the Joseon Dynasty are enshrined. According to Confucian beliefs, it’s incredibly important to respect your elders in life and honor them in death, so it’s a necessity for their spirits to be preserved in tablets like this. If you’re wondering where everyone else’s spirit tablets are, you can visit Jongmyo Shrine , which is nearby. That is where all of the kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty’s spirits are preserved.

So you made it out to the Blue House and you want to spend the day in the area. Well there’s plenty to do!

Tongin Market

This is a really fun traditional market with a bit of a twist. You can buy traditional style coins and then shop around from vendor to vendor getting food but instead of getting big bowls of soup and platefuls of chicken, you get mini-versions of everything which is ideal if you want to sort of taste test the goods and just see what you like. Most markets serve up great food but it’s big serving sizes and if you don’t know what you’re getting, you might be afraid to try new things. This is a great way to try a lot of tiny dishes of Korean market food. See what you like!

Find out more about Tongin Market

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The largest of the Korean palaces sitting right in front of the Blue House can’t be overlooked of course. Where the Joseon Kings sat and where the presidents of Korean history sat? See them both in the same day if you can. Or the same night. Throughout the year, there are special night viewings of the palaces downtown which can’t be beat. If you’ve seen Gyeongbokgung by day, try to see it by night this time.

Find out more about Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

The Seoul MMCA is a fabulous art museum just east of Gyeongbokgung Palace. There are always amazing exhibitions there and the layout itself and buildings that make up the museum are also really interesting too. Stop in and see what’s going on when you’re in the area.

Find out more about the Seoul Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

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How To Visit The Blue House In Seoul: A Guide To Cheongwadae: Did you know you can now visit the Blue House, aka Cheongwadae, aka the former Korean President's home and office? Open to the public now!

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Thanks for providing the online reservation link for residents. Very helpful!

Stephanie von Wellinghoff

Many thanks Alexis, I am so grateful for this very insightful story which helped me a lot. I was lucky to get in, and can only warmly recommend visiting the Blue House. What a wonderful house, and what a proud and culturally rich nation!

Thank you for the info inside your article. Do vistors still need to make online reservations for visiting Blue House now? Where is the gathering place, at the Cheongwadae gate or at the east parking lot besides Gyeongbokgung ? Thank you. Vera

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How to Visit The Blue House in Korea (Cheongwadae)

Last Updated: Nov 11, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

One of Korea’s biggest mysteries is Cheongwadae — also known as the Blue House in Seoul. It’s quite a secluded place, and was heavily restricted for a long time. The only thing passersby could see were the buildings and pavilions that had the iconic blue tiles formed to honor traditional Korean architecture.

For 74 years, it served to house the South Korean president, and only they were able to enter the building. However, special access was granted to some of the president’s trusted colleagues, as well as special foreign delegates who had business to do in Korea.

Visiting the Blue House in Korea can teach you about Korea’s extensive political and cultural past, and how it has shaped the country into what it is today.

Cheongwadae is conveniently located in the heart of Seoul, and the nearest station is the same one that directly takes you straight to Gyeongbokgung Palace, another political heritage site that offers a free guided tour on all days except Tuesdays.

Note that the guided tours of Cheongwadae Seoul are only given to those who have made prior reservations. If you wish to reserve a slot, please visit their official website . Also, keep in mind that the Blue House is closed on Mondays and special holidays.

Getting to The Blue House

What is cheongwadae , history of the blue house in seoul, how to visit the blue house as a tourist, tips for visiting the blue house, seoul blue house faq.

To get to the Blue House, the closest subway station is Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3). You can also ride the Seoul Autonomous Bus , which has a stop outside Gyeongbok Palace, and then the route eventually takes you to the Hyojaro entrance of Cheongwadae.

Note that these buses run from 9AM to 5PM. Beyond 5pm, you can ride a taxi from the Seoul Station and the fee is just ₩6900. There are three notable landmarks near Cheongwadae other than Gyeongbokgung Palace.

We have National Museum of Korea, which contains the best collection of Korean history and art, followed by Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional neighborhood that has preserved its traditional charm, and finally Namsan Tower, a communications tower that is also a skyscraper that offers the best views of Seoul.

As some people may initially think, the Blue House is definitely not a rip-off of the US White House. But it definitely fulfilled the same purpose; that is, until the current president decided to change the site into a public park, and moved all operations to a military facility in Yongsan-gu.

So, if it’s not a parody of the White House, then where did the Blue House get its name? It comes from the Korean nickname for Cheongwadae, which has a vivid blue-tiled roof that has remained unchanged throughout the years. Several renovations were made to improve the presidential home, but the roof has stayed on over the years.

The blue tiles go all the way back to the Goryeo dynasty, and I’m not a historian, but during my research I learned that it was a belief during this period that a home with a blue roof is a symbol of wealth. Also, if you’ve seen the White House before, and then came to visit Cheongwadae in Seoul, you may be surprised that it’s not a single building, but a complex of multiple structures.

The Blue House is actually three times larger than the White House. It’s also in a pretty ideal location, and is just a convenient walk away from several historical landmarks, like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.

One of the most notable features of the Korean Blue House is the elegant mix of traditional Korean architecture with modern elements. These are beautifully incorporated into the main building, its surrounding pavilions, and the fountain at front.

If you also take a stroll in the large garden, you get a clear view of the Bukhansan, flanked by the Naksan and the Inwangsan mountain ranges. If you plan to visit, make sure you have secured a reservation on the Korea Blue House website first, although you can just walk in as long as you do not have plans to join the tour.

Visitors are required to wear formal attire like a suit, but you can also rent a hanbok for a day and still be considered suitable. Moreover, if you wear a hanbok, you can get into the nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace for free.

The Blue House originally was a villa built by the royal family during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1932), and was later considered during the Joseon Era (1392-1910) to be a site so sacred that no king could dare to enter.

In the mid-19 th century, it was turned into a military training ground called the Gyeongmudae , and was also wide enough to host the gwageo , or the civil service examinations. When the Japan-Korea Treaty was imposed on the Korean Empire, a building was erected to house the Japanese Colonial Government General throughout the Japanese occupation.

After defeating Japan in 1948, it became the official residence of Korea’s first president.

For years it kept the name Gyeongmudae, until it was officially changed into Cheongwadae, following the inauguration of Yun Boseon during the Second Republic. Park Chung-hee, the controversial president that served for 18 years until his assassination in 1979, was largely responsible for adding structures to the lot.

The gregarious main building, along with several embellishments, were completed during the sixth president Roh Tae-woo’s term after the successful 1988 Summer Olympics. More sections were made to accommodate the incoming foreign leaders and delegates that were impressed by Korea, and thus came for state visits.

Back when it served as a presidential home, tours were allowed in limited areas only. It was only just recently that people were granted full access; and this was merely because the president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol decided to relocate the presidential office.

It was rumored that the reason for moving was “ bad feng shui ”, but the president also argued that making the former home into a public park is a touching gesture that promises open communication and transparency with the people.

Currently, the president has opted to commute from his home to the new office , built in a Defense Ministry complex near Yongsan Park. Now that you can freely explore areas that were not open to the public before, there were some recent additions to the tour that you will for sure enjoy.

Some of the memorable places you encounter are the Cheongwadae Bongwan , or the former executive office of the president, the Yeongbingwan , or the state reception hall large enough to hold banquets, and three sections of the Daetongryeong Gwanjeo , where the presidents and their families used to live.

The most interesting part of the tour, however, is the Chilgung Palace , which literally means “Seven Palaces”. Here, you can find seven spirit tablets of the concubines who birthed seven notable Joseon kings.

Other interesting spirit tablets can be found in Jongmyo Shrine , which is in a different location entirely, but is still near that area. A fun tidbit that you should know is that there is a once-secret trail leading to Bugaksan Mountain behind Cheongwadae.

