Harmony with nature is something that Koreans have traditionally strived for over the ages. This explains largely in part the role of geomancy or Feng Shui in the construction of palaces and tombs. The location of the presidential residence in Korea was selected with the same concept in mind. Cheongwadae, the Korean word for the presidential residence, is built at the base of Bugaksan(Mt.) and surrounded on all sides by mountains and near the flowing waters of the Han River and the Cheonggyecheon stream. Before becoming the modern day Cheongwadae, this location housed important structures in both the Goryeo kingdom, Joseon period and even the Japanese colonial occupation. Cheongwadae, which literally means “house of blue roof tiles,” is commonly called the Blue House in English for the same reason. What were originally just a few buildings has grown into a complex covering nearly 250,000 square meters. Guided history tours are available to the public, Tues. through Fri. every week except for public holidays. Tours are conducted four times daily at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. However, because of security concerns those wishing to take a tour of the presidential palace must apply at least two weeks in advance and submit a list of names of members in the group, passport numbers, nationalities, dates of birth and telephone numbers. Once confirmation is received you can then embark on your tour of Cheongwadae.















Tours include a brief video about the residence, a walk through Nokjiwon garden, visits to the former and present Cheongwadae locations as well as the state guest house called Yeongbingwan. Tour guides will speak in only Korean so interpreters should be brought with the group. Photographs are allowed at certain locations, but video cameras are strictly prohibited. When leaving Cheongwadae catch one of the many shuttle buses running back to the East Parking Lot of the Gyeongbokgung (Palace). Getting There: Cheongwadae can be reached by taking subway line number 3 and exiting at Gyeongbokgung Station.