Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House)
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| Introduction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles. It is the first thing that catched one's attention upon entering the premises. The blue tiles and the smooth roof blend beautifully with Mt. Bugaksan in the backdrop.
The unique buildings 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. It looks luxurious with 18 pillars. You can walk along the 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. There are many places to go to in Hyoja-dong Sarangbang. Presents given from around the world to the president are all displayed here. You can tour for free and buy Cheong Wa Dae souvenirs. One place you should not miss is "the Seven Palaces." The area has seven palaces with traditional houses and yards from the Joseon Dynasty. After opening in November 2001, many tourists have visited. A walk around the paths just outside the the Blue House grounds is a pleasure as the surroundings are peaceful and beautiful. The paths follow Gyeongbokgung Palace to 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. With their colorful leaves, the path is a romantic course to walk through during the fall season. 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 many famous restaurants and galleries. In particular, on the way to Samcheong Park, there is a restaurant called 'Sancheong-dong Sujaebi' which is the most renowned in Samcheong-dong. If you walk pass the restaurant, you will find Samcheong-dong Park at the end of the road. There are many trees, a mineral spring, and another famous walking path. When you visit the Blue House, don't forget to take a stroll on the quaint and narrow Samcheong-dong street. It is much quieter than Insa-dong and is popular among foreigners. |
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| tour@president.go.kr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Closed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Every Sunday, Monday and National holidays | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 90 min | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Hours | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tours start at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 15:00 * Summer season (Jul. 1-Sep. 16): 10:00, 11:00, 15:00, 16:00 * No tours available on Monday, Sunday and holiday. * Saturday tours only available for individuals and families of less than 10 |
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| Maximum Occupancy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Individuals, families and groups of ages 8 and over. * Groups per day should be no more than 200 persons. |
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| Parking Facilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available (Gyeongbokgung Palace parking lot) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Admission Fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Free | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Parking Fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small
& Mid-sized cars 2,000 won for first 2 hours 500 won for each additional 15min Buses & vehicles for groups 4,000 won for first 2 hours 500 won for each additional 15min |
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| Reservation Info. for Foreigners | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. On-line
Application Homepage
or Email
2. Application by regular mail Address : (Attn: History & Tour Information) 1 Cheongwadae - Ro, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, Korea (Postal Code: 110-820) * Make sure to include the followings in applications. - Preferred date & time, full-name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, contact information * Applications should be sumitted at least 10 days up to 6 months in advance |
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| Directions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At Exit No. 5 of Gyeongbokgung Palace Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), walk 10 minutes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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