It’s somewhere near the Presidential Residence, and along the short trail, you will discover a Stone Buddha seated on a square pedestal. This is just mentioned in passing during the tour, so once it ends, you should definitely check it out.

Expect the tour to last around an hour and thirty minutes. Dress appropriately to avoid any snags, and remember that the event starts strictly on time, so report to the Public Information Hall at least 20 minutes before the set time.

Taking pictures of the area is permitted, but only at designated places indicated by the tour guide. You are also expected to honor privacy, so if there are events going on, do not take pictures unless allowed to do so.

To visit Cheongwadae Seoul, make a reservation on the official website ; simply click “Visit Cheongwadae” on the homepage to get started. Then in the drop-down menu, click “Visit for Tourists” and fill out the online reservation form and state your preferred visit date.

Within the day, a confirmation of your reservation will be sent to your email (so if you haven’t received it, check your spam folder). Note that, to be able to register on the official website, you need to have a local mobile number, which you can get by purchasing a sim card at Incheon Airport .

You can also register on-site by heading over to the General Information Center of the Main Gate, but only a maximum of 500 visitors are allowed per session. This is the best option you can take if you don’t have a Korean phone number.

Make sure to bring important IDs for verification purposes (like your passport or Alien Registration Card). But still, to be able to join the tour, it’s best if you secure a reservation online ahead of time, because about 10,000 people come to see the Korean Blue House weekly.

If you are not proficient in hangeul (the site is in Korean), and the staff handling the registration may not speak a lick of English, you should download Papago (find the download link here). This app is the most accurate translating tool, commonly used by locals to communicate with foreigners, along with a few other common apps .

Before coming to the Blue House, you must keep in mind that this is an official landmark that requires visitors to dress formally or in traditional Korean clothing. Avoid revealing outfits and shorts, in particular. If you violate the dress code, be understanding as to why they cannot let you in.

Arrive to the meeting place at least 20 minutes before your tour starts. They will not wait for you and will not let you join midway because you missed the instructions. The park is also pretty big, so never lose sight of your tour guide and follow their instructions.

Be mindful of your gestures and jokes, because certain jokes may offend locals who join you on the tour.

Why is the blue house so famous?

- The Blue House is known as the former residence of past South Korean presidents. It also has a vibrant blue roof curved elegantly on top of the main building, which has withstood the test of time. Tourists flock to this place to have an in-depth understanding about the presidents that shaped the country into what it is today, and admire the traditional architecture

Can you visit the Blue House in Korea?

- Yes, unlike before, Cheongwadae in Seoul is no longer limited to official delegations and invited guests. The scope of the tour has changed tremendously, and it now features areas that were off-limits to guests before. To join a Blue House tour, make sure you have secured a ticket online ahead of time, though you can always take your chances by arriving really early at the General Information Center.

Where does the South Korean president live now?

- Upon the inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol in May 2022, Cheongwadae was converted into a public park. For his office he now reports to the Defense Ministry Compound in Yongsan-gu, and has made arrangements to commute there from his house in Southern Seoul.

Has BTS been to the Blue House? - BTS has definitely been to the Blue House. In late 2018, former President Moon Jae-in invited the group to discuss their role as Cultural Ambassadors, after recognizing the impact their music has on the world and how their contributions have supported the nation in its economic growth and tourism.

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Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) & Getting There | Seoul, South Korea

Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) 청와대

서울특별시 종로구 청와대로 1 (세종로) | 1, Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Online booking & on-site application available for touring the presidential compound.

Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3, exit 4). 15 mins walk.

Anguk Station (line 3, exit 1). 20 mins walk.

www.opencheongwadae.kr

Located with Bugaksan Mountain in the background, Cheong Wa Dae (or Blue House) is the official office and residence for Korean Presidents from 1948 to 2022 . Since the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, it has accommodated President Syngman Rhee to President Moon Jae-in .

The Opening of Cheong Wa Dae to the Public in 74 years

On 10 May 2022 , f ollowing the relocation of the presidential office to the defence ministry building in Yongsan District, Cheong Wa Dae was opened to the public for the first time in 74 years, on the day of inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol .

Cheong Wa Dae Tour

Visitors can freely tour Cheong Wa Dae by making an appointment online or via on-site application. Admission is free.

There are 3 entrance gates to Cheong Wa Dae, namely the Yeongbinmun Gate (west), main gate (center) and Chunchumun (Spring & Autumn) Gate (east).

1. Online Application ( reserve1.opencheongwadae.kr )

09:00 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:30).

Closed on Tuesdays.

First come first serve.

Reservation can be made up to 4 weeks in advance.

Up to 6 participants allowed per individual reservation.

Local mobile number required for identify verification.

2. On-site Application

Issuance at the General Information Center of the Main Gate.

09:00 & 13:30.

Maximum of 500 visitors per session.

Recommended option for foreign visitors to South Korea.

No smoking allowed inside Cheong Wa Dae.

In case of rain, access to the interior of the major buildings may be restricted for damage prevention.

Wearing a mask outdoor is strongly recommended, mask must be worn indoors though.

Map of Key Attractions at Cheong Wa Dae

Cheong Wa Dae - Tour Map | Seoul, South Korea

1. Main Office Building - The central building used for the office of the President and reception of foreign guests.

2. Yongbingwan (State Guest House) - The building where large-scale conferences and official events for foreign state guests were held.

3. Presidential Residence - The place where the president and his family live.

4. Sugung Site - The present site of Sugung was the site of Sugung that protected the royal palace at that time.

5. Sangchunjae - A venue for ceremonial events and informal meetings to introduce Korean style houses to foreign distinguished guests visiting the Blue House.

6. Nokjiwon Garden - The most beautiful place on the grounds of the Blue House where 120 species of trees and commemorative plantings of past presidents are located.

7. President's Office - The Office of the President of the Republic of Korea.

8. Chunchugwan (Spring & Autumn Hall) - Built to be used as a press conference venue for the President and as a reporting room for reporters.

9. Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Garden - A public rest park.

10. Chilgung Shrine - The place where the tablets of concubines who given birth to a King during the Joseon Dynasty are enshrined.

Hike the Once-forbidden Bugaksan Mountain (Southern)

With the opening of Cheong Wa Dae, the southern hiking trails of Bugaksan Mountain (also known as Mt. Baegak) behind Cheong Wa Dae was also opened to the public for the first time in 54 years , on 6 April 2022.

The short loop trail starts from behind the Presidential Residence back to Cheong Wa Dae compound. Key highlights along the trail include the Stone Buddha Seated on a Square Pedestal from Gyeongju and Ounjeong Pavilion .

Cheong Wa Dae - Bugaksan Mountain (Southern) - Seated Stone Buddha

💡 Map of Bugaksan Mountain (Southern) Hiking Course

For those keen to explore the southern trails of Bugaksan Mountain more extensively, you can enter/exit the trails via Samcheong Information Center or Chigung Information Center , located outside Cheong Wa Dae.

Bugaksan Mountain - Southern Trail - Signs to Cheongwadae Observatory

Road to Cheong Wa Dae in Autumn

During autumn , the road leading to Cheong Wa Dae, along the stone-wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace (Sinmumun Gate) turned into gorgeous shades of yellow from the ginkgo trees. A lovely sight to behold on the relaxing walk.

Cheong Wa Dae - Road leading to Blue House

Map of Getting to Cheong Wa Dae

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Cheongwadae, also known as the Blue House, is the Korean presidential residence. Located in central Seoul, visitors may visit Cheongwadae through an official tour. The presidential office, reception hall, and conference room are located in Cheongwadae's main building. The residence's grounds have a pond and gardens that reach to the foot of Bugaksan Mountain. Reservations for tours must be made in advance; reservations can be made as far as 6 months in advance and no sooner than 20 days before the desired tour date.

