Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)

The Basics

The Blue House is an ideal spot to appreciate traditional Korean architecture and learn about South Korea’s tumultuous history. Seoul sightseeing tours often stop by the Blue House, allowing you to see the structure from the outside. City tours typically visit the Blue House along with other local attractions such as Gyeonbokgung Palace, Jogyesa Temple, and the National Folk Museum. Small-group and private tour options are available, and it’s also possible to visit the Blue House independently on a hop-on, hop-off tour.

To see the interior, a formal application must be sent via mail or email at least three weeks in advance. If you gain permission, you can stroll through the gardens, visit the main building where the president lives and conducts business, and see the Main Office Hall (Bon-gwan), the State Reception House (Yeongbin-gwan), the Press Hall (Chunchu-gwan), and the Secretariat Buildings.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Blue House is a must-see for history buffs and architecture lovers.

• Bring a camera to capture the Blue House with Bugaksan Mountain in the background.

• Tours of the grounds must be approved by a formal application sent via mail or email; applications must be submitted at least three weeks in advance.

• A passport is required to tour the grounds.

How to Get There

The Blue House is located in the Jongno-gu area of Seoul, adjacent to the Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds. It is accessible by guided tour, taxi, and public transportation. To get there on the subway, take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station and leave via Exit 5. Then, head to Gwanghwamun Gate parking lot (east gate).

When to Get There

You can see the house’s exterior year-round. Guided tours of the grounds take place Tuesday through Friday and every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Visit at 10am on Saturdays to see the Military Honor Guard and Band perform outside the Blue House. The presidential residence is closed on Saturday, Monday, and national holidays.

The Blue House’s Auspicious Location

The Blue House was deliberately located at the foot of Mount Bukhansan. It is flanked by two other mountains—Naksan (symbolizing the azure dragon), and Inwangsan (symbolizing the white tiger). To the south is Namsan, said to be the capital’s protective mountain, while the Cheonggyecheon stream and Han River flow in front of the building.

Who lives in the Blue House in Seoul?

Today, no one lives in the Blue House, which is now a park and historical complex. However, from 1948 to 2022, the Blue House was the official residence of all Korean presidents. In 2022, the president Yoon Suk Yeol, moved the presidential residence to the Ministry of National Defense Building.

Can tourists visit the Blue House in Seoul?

Yes, tourists can visit the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae). Korean citizens and legal residents must purchase their tickets in advance through the site’s official website. Foreign visitors can only buy tickets in person and must do so either at 9:30am or 1:30pm. Bring your passport.

Are there guided tours of the Blue House?

Yes, the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) offers guided tours five times daily. All live commentary is in Korean; however, foreign tour participants are provided an audio guide in their native language. The Blue House also provides suggested itineraries for 10 self-guided thematic walking tours in and around the complex.

How do I get to the Blue House?

You can take a free shuttle bus to the Blue House, which departs every half hour from Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Palace Museum of Korea, and the Chunchumun Gate. A wheelchair-friendly shuttle is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Alternatively, you can take an organized tour that includes round-trip transportation.

What attractions are close to the Blue House?

Several historical attractions, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the National Folk Museum, are all within easy walking distance of the Blue House. If you crave more modern sightseeing, the Seoul Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (Seoul MMCA) is also an easy jaunt from the former presidential residence.

When is the Blue House open?

The Blue House’s opening hours vary by season, and the complex is closed on Tuesdays year-round. From March to November, the Blue House is usually open from 9am–6pm. From December to February, the complex closes half an hour earlier. Foreigners can only purchase tickets at 9:30am and 1:30pm.