Cheong Wa Dae Reservation and Self-Application Process, along with Recommended Tour Routes
Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) was the official residence and office of the President of South Korea. Since the presidential office was relocated to Yongsan in May 2022, Cheong Wa Dae (the former presidential residence) has been fully opened to the public. Admission is free, but reservations are required, and foreign visitors can also make a booking. Below are the steps for visiting Cheong Wa Dae, reservation details, and recommended tour routes.
Reservation Method
Online Reservation:
- Official Website: Make a reservation through the Cheong Wa Dae official website (https://www.opencheongwadae.kr), where an English interface is available.
- Select Date & Time: Opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily (last entry: 5:00 PM from March to November, 4:30 PM from December to February). Visitor capacity is limited per time slot. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Fill in Information: Provide your name, email, or a Korean contact number.
- Confirmation Email: After successful submission, you will receive a confirmation email or SMS. It is recommended to print or take a screenshot of the e-ticket for verification.
Online Reservation Steps:
- Access the website
https://www.opencheongwadae.kr, which supports browsing in Korean, English, and Chinese.
However, reservations can only be made in Korean or English. - Using the English interface as an example
Click on "Tour Reservation" (as shown in the image below) to start the reservation process.
- Review and Confirm the Required Notices Before Reservation
In the red-boxed section shown in the image below, check all the boxes labeled "Required" one by one to proceed with the reservation.
- Select Your Reservation Details
Enter your nationality, number of visitors, reservation date, and time slot.
- Confirm Your Reservation Details
If everything is correct, proceed to the next step.
- Enter your reservation email address to receive official reservation information from Cheong Wa Dae.
- Once the form is completed, if you see the following page pop up, it means your reservation was successful.
8.Afterwards, you will receive the reservation schedule information from Cheong Wa Dae in your email.
Recommended Tourist Attractions
The Main Building of Cheong Wa Dae is the central structure of Cheong Wa Dae, which was once the primary office of the President and a venue for important state functions. The architecture blends traditional Korean palace styles, with approximately 150,000 blue tiles covering the roof, giving the building a solemn and elegant appearance. Visitors can experience the historical atmosphere of modern Korean politics here.
The Presidential Residence:
It is the residence of past South Korean presidents, located behind the main building of the Blue House, surrounded by the serene Blue Mountains. This building has been home to many world leaders and the site of important decisions. Today, it is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the former living spaces of the president.
Sangchunjae (상춘재)
A traditional Korean-style building within the Blue House, originally used for welcoming distinguished guests, holding informal meetings, and hosting traditional cultural activities. The building features typical Hanok architecture, with beautiful surroundings that highlight the charm of Korean traditional design. Today, visitors can explore this site and experience the essence of Korean traditional culture.
Transportation Tips:
Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 3. Then, walk about 1,000 meters (12 minutes) to reach
Conclusion
The Blue House not only carries the history of modern Korean politics but also symbolizes the fusion of tradition and modernity. Today, this once mysterious presidential residence is open to the public, allowing visitors to experience its unique cultural and architectural beauty. If you're interested in Korean history and politics, the Blue House is definitely a must-visit destination.