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장기 폭염 예상 기간 프로그램 운영 중단: 7.23. ~ 8.11.
예약은 관광일 기준 최소 3일 전 까지 가능합니다.
3인 미만은 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
기존 등록된 예약 중 그룹별 정원을 초과하지 않는 예약에 한하여 1일 전 17시 까지 추가 예약 가능합니다.
다음달 예약은 전달 15일 이 후부터 가능합니다.
발열 또는 호흡기 증상(열, 기침, 가래, 근육통, 코막힘, 인후통 등)이 있는 경우 프로그램 참여를 삼가하여 주시기 바랍니다.
보호자가 동반하지 않는 만 14세 미만의 아동 관광객의 경우 현장에서 취소됩니다.
기상특보(폭염, 태풍, 호우, 미세먼지 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (발효 즉시 취소처리) ※예약 당일 기상특보를 상시 확인 바랍니다.
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 서울도보해설관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
한국어를 모국어로 사용하는 대한민국 국민의 경우, 외국어 해설 신청이 불가능합니다.
예약은 관광일 기준 최대 5개월 전부터 최소 5일 전 까지 신청 가능합니다.
희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
특히 주말 및 공휴일, 봄(4~5월) 가을(9~11월) 성수기에는 예약이 조기마감 되오니 이 점 유의하여 주시기 바랍니다.
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다. (최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
경복궁, 창덕궁, 창경궁, 덕수궁 35인 이상 관람 시, 해당 궁궐 사이트에서 15일 전 단체 입장신청이 필요합니다. (2014.1.1.부터 시행)
해설 진행 시 발생하는 안전사고에 대해서 도보관광 사무국과 서울문화관광해설사는 책임을 지지 않습니다.
예약은 관광일 기준 최소 1주일 전까지 가능합니다.
덕수궁의 경우 복지카드를 지참한 관광객에 한하여 무료입장이 가능합니다. ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
보호자 또는 보조자가 동반하지 않을 경우 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 별도의 보조자가 없는 경우 사무국으로 문의 바랍니다. (02-6925-0777)
예약확인을 위해 도보관광 사무국(02-6925-0777)에서 확인 연락이 진행됩니다.(최소 5일~한달 전)3회 이상 전화통화가 이뤄지지 않을 시 예약이 취소될 수 있습니다.
덕수궁의 경우 복지카드를 지참한 관광객에 한하여 무료입장이 가능합니다. ※ 중증(1~3급) 동반인 포함 2명 무료 ※ 경증(4~6급) 장애인 본인 1인만 무료
본 프로그램은 수화해설 중심으로 진행되며, 수화가 불가능한 경우 이용이 불가합니다.
본 코스는 보행약자(거동이 불편한 고령자, 장애인, 유모차 이용자 등)를 위한 코스입니다.
보호자를 동반하지 않을 시 이용이 불가능 합니다.※ 보행약자 1명당 보호자 최소 1인 이상 동반 ※ 전동보장구(전동휠체어, 전동스쿠터 등) 사용자의 경우 보호자 1인당 보행약자 최대 4인까지 동반 가능 희망하시는 날짜 및 코스에 활동가능한 해설사가 없는 경우 예약은 취소될 수 있습니다.
미세먼지 비상저감조치 발령 및 기타 기상악화(폭염, 태풍, 폭우 등)로 인해 도보관광 운영이 어려운 경우 모든 예약은 일괄 취소됩니다. (관광일 전날 기준)
Reservations must be made at least three days prior to the tour date.
Additional reservations, one or two days before the tour starts, are only allowed for the tour that is already fixed.
In the case of group tour, more than 10people, please contact us by e-mail.
Reservations for the following month are available from the 15th of the current month.
Please refrain from participating in any tour programs should you be experiencing any symptoms, including fever, coughing, congestion, muscle pain, stuffy nose, and/or sore throat.
Reservations for tourists 14 years & under without an accompanying adult or guardian shall be canceled on site.
All reservations will be canceled in the event of a weather warning being issued. (e.g. heatwave, typhoon, heavy rain, fine dust, etc.) (Cancellation will be processed immediately upon implementation) ※ Please always check the weather warning on the day of the reservation on the site below. (https://www.accuweather.com/en/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
The Seoul Guided Walking Tour administration office and tour guide affiliates are not responsible for any accidents that happen to occur during the tour program.
Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6925-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
予約は観光予定日を基準に３日前までとさせて頂きます。
個人予約：最大１０名 ※京福級、昌徳宮、昌慶宮は２０名様までご予約頂けます。
既にご予約されたコースの中で、グループ別の定員を超えない予約に限り、観光予定日の１日前の１７まで追加での予約が可能です。
翌月のご予約は前月の１５日から可能です。
発熱または呼吸症状（熱、咳、痰、筋肉痛、鼻づまり、喉の痛みなど）がある場合は、解説プログラムへのご参加はお控えください。
保護者を同伴しない１４歳未満の児童観光客は、現場でキャンセルとなります。
気象特報（猛暑、台風、豪雨、PM2.5）によりウォーキングツアーの運営が難しいと判断された場合、全ての予約は中止とさせて頂きます。（発効後直ちにキャンセルを行う） ※ 下記のリンクにてご予約当日の気象特報をご確認ください。 (https://www.accuweather.com/ja/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
観光中に発生する安全事故について、ソウル徒歩解説観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は責任を負いません。
予約は観光日を基準として少なくとも１週間前まで可能です。
本コースは、移動弱者（移動が不自由な高齢者、障害者、ベビーカー利用者など）のためのコースです。
補助人（或いは同行人）を伴わない場合は利用できません。　 ※歩行弱者１人当たり少なくとも１人以上の補助人を伴う　 ※電動補助具（電動車椅子、電動スクーターなど）使用者の場合、補助人１当たり歩行弱者最大４人まで同伴可能
ご希望の日付及びコースに活動可能な解説士がいない場合、予約はキャンセルされることがあります。
予約を確認するため、徒歩観光事務局（02-6925-0777）で確認のための連絡が行われます。（少なくとも５日～１ヶ月前）３回以上電話が通じない場合、予約が取り消されることがあります。
解説を進行する時に発生する安全事故に対し、徒歩観光事務局とソウル文化観光解説士は責任を負いません。
观光日基准最少3日前方可进行预约。
最多可申请10人。 (※ 景福宫, 昌德宫, 昌庆宫是例外最多可申请20人)
在已登记的预约团体中，只接待不超过预约人数的团体，可在前一天17时前追加预约。
下个月的预约可从前一月15日开始。
如有发热或呼吸道症状（发烧、咳嗽、痰液、肌肉痛、鼻塞、咽喉痛等），请避免参与解说活动。
无保护者随同的未满14岁儿童游客，会在现场取消解说活动。
气象特报(酷暑、台风、暴雨、雾霾等)导致徒步观光项目暂停时，所有预约将一律被取消。 (发布紧急措施时立即取消) ※ 请在以下网站上随时确认预约当天的气象特报。 (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
对于解说活动中发生的安全事故，首尔徒步解说旅游事务局和首尔文化观光解说社不予负责。
观光日基准最少1日前方可进行预约。
本线路是为了行动不便者(行动不便的高龄者、残疾人、婴儿车利用者等)的路线。
无辅助人员(或同行人)伴随时，不可利用。 ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的辅助人员陪同。 ※ 电动辅助器具(电动轮椅、电动独轮车等)使用者时，每一位辅助人员最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
希望观光的日期及线路上无解说员时，预约有可能被取消。
为了确认预约，徒步观光事务局(02-6925-0777)会致电进行确认。 (最少5日~一个月前) 3次以上无法连接时，预约将被取消。
进行解说时，对于有可能发生的安全事故，徒步观光事务局和首尔文化观光解说员概不负责。
最晚請於預約日期3天前完成預約。
最多可申請10人。 (※ 景福宮, 昌德宮, 昌慶宮是例外最多可申請20人)
已完成預約的團體若人數超過限制，可於前一天下午5點前追加預約。
每月15日將開放下個月的預約。
若有發燒或呼吸道症狀(發燒、咳嗽、咳痰、肌肉酸痛、鼻塞、喉嚨痛)，請避免參與本活動。
未有保護者同行的未滿14歲兒童遊客，會在現場取消參與資格。
氣象特報(酷暑、颱風、暴雨、霧霾等）而導致徒步觀光無法進行時，將一律取消所有預約。 (發布限令時將立即取消) ※ 請在以下網站上隨時確認預約當天的氣象特報。 (https://www.accuweather.com/zh/kr/seoul/226081/weather-forecast/226081)
進行解說時，對於有可能發生的安全事故，首爾徒步解說觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光解說員概不負責。
觀光日基準最少1日前方可進行預約。
本線路是為了行動不便者(行動不便的高齡者、殘疾人、嬰兒車利用者等)的路線。
無輔助人員(或同行人)伴隨時，不可利用。 ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的輔助人員陪同。 ※ 電動輔助器具(電動輪椅、電動獨輪車等)使用者時，每壹位輔助人員最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
希望觀光的日期及線路上無解說員時，預約有可能被取消。
為了確認預約，徒步觀光事務局(02-6925-0777)會致電進行確認。 (最少5日~壹個月前) 3次以上無法連接時，預約將被取消。
進行解說時，對於有可能發生的安全事故，徒步觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光解說員概不負責。

