Changes Coming to Cheong Wa Dae Visits Starting July 2025!

Opened to the public in 2022, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), which quickly became a beloved tourist attraction, is now set to return to its original function as the Presidential Office, prompting changes to the current visiting procedures starting July 2025. The current online and on-site reservation system will remain in place until July 14, 2025. Visitors can make the online reservation up to 4 weeks in advance of their visit, and 2,000 on-site reservations are available each day. Starting July 16, 2025, the number of reservations and sightseeing route will be adjusted. From August 2025, tours will be temporarily suspended for security and facility inspection. Reservations for tours from July 16 to 31, 2025 will be available starting at 10:00 on July 1, 2025, via the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation website. According to the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation, there are plans to resume the visiting program once the President officially relocates to Cheong Wa Dae, but the exact date remains undetermined. With the announcement of the temporary suspension, the number of visitors has increased significantly. While it may be challenging to secure an online or on-site reservation, don’t miss this opportunity to visit Cheong Wa Dae, which is not a symbol of power, but Korean culture and history. Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) Address: 1 Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 청와대로 1) Operating hours: March-November 09:00-18:00 (Last admission 17:00) December-February 09:00-17:30 (Last admission 16:30) Closed: Tuesdays Inquiries: +82-1522-7760 Website: www.opencheongwadae.kr

06/19/2025

[Winners Announcement] DMZ Skyway Special Event-1.Lucky Draw Event

Thank you to everyone who participated in the DMZ Skyway Special Event-1.Lucky Draw Event and congratulations to the winners! * Event period: May 20 – June 15, 2025 * Winners announcement: June 18, 2025 * Ticket validity: Until August 31, 2025 How to get there (From Seoul Station) ① Take the subway to Munsan Station on Gyeongui-Jungang Line. Transfer to Bus No. 058B or 93-9 and get off at Imjingak Tourist Resort * Bus No. 93-9 operates only on weekends ② Take the subway to Munsan Station on Gyeongui-Jungang Line. Transfer to the shuttle train bound for Imjingang Station. Shuttle train schedule - Weekdays (Munsan Station – Imjingang Station): 09:20, 17:05 - Weekends (Munsan Station – Imjingang Station): 09:35, 10:35, 15:45, 17:20 * Winners can collect their gondola crystal cabin tickets (two tickets per winner) and one DMZ merch at the gondola ticket booth after presenting the email address used to enter the event. (Passport required for visiting the DMZ) Due to overwhelmingly positive response, additional 50 winners have been selected to receive the crystal cabin tickets. However, due to the limited availability of the DMZ merch, additional winners will receive only gondola tickets. * Participants who did not win the free tickets can still enjoy the gondola ride at 20% off by showing the VISITKOREA App on their phone at the ticket booth. See below for the event winners: Paju Imjingak Peace Gondola crystal cabin ticket for two+ 1 DMZ merch (50 winners) cha****[email protected] lar******[email protected] dan****[email protected] mar****[email protected] har****[email protected] sow****[email protected] fen****[email protected] van****[email protected] car****[email protected] yuk****[email protected] eri****[email protected] nur****[email protected] lea****[email protected] bar****[email protected] han****[email protected] Han****[email protected] sel****[email protected] jac****[email protected] yun****[email protected] sed****[email protected] jas****[email protected] les****[email protected] sya****[email protected] i.b****[email protected] sad****[email protected] kat****[email protected] kha****[email protected] yum******[email protected] dif****[email protected] fre****[email protected] ana****[email protected] ali****[email protected] wio****[email protected] lee****[email protected] sim****[email protected] kym****[email protected] kak****[email protected] min****[email protected] vic****[email protected] sau****[email protected] cor****[email protected] tra****[email protected] kim****[email protected] soj****[email protected] 270*[email protected] car******[email protected] jin****[email protected] jin****[email protected] uea****[email protected] dan****[email protected] Additional winners: Paju Imjingak Peace Gondola crystal cabin ticket for two (50 winners) * DMZ merch not included zas****[email protected] raj***[email protected] 501*[email protected] dan****[email protected] raz****[email protected] 150**[email protected] liy****[email protected] che****[email protected] cri****[email protected] mai******[email protected] yao****[email protected] m.y*****[email protected] 263*[email protected] yan****[email protected] 110****[email protected] che***[email protected] mil****[email protected] hit****[email protected] S32****[email protected] ast****[email protected] red****[email protected] xol****[email protected] wxi****[email protected] may****[email protected] sab****[email protected] fuw****[email protected] yyy****[email protected] 160*[email protected] 909*[email protected] 104*[email protected] yu6****[email protected] msy******[email protected] 309****[email protected] kai****[email protected] par****[email protected] man******[email protected] mer******[email protected] rei****[email protected] joo****[email protected] ng_****[email protected] tma****[email protected] red****[email protected] S32****[email protected] cha****[email protected] cha******[email protected] cho****[email protected] kum****[email protected] yue****[email protected] sat****[email protected] jan****[email protected]

