Cheong Wa Dae, better known as the Blue House, was the official presidential office and residence from 1948–2022. Sitting against the backdrop of Bugaksan Mountain, it has hosted presidents from Syngman Rhee all the way to Moon Jae-in. Today, it’s open to the public for free tours — a rare chance to walk inside what used to be the heart of Korean politics.

Location & address

• Address: 서울특별시 종로구 청와대로 1 (세종로) | 1, Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

• Subway:

  • Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 4) → 15 min walk

  • Anguk Station (Line 3, Exit 1) → 20 min walk

• Admission: Free (reservation required)

• Official Website
  

Touring Cheong Wa Dae

You can enter through three gates: Yeongbinmun Gate (west), the Main Gate (center), or Chunchumun (Spring & Autumn) Gate (east).

Online Reservations

• 🕒 Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:30)

• ❌ Closed: Tuesdays

• Book up to 4 weeks in advance

• Up to 6 people per reservation

• Requires a local Korean mobile number for verification

👉 Best for locals or visitors with a Korean SIM.

On-site Applications (best option for tourists)

• Available at the General Info Center near the Main Gate

• 🕒 Issued at 09:00 & 13:30 daily

• Max 500 visitors per session

Tips

• 🚭 No smoking anywhere on the grounds

• ☔ If it rains, access to building interiors may be restricted

• 😷 Masks optional outdoors, required indoors

If you like nature, then make sure you also walk the Bugaksan Mountain Trail

When Cheong Wa Dae opened, the once-restricted southern trails of Bugaksan (Baegaksan) opened too — for the first time in 54 years!

• Short scenic loop starting behind the Presidential Residence

• Highlights: Stone Buddha from Gyeongju + Ounjeong Pavilion

• Longer routes: Enter/exit at Samcheong Info Center or Chigung Info Center

Perfect for adding a nature walk to your cultural visit.

The road from Gyeongbokgung’s Sinmumun Gate to Cheong Wa Dae is lined with towering ginkgo trees. Come in autumn and you’ll be treated to golden yellow foliage — one of Seoul’s prettiest seasonal walks.