How to Visit Korea’s Cheong Wa Dae (The Blue House)

How to Visit Korea’s Cheong Wa Dae (The Blue House)

Cover Photo Credit: TIME

The Blue House, also known as the Cheong Wa Dae, was the executive office and official residence of the President of the Republic of Korea. Located in the heart of Seoul, the Blue House serves as a symbol of the Korean government and a center of political power. In May 2022, the Blue House was opened to the public as a public park. This is the first time the private Cheong Wa Dae has been open for public visitors since its 74-year construction. Read on to learn more about how to visit the Blue House in Korea.

The National Cemetery and Memorial Day in Seoul, Korea

Make online reservations to the Blue House

If you want to visit the Blue House during your trip to Seoul, you can make reservations online in advance. Senior citizens over 65 years of age, disabled people, veterans, and foreigners can apply for on-site admission. Applications are accepted twice daily (9:00 am and 1:30 pm, 500 people per session) at the general information center at the main gate.

To make reservations online, you will need to visit the official website of the Blue House and navigate to the reservation page. From there, you will be able to select a date and time that is convenient for you, and provide some basic personal information such as your name and contact details. You will also need to select the number of tickets you want to reserve and entry is free. Once your reservation is confirmed, you will receive a bar code with details on how to access the Blue House on the day of your visit. It's important to note that the Blue House is only open to the public for a limited number of days each year, and reservations can fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to book in advance to ensure that you get a spot.

10 Korean National Parks You Must Visit

Visiting Hours

March to November: 9 AM to 6 PM (Last admissions 5:30 PM)

December to February: 9 AM to 5:30 PM (Last admission 5:00 PM)

Closed every Tuesday

For more information about reservations and visiting times and dates: https://www.opencheongwadae.kr/sub0303

Reservation Website: https://reserve.opencheongwadae.kr/

Address: 1 , Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Travel information for foreigners: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Hiking Trails at Bugak Mountain behind the Blue House

Photo Credit: opencheongwadae

For more information about the three hiking trails behind Cheong Wa Dae: https://www.opencheongwadae.kr/trail-course

For more information about the sites you will pass along the hiking paths: https://www.opencheongwadae.kr/trail-relic

The Blue House facilities

Photo Credit: opencheonghwadae

For more information about each specific building: https://www.opencheongwadae.kr/trail-relic

For three suggested routes when touring the Blue House: https://www.opencheongwadae.kr/eng/sub0204

Why did the President open Cheong Hwa Dae?

Read President Yoon’s message here: https://www.opencheongwadae.kr/eng/open-message

Read a TIME magazine analysis of the President’s decision: https://time.com/6188623/south-korea-blue-house-public-opening-rain/

Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House)

Cheong Wa Dae, or Blue House, is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Korea. It was built with traditional Korean architectural styles. The name comes from the translation of Cheong Wa Dae which means “pavilion of blue tiles.”

In 1104, King Sukjong built a royal villa at this location. When Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395, the villa was used as a rear palace garden.

The area of Cheong Wa Dae was used by Governor-General of Korea as his residence and office during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the first part of the twentieth century. This building was known as Gyeongmudae.

After the occupation, the Republic of Korea was founded. Gyeongmudae was used as the residence and office of the president, who at the time was Syngman Rhee.

On December 30, 1960, President Yun Bo-seon renamed the residence as Cheong Wa Dae, after its beautiful blue tiles. These tiles are now a cultural icon of Korea.

Table of Contents

Tour of Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House)

Reservations are required to take tours.

Learn more about taking a tour Cheong Wa Dae.

Cheong Wa Dae Blue House Hours

Tours are available at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 15:00 from September 17 to June 30. Tours are available at 10:00, 11:00, 15:00, and 16:00 from July 1 to September 16.

There are no tours on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.

Tours are free

How to get to Cheong Wa Dae Blue House

Take Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (Exit 5).

Additional Resources

Save money while exploring Seoul with Rakuten's cashback program. By booking hotels through Rakuten, visitors can earn cashback rewards and enjoy significant savings. Exclusive partnerships and deals make stays in Seoul more affordable, freeing up funds for attractions, dining, and other experiences. I use Rakuten for cashback on all of my hotel stays in Seoul.

If you sign up using the link below, you will get $30 cashback after your first purchase.

Learn more about Rakuten

Klook is a reliable online platform offering discounted tickets and reservations for attractions and services in Seoul. It covers theme parks, museums, transportation, WiFi, tours, and more. Travelers can save time and money by booking through Klook's user-friendly interface, with secure transactions and helpful customer support.

If you sign up using the link below, you will get $5 off your first order.

Last Updated on Oct 21, 2023

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Walking sticks and cameras in hand, visitors tour Korea's newly open Blue House

The main gate of the Blue House opens at 11:37 a.m. on Tuesday as the pre-selected visitors wait to be the first ones to walk in. [YONHAP]

Visitors storm into the Blue House on Tuesday, the first day of its public opening. [YIM SEUNG-HYE]

Blue House tour map [CULTURAL HERITAGE ADMINISTRATION]

Visitors look around the Chimnyugak Pavilion on Tuesday. [NEWS1]

Gyeongju Stone Buddha Seated on a Square Pedestal located behind the Official Residence [NEWS1]

Ounjeong Pavilion located behind the Official Residence [NEWS1]

The Official Residence is one of the most popular attraction of the Blue House on Tuesday. [NEWS1]

Visitors to the Blue House can't access the inside of the buildings but can get a sneak peek through a glass window. The photograph shows the inside of the Official Residence. [NEWS1]

Visitors watch to the Blue House’s first public opening on Tuesday watch Jongmyo Jeryeak (ritual music performed for Confucian ancestral worship rites).

