Cheong Wa Dae Reborn As a 'National Tourist Destination'

As the 20th President, Yoon Suk-yeol, relocated to the Yongsan office, returning Cheong Wa Dae to the people. In the past, it was possible to visit some of the buildings only after going through a complicated application process, but now anyone can visit all the corners of Cheong Wa Dae by simply making an online reservation. For foreigners with an Alien Registration Card and Korean phone number, online reservation is available. There is also an on-site registration with maximum of 2,000 visitors per day.

* For detailed information: https://www.opencheongwadae.kr/eng/event-reservation

The core of the Cheong Wa Dae visit is the main building and the Presidential Residence. The main building, located under Bugaksan Mountain as if it has spread its wings, also appears in Cheong Wa Dae's logo. If you look around the office of the president, which you only used to see on the news, the office of the first lady, where pictures of former first ladies are hung side by side, and the reception room for foreign guests, it feels like the president, who seemed distant, gets a little closer. The Presidential Residence, where the president and his family resided, has many more private spaces: a bedroom, dressing room, dining room, and a beauty salon. In addition, there are many other places to visit: Sangchunjae, a traditional hanok where guests from home and abroad were welcomed; Yeongbingwan, where official events were held; Nokjiwon, a green and spacious garden; Yeomingwan, a secretariat office; and Chungchugwan Press Center.

In addition, if you include the area around Cheong Wa Dae, it is a perfect one-day outing course: Bukchon, where high-ranking officials lived during the Joseon dynasty; Seochon, where the culture of the ordinary people lives on; Samcheong-dong and Buam-dong, where traditional culture lives in every alley. You can choose a course as you like.

Cheongwadae Sarangchae, the History of Korea in One Place

If you walk toward the Hyojadong three-way intersection with your back to the front gate of Cheong Wa Dae, you will find a circular plaza, and across from it is Cheongwadae Sarangchae. The clean and sophisticated modern building feels quite different from Cheong Wa Dae. When entering through the main entrance, exhibits showing the history of Cheong Wa Dae and the achievements of the president, and gifts from the leaders of each country are displayed.

You can easily find the Bullomun Gate, which is made of square stone pillars. Passing under the Bullomun Gate, which means ‘having longevity,’ you enter the Korea Tourism Exhibition Hall. A photo art wall of Korean tourist destinations selected by the Korea Tourism Organization's social media welcomes you. Also, there is a Cheong Wa Dae newspaper experience zone where you can print your face in the presidential election newspaper. Korea's cultural heritage listed on the UNESCO World Heritage is introduced in detail through the media. The second floor of the exhibition hall is decorated as a rest area full of greenery.
Cheongwadae Sarangchae was used as the official residence of the president's chief of staff in the past. After the January 21 Incident in 1968 (North Korean special force attempted a surprise attack on Cheong Wa Dae), public access was prohibited. Then, in 1996, it became Hyoja-dong Sarangbang, and in January 2010, it was reopened as Cheongwadae Sarangchae. After a long time, it has been reborn as a public convenience facility.

* This column was last updated in May 2023, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to confirm details before visiting.
* Credit & inquiries: KTO Tourism Exhibition Hall Management Team