The Republic of Korea Cheong Wa Dae . - The Republic of Korea Cheong Wa Dae

The Blue House (Cheongwadae) is meticulously designed with traditional Korean architecture by the best architects. The entire interior architecture is painted with white walls combined with blue tiled roofs, creating a beauty that is both elegant and ancient without being too ostentatious.

Formerly, the palace halls of the Goryeo period were located on the site of present-day Cheongwadae, which was also part of the main palace Gyeongbokgung during the Joseon period. During the period when Korea became a colony of Japan, this place became the official residence of the Governor General of Japan, later when it regained its independence, the President of Korea began to use this place as official residence and work. Cheongwadae got its present day appearance after it was renamed in 1960 and the appearance of the main office building in 1961 among many other structures.

The main office building is the integration of many different departments such as: Presidential room, Sejong room (where cabinet meetings are held), Jiphyeon room (where summit talks are held) and Grand Garden is the main office building. place for outdoor activities. It is estimated that to build the main building, the architects used 150,000 separate fired blue tiles to create a durability of more than 100 years. The exterior design of the building is a close combination of traditional wood and Korean palace architectural style, the interior is equipped with the most modern and modern equipment.

The state guesthouse was completed in February 1978 as a venue for events with the participation of foreign guests. The outer structure is supported by 18 stately stone columns while the inside is adorned with national flower, laurel or cosmic yin and yang motifs.

The Presidential Residence, built to separate residence and work, includes the main building, the reception hall, the traditional garden, and the sarangchae (men's quarters). This area is built with traditional architecture characterized by a gable roof, the sign above the main entrance reads Insumun: gate of benevolence and longevity.

Nokjiwon was completed in 1968, this is the main garden of the Blue House with more than 120 different species of trees on an area of 3,300 square meters. The umbrella pine tree representing this area is more than 160 years old with a height of about 17m. This is where Presidents plant trees to spread a positive message about the environment.

Sangchunjae - a place to receive foreign guests and organize informal meetings; Yeomingwan - office of the Secretariat; Chungchugwan - the press center is also other facilities inside the Blue House to serve the political and social activities of the President of Korea.

Note: Visitors must book the tour at least 3 weeks in advance through the website and bring identification when visiting.

Website: english.president.go.kr