A quick stroll at Cheong Wa Dae, the former presidential compound in South Korea
What was once a dedicated place for South Korea’s president and welcome reception for world leaders, Cheong Wa Dae, commonly known as the Blue House, now opens its doors to the public. The former presidential residence has been home to the country’s past leaders from 1948 to 2022. But when President Yoon Suk-yeol began his governance last year, he decided to move his office to the Defence Ministry Building in Yongsan District to make his leadership closer to the Korean people.
A year since its public opening, the Blue House has been visited by thousands of tourists, local and international, and hosted events such as the concert of veteran K-pop superstar Rain. It also became a refuge for people seeking respite from the fast-paced world of Seoul thanks to its many pristine landscape and idyllic gardens.
Through the Korea Tourism Organization Manila, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got a chance to tour the historic compound and see the beauty of one of South Korea’s symbols of power and governance.