A performance is being held inside the Chilgun Shrine, which houses ancestral tablets of royal concubines who gave birth to some of the kings of the Joseon Dynasty 1392-1910), on Tuesday. [NEWS1]

Yeongbingwan, or State Guest House, inside the Blue House [YONHAP]

Jeong Man-seok, 90, visiting the Blue House on Tuesday with his walking stick. [YIM SEUNG-HYE]

Various traditional performances are being held at different corners of the Blue House until May 22. [NEWS1]

More in Korean Heritage

14th-century Buddhist relics to return to Korea on Thursday

CHA to begin second phase of preservation treatment on vandalized palace wall

Blue House website gets multilingual makeover as it adds Japanese, Chinese services

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Guide On How To Visit The Blue House (Chengwadae) Residence in Seoul South Korea

1 ABOUT CHEONG WA DAE
2.1 Chunchugwan
2.2 Blue House visitor center
2.3 Camp tents recreation area
2.4 President’s Residence
2.5 Sangchunjae Guest House
2.6 The Main Building
2.7 Yeongbingwan
3 Planning Your Visit at The Blue House
4.1 Via KLOOK
4.2.1 If you’re a citizen or resident of South Korea:
4.2.2 If you are a tourist visiting South Korea:
5 Watch our Cheongwadae Tour

ABOUT CHEONG WA DAE

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE BLUE HOUSE

Chunchugwan.

Blue House visitor center

blue house vistor center cheong wa dae tour

Camp tents recreation area

President’s Residence

Sangchunjae Guest House

The Main Building

global k friends 2022 cheong wa dae tour

Yeongbingwan

Planning Your Visit at The Blue House

How to visit cheongwadae.

Thru their official website

If you’re a citizen or resident of south korea :.

Simply register on the Cheongwadae website: https://reserve1.opencheongwadae.kr/
Registration is possible up to four weeks ahead of time.
Each reservation can accommodate up to 6 persons.
To prove your identification, you must provide a local cellphone number.

If you are a tourist visiting South Korea:

Walk-in times: 9:00am & 1:30pm
Note that you should arrive at least a half hour in advance.
You must bring your passport to show at the ticket booth to enter.

Watch our Cheongwadae Tour

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Korean Hanbok Experience In Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul

Jacque is a travel, food and lifestyle blogger. She has been blogging since 2008. At the age of 20, she started exploring instagrammable places, discovering fascinating cultures, trying various cuisines, and taking amazing photos from local and international travel destinations. Alongside her adventures, she passionately creates Hallyu content, with her ULTs being SHINee and iKON, among others like BTS, GOT7, and SKZ.

The Blue House

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The Blue House, Seoul

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South Korea

Cheong Wa Dae, Guided Tour to the Blue House

P eople have some particular fascination with the top office of the country. In the UK, it’s Buckingham Palace, in the USA, it’s the White House. In South Korea, it’s quite similar – people go to visit The Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae). It’s interesting to see where the top government meetings take place and get a glimpse of the President’s life.

Cheong Wa Dae means “building with blue (청 – ‘Cheong’) roof tiles (와 – ‘wa’). That’s why in English, the President Complex is The Blue House. It’s located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, at the site of Gyeongmudae (archery range). At this location, civil service examinations, military recruitment, and martial arts competitions took place. In the back of Blue House is Bugaksan Mountain, one of the four mountains surrounding the old city of Seoul. From the garden, in front of the President’s Office, you can enjoy the fantastic views of Namsan and the city of Seoul.

Cheong Wa Dae was the home to the executive office and the residence of the President of South Korea. The complex also accommodates the Presidential Secretariat and Press Center. President Youn Posun (1960-62, 4th presidential term) first used Cheong Wa Dae to describe its office and residence. As of May 10, 2022 the Blue House is open to the public because president Yoon Suk-yeol moved its official office to Yongsan. Now, you can tour the grounds of the Blue House and explore areas what were not open to the public before.

How to Book?

To visit the Blue House, you must make an online reservation on the Blue House website. Online reservation is only possible for Korean citizens and foreign long-term residents in Korea (you must use a Korean phone number to verify your identity.

If you are just a visitor to Korea, there’s still a possibility to tour the Blue House. Online pre-reservation is not available at the moment, but there are 500 spots a day reserved for walk-ins on a first-come first-get basis. You just need to show up at the designated times: 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM. (make sure to come a bit early to secure a spot).

Getting There

The tour starts from the Blue House 3 gates – left, central and right. Make sure to go at least 20 min before the actual start of the tour. You might have to show your reservation, and/or passport/ID for a check-up. Make sure to wear mask at all time during the tour.

``Cheong Wa Dae Access Badge``

``Present from the President``

The blue house tour.

The tour starts at Chunchugwan – the press center of Blue House. Chunchugwan is where journalists get briefed on government policies. You will go through a security check. Note that currently there’s no guided tours and not much information in English, but I believe this will change in the foreseeable future.

As you might expect, the buildings and surrounding green and service areas are carefully maintained. Expect to see lots of people (up to 10,000 people a day can be let to tour the grounds of the Blue House).

Presidential Residence | 대통령관저

The President’s Residence was never opened to the public, so it’ might be the hilight of the tour. Make sure not to miss it. It’s in the upper part of the Blue House grounds. The residence consists of two hanok style buildings, small garden and beautiful pavilion.

``170 years old umbrella pine tree``

``Nokjiwon Selfie with a friend``

Nokjiwon is a garden with a 170-year-old umbrella pine tree and three Korean red pine trees. The lawn is often used for outdoor events like concerts or press conferences. It connects the president residence with the office buildings of the Blue House. Just a move is the guest house used for designated foreign guests.

Sangchunjae | 상춘재

Sangchunjae is a beautiful hanok house in front of Nokjiwon. The building accommodates state guests and important visitors of Cheong Wa De. Sangchunjae means “eternal spring.”

Sugungteo is the site of the former Blue House representative building. Built in 1939 during the Japanese Occupation, it was the residence of the Governor-General. For 54 years, until 1993, this was where presidents met foreign officials and held government meetings. One witness, which survived the Joseon Era, the Japanese Occupation and the turbulent recent Korean history stands nearby, a 700-year-old spreading yew tree.

``700-years-old yew tree``

``Garden at The Blue House``

The next stop is the highlight of the Blue House Tour. You will pass a second security check. If you look to the left after the security gate, you will see the beautiful Segongwon Garden with a replica of the famous Bullomun Gate of Changdeokgung Palace. I can imagine the garden can be one of the favorite places of the President and the First Lady for a talk and walk with dignified guests.

``Blue House uses Dancheong building painting technique``

``View towards Namsan Tower and Central Seoul``

Main blue house building.

Main Blue House building reflects the traditional Hanok style architecture. In the back of the building are the footsteps of Bugaksan Mountain. The most striking part of Cheong Wa Dae is the roof structure. It’s painted in a discrete Danchong coloring style. The three sections of the President’s office are covered with over 150,000 blue roof tiles.

Inside the premises of the main Blue House building is currently available and offers an amazing opportunity to see the staterooms, recently only available to a selected few. So many important meetings have happened there, major historical decisions for the country of South Korea.

Yeongbingwan | 영빈관

State Guest House is the venue for welcome banquets, state meetings, and various performances. The exterior of the building is classical, with impressive granite columns. You can only get a glimpse of the interior through the big glass windows of the grand foyer of the building.

Even though there’s no end time for the tour, new people will be let now and then. After finishing the tour, you might want to visit also Cheongwadae Sarangchae (청와대사랑채) – a museum dedicated to the history of the Korean president institution.

Useful Tips

Even though there are no dress code requirements, ensure to be adequately dressed for what Cheong Wa Dae represents.
Taking photos at Cheong Wa Dae is permitted, but respect other people’s privacy.
Tour is around 60-70 min, so plan accordingly. You might stay longer if you wish as there’s no organized tour at the moment
Food and drinks are not allowed at the Blue House and will not be provided inside.
Toilets are only available at the beginning of the tour at the security check.

