The photo shows replicas of the portraits of former presidents at the Presidential Experience Center on the third floor of the Presidential Archives. (Presidential Archives)

By Kim Hyelin and Yoon Sojung
Photos = Presidential Archives

An online and outdoor exhibition has opened of records on Cheong Wa Dae, which was where the former presidential compound was located for 74 years.

The Presidential Archives under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said it will host from May 10-22 the exhibition "Cheong Wa Dae's Past Seen Through Records" (unofficial translation).

Located in the Eojin-dong neighborhood of Sejong, the archival office collects, preserves and displays records left by former presidents such as documents, photos, videos and office supplies.

The exhibition comprises three parts: "Time of Cheong Wa Dae," which shows the past and present of the presidential compound from as far back as the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910); "Space of Cheong Wa Dae," which features the characteristics and use of the architecture inside the compound; and "Preserving Cheong Wa Dae through Records," which highlights the records that the Presidential Archives keep and manage.

The first part explores the Cheong Wa Dae site in the Joseon era through Suseonjeondo, an old map of Seoul made in 1892, and records of building the main office and annex buildings at the compound.

The second shows photos of the main office building's interior such as the executive office and reception venue, state reception hall Yeongbinggwan and Sangchunjae, a traditional Korean-style building for hosting foreign guests and unofficial gatherings.

A combined 114 items are on display at the outdoor exhibition located at the square of the Presidential Archives and 54 more are featured online. Click the link below to view the online exhibition: https://www.pa.go.kr/portal/online_contents/instant_record/instantRecordDetail.do?seq=49

With President Yoon Suk Yeol pledging to relocate the presidential office to the Ministry of National Defense complex in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District, Cheong Wa Dae on the morning of May 10 was reopened to the public.

President Rhee Syngman in 1955 welcomes visitors to the opening of the presidential office Gyeongmudae, which was later renamed Cheong Wa Dae.