[Korea Tour Guide] Seoul - Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) (청와대)

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 Mt. Bugaksan 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.

Postal Code: 03 048

Website: president.go.kr (Korean, English)

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

 

     

Directions: [Subway]

 Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5.

 Go into the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds and walk approximately 600m toward the East Gate Parking Lot.

 The Cheong Wa Dae Tour Information Booth is in the parking lot.

 

 ※ On Tuesdays, Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed and therefore Exit 5 should not be used.

 Instead, take Exit 4 at Gyeongbokgung Station and walk approximately 700m in front of the Palace toward Anguk Station and turn left at the Gyeongbokgung intersection by Dongsipjagak (the East Watch Tower).

 The East Gate Parking Lot is on the left side of the street, and the Cheong Wa Dae Tour Information Booth is on the ground parking lot.

 

 [Bus]

 1. Get off at Gyeongbokgung Bus Stop when riding these buses.

 Blue bus: 171, 272, 109, 601, 606

 Green bus: 1020, 7025

 2. Get off at Bubryunsah Temple Bus Stop when riding this bus.

 Village bus: Jongno 11

 

 

Contact and Information: • 1330 Travel Hotline: + 82-2-1330

 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

 

• For more info: + 82-2-730-5800 (Korean, English)

Days off: Every Sunday, Monday and National holidays

Experience age: Ages 8 and older

 

* Groups including preschoolers with parents should be no more than 10 persons.

 

Capacity: Individuals, families and groups of ages 8 and over.

 

 * No more than 200 persons in groups.

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 total people

 

Parking: Available (Gyeongbokgung Palace parking lot)