Everyday except Tuesdays – 9:00, 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30

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Love the blue house guided tour post share it on pinterest.

Jessica Kokoszki

Super interesting. I wish you could’ve gone inside. Geez…if those walls could speak. The grounds look beautiful also.

Inside is for special guests of the President 😉 Who knows, maybe we will get invited sooner or later 🙂

Nicolas Sandoval

I have a question. Do you know for what are used the 2 buildings at the sides the main office?

Beautiful place! I wonder how would it be during spring when colours are more vivid 🙂

I wish I did visit in Spring. Actually that’s not a bad idea, I should probably revisit and update the photos 😉

The Luxurious Blue House (Presidential House) Of Korea Is Now A Museum (& You Can Visit For Free)

The Blue House of Korea is now a museum that's open to the public, and it's even free to visit.

The Blue House, the former presidential residence of South Korea, has been turned into a museum and public park, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's history and the transition from dictatorship to democracy.
The Blue House complex includes traditional Korean architecture, manicured gardens, and luxurious interior buildings. Visitors can explore the main buildings, such as the Main Office Hall and the State Reception House, while some areas remain closed to the public.
A visit to the Blue House is an opportunity to learn about modern Korea and its blending of rich Asian history with contemporary times. It is recommended to allocate at least one to three hours to explore the complex and also visit the neighboring Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Just behind the historic palace and royal administrative complex of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul is the Blue House. While the Gyeongbokgung Palace has existed since the earliest times of independent Korea, the Blue House was the modern presidential palace. The Blue House has just been turned into a museum in Seoul.

In 2022, the Korean President moved out of the Blue House into a building just next to the massive Korean War Memorial (which is also free and worth visiting) . At Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Blue House visitors can see the ancient Korea meet the modern Korea and the contrast is understandably stark.

The Blue House - The Former Presidential Residence Of The Korean President

The Blue House (called Cheong Wa Dae in Korean) was the official residence of the president of South Korea between 1948 and 2022. It is now a public park and is open to the public and should be visited as part of exploring the Gyeongbokgung Palace (located across the road).

The opening of the Blue House is just one of the many reasons why South Korea should be the destination for a 2023 trip .

South Korea used to be a dictatorship, but over time it has transitioned to one of the world's democracies. The Blue House was associated with the history of Korea and modern Korean presidents have sought to distance themselves from it.

The modern history of South Korea has been troubled both by conflict with the North and from its own transition into the free-loving country it is today.

In Use: 1948 to 2022
Former: Official Residence of the President of South Korea

The Blue House is the Korean counterpart to the White House of the United States. The move to make it a park is analogous to the US President moving out of the White House and making it into a museum and park for the public.

Related: Discovering South Korea: Discovering The 10 Best Places To Visit & Things To Do There

The Blue House Is A Complex Of Buildings & Gardens

The Blue House is actually a complex of buildings that include manicured gardens where the Korean president would recreate and entertain foreign guests. The buildings are built in the traditional Korean architectural style and the complex covers around 62 acres.

The name of the building stems from the blue tiles on the Main Office (the roof has around 150,000 titles). Each of the tiles was baked individually so that they could last for hundreds of years. The interior of the buildings is luxurious and spacious. Everywhere visitors see the old heritage of Korea united with the new.

Main Buildings Of The Blue House Complex:

Main Office Hall (Bon-gwan)
The Presidential Residence
The State Reception House (Yeongbin-gwan)
Spring and Autumn Hall (Chunchu-gwan)
The Press Hall
The Secretariat Buildings

The gardens include the Nokjiwon Garden and the Rose of Sharon Hill.

Not all of the buildings are open to the public, although most of the main building is. Understandably for a modern presidential residence, parts of the building are closed to the public including any bunkers if they exist.

This was one of the most protected official residences in Asia (one Korean president was assassinated there in 1979).

Related: A Full Guide To The Royal Family Homes (That You Can Tour)

What To Know About Visiting The Korean Blue House

At the Blue House , visitors can see the former nerve center of the administrative branch of the Korean government. Visitors see the rooms where the Korean president and other officials would hold press meetings and more.

The Blue House is one of the newest must-see attractions to have on the bucket list while exploring South Korea.

Admission Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

The Blue House has plenty of staff to help guide the visitors. Visits are self-guided, but there is staff standing in almost every room and many of them are fluent in English and only too willing to explain the history and significance of the building and answer any questions.

The Blue House is a great place to learn about modern Korea and how the nation blends its rich Asian history with modern times. Korea has a fascinating history that is all too often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, China and Japan.

Visitors should plan to spend at least one hour to see the Blue House, but they can easily spend two or three hours exploring the whole former Presidential complex. Explore the neighboring Gyeongbokgung Palace and see how the country has transitioned from its history with kings to being a modern republic with a presidential head of state.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the great historic palaces that everyone should explore around the world . Both the palace and the Blue House need to be on any itinerary of things to see and explore while in Korea .

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Presidential Blue House

Operating Hours

The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles. It is the first thing that catches one’s attention upon entering the premises. The blue tiles and the smooth roof blend beautifully with Bugaksan Mountain in the backdrop.

The unique buildings of Cheong Wa Dae are comprised of the Main Office, Yeongbingwan (Guest House), Chunchugwan (Spring and Autumn Pavilion), Nokjiwon (Green grass), the Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Valley, and the Seven Palaces. It is interesting to see that these buildings all have distinctive shapes. They are unique and beautifully designed, built in the Korean traditional style. The blue tiles and the smooth curve shape of the main office roofs are elegantly built. Approximately 150 thousand tiles compose the roof of the Blue House. Each were baked individually which make them strong enough to be used for hundreds of years. If you turn to the right you will see Chunchugwan. The roof of Chunchugwan was made of earthen tiles. This is where the president’s press conferences are held. On the left side of the main office, there is the Yeongbingwan. It was designed to hold large conferences and official events for foreign guests.

You can walk along Nokjiwon and the Mugunghwa Valley. At Nokjiwon a succession of presidents planted trees on memorial occasions. There is one famous tree which is 310 years old. The Mugunghwa Valley has colorful flowers, a fountain, and a phoenix statue, which makes it perfect for taking pictures. It is best to visit here between July and October when the Mugunghwa flowers bloom.

A walk around the paths just outside the Blue House grounds is a pleasure as the surroundings are peaceful and beautiful. The paths follow Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House and to Samcheong-dong Park. The walk from the East Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House is the most beautiful part. With the road in the middle, there is the Gyeongbokgung Palace stone wall on the left and galleries and old buildings on the right. The stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace is scattered with beautiful old trees that will comfort you. Across the street are Hyundai Gallery, Geumho Gallery and other famous galleries and stylish cafes. Of the many nice cafes and restaurants, there is “The Restaurant.” Its interior is modern and one side of the building is a glass wall where you can enjoy viewing the scenery and the stonewall alley while dining. After you pass this area, and before you reach the Blue House, turn to the right and you will reach Samcheong-dong Park. There are also many famous restaurants and galleries in the area.

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Wander with Jin

The Seoulo Wanderer

in Korea Travel Guide · July 16, 2022

How to Make a Tour Reservation at Cheong Wa Dae

Sharing is caring!

Here’s a guide on how to make a tour reservation at Cheong Wa Dae or Blue House, the official residence of the President of South Korea.

If there’s one place that I would love to see and am curious about is South Korea’s presidential office – the Cheong Wa Dae [청와대] or Blue House . Taking a tour at Cheong Wa Dae is FREE but you can’t visit anytime you want. You need to make a reservation at least 3 weeks in advance. Also, you’ll be provided a Korean guide who will tour you around the Cheng Wa Dae and there’s a certain spot where you can take photos.

