What lays behind the doors of Cheong Wa Dae, the former residence of the President, had always remained a mystery to the general public. Now, Cheong Wa Dae has opened its doors as a tourist attraction in 74 years, allowing all who are curious to enter and explore the premises. You can start your tour from one of the three entry gates: the Main Gate, Yeongbinmun Gate, or the Chunchumun Gate.

The Main Office Building

The Main Office Building consists of the official working headquarters and guest reception of the President. The building has an impressive roof made with 150,000 blue tiles from which the name Cheong Wa Dae (“Blue House”) was derived. The President’s office and guest reception are located on the second floor, while the First Lady’s office and guest reception are located on the first floor.

Official Residence of the President

The presidential residence served as the living quarters of the president and family. The area was rarely revealed on mass media as it was the most personal space in all of Cheong Wa Dae. The residential area consists of the main building, which is the living quarters; annex, used for guest reception and events; sarangchae, the guest room; and garden.

Yeongbingwan

Built in 1978, Yeongbingwan is the oldest among the modern-style buildings in Cheong Wa Dae. Yeongbingwan was used to hold large-scale meetings and official events for diplomatic guests.

Sugungteo

Sangchunjae

Sangchunjae was built to demonstrate the beauty of traditional Korean architecture to the diplomatic guests who visit Cheong Wa Dae. The building was built using 200-year old pine trees from Chunyang-myeon, known to be the finest materials for building hanok. Sangchunjae has one living room and two ondol (floor heating system) bedrooms.

Nokjiwon

Nokjiwon Garden is praised to be the most beautiful garden in Cheong Wa Dae. Approximately 120 types of trees are planted centered around 170-year-old umbrella pine trees that are native to Korea. Anniversary trees that were personally planted by the former presidents can also be found here. In spring, Nokjiwon Garden held annual events in recognition of special occasions such as Children’s Day, Parents’ Day, and Disability Day.

Chimnyugak

Chimnuygak Pavilion, a Seoul Tangible Culture Heritage, is located between Chunchumun Gate and the main office building. This traditional building was built in the early 1900s to host banquets at the back garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Chimnyugak Pavilion is speculated to be used as a subsidiary facility of Gyeongbokgung Palace since the palace was originally situated at the current site of Cheong Wa Dae before relocation.

Chunchugwan

Chunchugwan Press Center is where Cheong Wa Dae press conferences were held and accredited journalists resided. The name was derived from the organizations that were responsible for keeping historical records during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. The pathway to the left of Chunchugwan is a panel of detailed historical records of Cheong Wa Dae.

Nearby Attractions

Cheong Wa Dae Sarangchae
A promotional hall of Cheong Wa Dae and the former presidents

Address: 45, Hyoja-ro 13-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 효자로13길 45)
Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
* Closed Tuesdays
Admission: Free
Inquiries: +82-2-723-0300
Website: cwdsarangchae.kr

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Travel in time to the Joseon dynasty

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161)
Operating hours: November-February 09:00-17:00 / March–May & September-October 09:00-18:00 / June-August 09:00-18:30
Admission: Adults 3,000 won / Children & Teenagers 1,500 won
* Adults (ages 19-64), Children & Teenagers (ages 7-18)
Inquiries: +82-2-3700-3900
Website: www.royalpalace.go.kr

Tongin Market
Use money from the past to buy lunch

Address: 18, Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 자하문로15길 18)
Operating hours: 09:00-21:00 (Varies by store)
Admission: Free
Inquiries: +82-2-722-0911
Website: tonginmarket.modoo.at

Samcheong-dong
A cultural street with excellent restaurants and unique craft shops

Address: 107, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 삼청로 107)
Operating hours: Open 24 hr
Admission: Free
Inquiries: +82-2-120

* This column was last updated in June 2022, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check details before visiting.