06/18/2025

What was Korean Art Like 600 Years Ago? A Time Journey to the National Museum of Korea

The creativity and sophistication of Korean art, now beloved worldwide, have deep roots in the past. If you want to glimpse a scene from that history, don’t miss the special exhibition “Art of Early Joseon: Masterpieces from the 15th and 16th Centuries” at the National Museum of Korea. This exhibition showcases approximately 400 pieces of Korean ceramics, pieces of calligraphy and painting, and Buddhist artworks from the 15th–16th century, from June 10 to August 31. With the founding of the Joseon dynasty in 1392, Korean art underwent a profound transformation. The exhibition highlights this artistic change by featuring three major genres: pure white porcelain Moon Jars that embody the quintessence of state-led ceramic industry; ink-wash landscape paintings that reflect the ideology of the Confucian literati; and golden-hued Buddhist artworks that offer comfort to people across all walks of life. Together, these works illuminate how early Joseon artists responded to their times through diverse media. This exhibition is particularly special as it features approximately 80 designated National Treasures and Treasures, along with more than 40 pieces from overseas collections. Among them are 23 works being unveiled in Korea for the first time, drawing keen interest from both domestic and international visitors. If you’ve ever wanted to trace the footsteps of Korean art through time, this is your chance to see how its legacy began. Event: Art of Early Joseon: Masterpieces from the 15th and 16th Centuries Date: June 10 (Tue), 2025–August 31 (Sun), 2025 Location: Special Exhibition Gallery I, National Museum of Korea Viewing hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun 10:00–18:00 / Wed, Sat 10:00–21:00 Admission fee: Required (Free admission from June 10 to June 15) Inquiries: +82-2-2077-9000 *Closed on July 21 (Mon) and Aug 4 (Mon) - Visit the National Museum of Korea website - Follow the National Museum of Korea on social media: Facebook , Instagram , Youtube

06/10/2025

Korail and Naver Upgrade Transportation Services for International Visitors

Korail and Naver, members of the Korea Tourism Organization’s Tourism Transportation Public-Private Consultative Body, which comprises of 12 major transport-related organizations and companies, now offer simplified train reservations and expanded real-time traffic services to streamline the travel experience for international visitors. Korail has added a seat selection feature for KTX trains on its website, available in multiple languages. Tickets can now also be purchased via platforms like WeChat, Alipay, and Konest. Visitors without any prior reservation can make reservations at Seoul Station at dedicated ticket counters equipped with real-time interpretation services powered by AI. Since April, Apple Pay has also been accepted at these counters, adding more flexibility in payment methods. Naver Map, one of the most widely used map services in Korea, has expanded its real-time subway information service beyond the metropolitan areas of Seoul and Busan, and introduced a ferry route search feature, making travel across the country much easier. Moreover, it aims to provide translated information on Naver Map registered businesses and support international cards to make reservations and payments. With these upgraded services, international travelers can now explore Korea with more ease and freedom. Korail Website: www.korail.com Download App: Android (Google Play) l IOS (App Store) Naver Map Website: map.naver.com Download App: Android (Google Play) l IOS (App Store)

05/30/2025

SHINSEGAE THE MAIN: “THE HERITAGE”–A Landmark of History, Culture, and Shopping

The Myeong-dong and Namdaemun areas in Seoul, where SHINSEGAE THE MAIN is located, have long been hubs of both shopping and finance. This district has flourished as a center of urban culture since th

06/10/2025

Korean Temple Food: A Sustainable Cuisine Inspired by Buddhist Teachings

Korean temple food is gaining global attention as a new form of K-food, spearheading the global trend in wellness and sustainable cuisine. Prepared with eco-friendly ingredients, temple cuisine not o

05/30/2025

Enjoy the Hangang River to the Fullest

The Hangang River, a piece of nature within the city, is a popular recreational area for Seoulites. There are a total of 11 Hangang Parks along the river, making it an ideal place for a picnic, as we

05/12/2025

Urban Surfing Thrills at Wave Park

Just one hour from Seoul — an artificial surf-themed park on Geobukseom Island in Siheung, Gyeonggi-do Planning a surfing trip to Yangyang or Busan this summer? Hold on! Just an hour’s drive fr

05/19/2025