But after 74 years, the Presidential office and residence have been open to the public after the inauguration of South Korea’s new president.

Table of Contents

How to Make a Tour Reservation at Cheong Wa Dae?

This is a guide on how to book or make a tour reservation at Cheong Wa Dae or Blue House which is very easy to do and won’t take a long time.

Book a Reservation

Application for viewing the Cheong Wa Dae or Blue House is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and once the reservation is complete, additional applications cannot be made until cancellation.

Click the ‘blue button’ where you can select the type of reservation and available dates for viewing. The type of reservation has 3 categories: Individual (1-6 person), Group (20-50 person) and 65 years and older, disabled people, national veterans, and foreigners (1-6 person).
After clicking the type of reservation and desired date of visit, it will show the application’s information including the date and time of reservation but you need to input the number of visitors (for example 4 people).
After filling out the application, identity verification is needed that’s why a Korean phone number is a MUST. You need to put your name, phone number, and password.
Agree to the terms and conditions and click the Reservation for viewing button.
You’ll receive a message confirmation when your application goes through. Aside from that, the reservation has a barcode that needs to be scanned upon entry so do not forget the password you entered when you applied for the reservation.

Reservations can be made by visiting: http://reserve.opencheongwadae.kr/ (Click the English translation if you don’t understand Korean)

The Day of Tour

If before you’ll be provided a Korean guide when you tour the Cheong Wa Dae this time is different. You are allowed to walk freely and choose the tour course that you want. Although, when we visit we just followed the lines and visit accordingly to the map.

Before entering, we showed our reservation and scan the bar code. The first building we saw was the Yeongbingwan (State Guest House), then the Main Office, and the Hanok House (official residence). We also passed the Nokjiwon Garden where different tree species were planted by the previous presidents of South Korea.

After touring around, we leave the Blue House from the gate going through the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Some precautions upon reservation

For families with multiple children: Even if the number of applicants exceeds the number of applicants (6 people), if you show your family relationship certificate or resident registration certificate, you can enter without limit.
The Blue House ticket cannot be transferred to a third party or sold for a fee, and ID verification may be requested on-site if necessary.
Reservations for viewing are available for 4 weeks from the following week from the date of application and are updated every Sunday at 00:00.

Other Information

Wheelchairs and strollers are provided
Restrooms are also available
Need to wear foot socks at Yeongbingwan and Cheong Wa Dae when you enter
Bring your own water
Wear comfortable shoes
There are chairs available where you can rest from time to time
Do not enter or step on the grass

Did you like this post? Pin it.

사랑, Hyejin

P.S. Let us connect with each other! Find me on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and Pinterest . You can also contact me by using this contact form .

Reader Interactions

July 21, 2022 at 12:48 am

Oh, that’s good that they consider bigger families despite excess in registrants. That’s always our problem cause there’s always 5 of us.

July 21, 2022 at 7:26 pm

Yes just need to bring a family certificate for verification.

July 21, 2022 at 7:44 pm

Thanks for letting us know how to book tour reservation at Cheong Wa Dae. I would love to visit South Korea soon. Do they allow tourists to travel around with no restrictions?

July 22, 2022 at 10:06 am

Nice! Didnt know you can do this! Bihira ko makita sa itinerary. Anyway, mahirap pala mag book kasi what if you just decided to go to SK and it is already in a week or two. Anyway, what is the foreigner option of booking if 3 weeks in advance, potential visitor is still in origin country?

July 23, 2022 at 6:42 am

Ask a friend who lives in Korea to book for you. Booking needs identity check that’s why it needs a Korean phone number.

September 15, 2022 at 8:53 pm

is blue house open for foreign tourist? when i checked the website, no english page.

September 15, 2022 at 8:59 pm

Yes, it is open for tourists. You need to use a pc so you can translate the page. You also need a Korean phone number to make a reservation.

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S. Korea Blue House opens to public for 1st time in 74 years

People visit the Blue House, the former presidential palace, in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 10, 2022. For most South Koreans, the former presidential palace in Seoul was as shrouded in mystery as the buildings in their secretive rival North Korea. That’s now changed recently as thousands have been allowed a look inside for the first time in 74 years.(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A royal stroll is reenacted at the Blue House, the former presidential palace, in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 10, 2022. For most South Koreans, the former presidential palace in Seoul was as shrouded in mystery as the buildings in their secretive rival North Korea. That’s now changed recently as thousands have been allowed a look inside for the first time in 74 years.(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

People take a selfie photo at the Blue House, the former presidential palace, in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, May 12, 2022. For most South Koreans, the former presidential palace in Seoul was as shrouded in mystery as the buildings in their secretive rival North Korea. That’s now changed recently as thousands have been allowed a look inside for the first time in 74 years.(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

People take photos in front of the main entrance gate of the Blue House, the former presidential palace, in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, May 12, 2022. For most South Koreans, the former presidential palace in Seoul was as shrouded in mystery as the buildings in their secretive rival North Korea. That’s now changed recently as thousands have been allowed a look inside for the first time in 74 years.(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A group of visitor pose together at the Blue House, the former presidential palace, in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, May 12, 2022. For most South Koreans, the former presidential palace in Seoul was as shrouded in mystery as the buildings in their secretive rival North Korea. That’s now changed recently as thousands have been allowed a look inside for the first time in 74 years.(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

People visit the Blue House, the former presidential palace, in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, May 12, 2022. For most South Koreans, the former presidential palace in Seoul was as shrouded in mystery as the buildings in their secretive rival North Korea. That’s now changed recently as thousands have been allowed a look inside for the first time in 74 years. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

The new presidential office building is seen in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, May 9, 2022. For most South Koreans, the former presidential palace in Seoul was as shrouded in mystery as the buildings in their secretive rival North Korea. That’s now changed recently as thousands have been allowed a look inside for the first time in 74 years.( Yonhap via AP)

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SEOUL (AP) — For many South Koreans, the former presidential palace in Seoul was a little-visited, heavily secured mountainside landmark. That’s now changed as thousands have been allowed a look inside for the first time in 74 years.

The normally serious compound has been transformed into something like a fair, with excited crowds looking around and standing in long queues.

“I feel grateful that the Blue House has opened to the public,” 61-year-old office worker Lee Sang Woon said recently during a tour with his family. “I am really happy to be here.”

The Blue House has gone through multiple transformations over the years. Once the site of a royal garden, the Japanese built the official residence for their governors-general there during Tokyo’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. After Korea was liberated from Japan in 1945, the U.S. military commander occupied the place until it became South Korea’s official presidential office and residence upon the country’s foundation in 1948.

The Blue House opening is part of new South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s pledge to abandon the palace and establish his offices at the Defense Ministry compound in the Yongsan district, about 5 kilometers (3 miles) away.

Yoon said he chose the Defense Ministry compound because it’s already equipped with security-related command facilities. He said he aims to build something similar to the White House in Washington that would let citizens have a closer look at the building over a fence. Yoon said the new offices will allow for better communication with the public.

His predecessor, Moon Jae-in, also expressed worries that Yoon made his decision before hearing enough public opinion.

Yoon, however, started his first day earlier this month as president in Yongsan, and the ex-presidential office was opened to the public that same day.

“Under the (former President) Lee Myung-bak administration, there were lots of protests ... so it was really hard to commute to this area. Cars couldn’t move, so I had to walk,” Choi said.

Thousands of people have gathered near the Blue House in the past for mass rallies and marches. Nearby residents said they suffered from noise and traffic congestion.

While some people in the new presidential neighborhood expect an improvement because of the new offices, there are also worries.

“As for traffic issues, I can already see more people visiting here. It will be very crowded and complicated at first, but I think it will gradually get better,” said Kim Jung-taek, a gallery owner near the new presidential offices.

South Korea

What a Concert by K-Pop Legend Rain in South Korea’s Former Presidential Compound Says About the Country’s Politics

V eteran K-pop superstar Rain made South Korean history on June 17 when he staged a concert at Cheongwadae—the former presidential compound commonly known as the Blue House—which opened to the public on May 10.

It’s not the first concert in the Blue House’s 74-year history. National broadcaster KBS claimed that honor with its “ KBS Open Concert ” on May 22, as part of the Blue House’s opening festivities. But Rain’s gig—which will be taped by Netflix to use for Rain’s upcoming show—marks a tonal shift in how South Korea regards this bastion of power.

While past presidents have traditionally stayed in the compound, newly-elected Yoon Suk-yeol has chosen to relocate the presidential office to a defense ministry complex in Seoul’s Yongsan district, claiming that the Blue House is too secluded and thus “ out of touch ” with voters. Yoon says moving out of the verdant 62-acre site will help “ return presidential power to the people .”

Read more: Find out why Yoon Suk-yeol is one of TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2022

Officials have since relaunched the Blue House as a “ relaxing retreat ” for the public, who can book admission tickets online. Inside, visitors will be able to enjoy cultural performances, tours, and even hiking trails that lead to Bugak Mountain, Cheongwadae’s scenic backdrop.

Yoon’s decision to move out has not been a popular one. A survey released in March showed that some 58% of South Koreans were against the relocation , with many critics saying the move had implications for national security and cost . Some also worry that the issue has taken precedence over more pressing matters, like increased nuclear activity in North Korea and post-pandemic economic recovery.

The move is also expected to set South Korea back $40 million, at a time when the economy is lagging. The country recorded its first account deficit in two years back in April; consumer prices jumped 5.4% in May; and growth forecasts were slashed amid trade shortfalls. Environmentalists protested that the relocation is jeopardizing the original plan to create a park at Yongsan, while Yoon’s new neighbors are worried about traffic congestion, state-run Yonhap News Agency reported .

Beyond its immediate revamp as a cultural venue, the future of the Blue House remains unclear. Presidents in South Korea are limited to a single five-year term, and Yoon’s successor may choose to go back to the Cheongwadae. But observers think this is unlikely.

“I do not think future presidents, whoever he or she is, can go back to Cheongwadae. It has already turned out to be a major spot that is fully enjoyed and embraced by the general public,” says Park Cheol-hee, professor of international relations at Seoul National University.

At the same time, its character as a seat of national power will remain intact, at least for the foreseeable future. “It’s a legacy that is waiting to be created,” says Remco Breuker, a historian of Korea at Leiden University in the Netherlands.

The Blue House as a historical seat of power

A thousand years ago , the location of the Blue House was the site of a royal palace. Later, during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the site became part of the grounds for an enlarged royal palace, Gyeongbokgung. Bugak Mountain provided a natural defense against attack. During Japan’s annexation of Korea, the Japanese governor-general built his official residence on the site, which was eventually called Gyeongmudae.

When the South Korean republic was established in 1948, the first President Rhee Syngman moved with his wife to Gyeongmudae. Because of the 150,000 blue tiles covering its gabled roof, it was officially named Cheongwadae, or Blue House, in 1960 after President Yun Bo-seon was inaugurated.

Why did Yoon Suk-yeol move his office out of the Blue House?

Yoon is not the first president to consider leaving the Blue House. Moon Jae-in previously sought to relocate his office in an effort to distance his presidency from that of his predecessor Park Geun-hye, who had been impeached, but a suitable site wasn’t found.

Victor Cha, senior vice president and Korea chair of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, believes Yoon’s decision to push through with the move establishes him as a doer instead of a talker, defying his many detractors. “The move itself resonates with the very raw spirit of egalitarianism in Korea,” he tells TIME. It marks a break with “imperial presidency,” he says.

But critics say changing the physical location of the presidential office is only symbolic and that Yoon’s decision is autocratic. Korean historian Kyung Moon Hwang at the Australian National University decries it as a political stunt. If Yoon were sincere, Hwang believes he should “pursue constitutional change establishing a parliamentary system, in order to further prevent a return to an autocratic presidency.”

Even before his election win in March, the conservative Yoon was stirring controversy, in large part due to his anti-feminist rhetoric and unscientific beliefs —including ties to shamans and a practitioner of the obscure art of anal acupuncture. His critics say he has taken fright at the house’s apparently troubled past and decided to abandon it on the advice of geomancers, setting up in new quarters at the public’s expense. Yoon has denied those allegations.

South Korea's Yoon Suk-yeol shows a bird's eye view of his planned relocation of the presidential office

Read more: How South Korea’s Yoon Suk-yeol Capitalized on Anti-Feminist Backlash to Win the Presidency

It is true that many of the previous inhabitants of the Blue House have been treated unkindly by fate. South Korea’s first president Rhee Syng-man and his successor were both forced out of power. Dictator Park Chung-hee was assassinated by his own spy agency chief in 1979. His daughter, Park Geun-hye, was impeached in 2016. Four were jailed for corruption; one died by suicide amid a probe into alleged corruption; and one was saddled with the Asian financial crisis and the country’s economic collapse in the late 1990s.

The historian Breuker shrugs it off, pointing out that all seats of power have dramatic pasts. “I don’t think there’s any building with a similar history in Seoul that would not have the same kind of background,” he says.

Does the relocation put national security at risk?

Yoon has defended his decision to transfer the presidential office to the defense ministry compound in Yongsan, saying the location’s past, as a former home for U.S. military bases, has equipped it with enough “national security command facilities” to protect his administration.

It presumably will be no more vulnerable than the Blue House. In 1968, 31 North Korean commandos launched an audacious attempt to assassinate President Park Chung-hee in the facility. Although he was to die by the bullet 11 years later, on this occasion he was unharmed. The raiders came within a hundred meters of Cheongwadae, however.

Yonhap has cited security officials who say that security is better at the new location, which is not overlooked by tall buildings and is militarily more defensible. It also comes with its own underground bunker, as the Blue House does, to double as a war room in national emergencies.

For now, that leaves the Blue House to take on an unfamiliar role as a cultural destination. Judging from the over 770,000 visitors between opening and June 6, not all South Koreans are opposed to the change. Besides the Rain concert, the Cultural Heritage Administration says there will be a soap bubble extravaganza this month—even a circus. The cynical will say that the Blue House is no stranger to the latter.

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Blue House website gets multilingual makeover as it adds Japanese, Chinese services

The Blue House, or Cheongwadae, opened its doors to the public in May 2022. [YONHAP]

To accommodate the growing number of foreign visitors to the Blue House, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on Tuesday that it has revamped the Blue House website.

The website ( opencheongwadae.kr ), which has only been available in Korean and English so far, has added Japanese and Chinese. It also simplified the English booking page, allowing users to book a tour using only an email address.

Blue house gets 5 million visitors in 21 months, lectures, tea, free calendars available at the blue house during lunar new year, blue house to offer tour reservation websites in english, japanese, chinese next year.

The revamped website also has a new tab that allows users to reserve spots for cultural events held at the Blue House. However, this function is currently only available in Korean.

According to the Culture Ministry, the website's content has also been updated, adding more information such as how to use the virtual reality (VR) content and facilities that allow users to look at the interior of the Blue House’s Main Building, State Guest House and the Chunchugwan.

"As of the first quarter of 2024, 39,807 foreign tourists have visited the Blue House, which is 2.5 times larger than the number of foreign tourists who visited during the same period last year," an official from the Culture Ministry said.

"We plan to update the reservation system to include Japanese and Chinese languages so that foreigners can better access it as well."

BY KIM JU-YEON [[email protected]]

Blue House website gets multilingual makeover as it adds Japanese, Chinese services

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