Blue House, Seoul

Name: Blue House
Address: Seoul, South Korea

#29 among attractions in Seoul

Sightseeing

Gallery (17)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rtflakfizer / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Steve46814 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Isageum / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Steve46814 / URL

Facts and practical information

The Blue House, known as Cheong Wa Dae in Korean, is an iconic executive office and official residence of the President of South Korea, nestled at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain in the capital city of Seoul. This distinctive complex is renowned for its elegant Korean traditional architecture and the serene beauty of its surroundings, which include lush gardens and tranquil ponds.

Constructed in 1991, the Blue House is so named for the 150,000 blue tiles that adorn its roof, symbolizing transparency and cleanliness, and the traditional Korean color of authority. The tiles are designed to last for centuries, embodying the enduring spirit of the Korean people and their government. The main building, known as the Main Office Hall, is where the president conducts state affairs, while the adjoining two-story residence is the official home of the nation's leader.

The Blue House also serves as a venue for important state events, diplomatic receptions, and meetings with international leaders. Its beauty and historical significance make it a popular attraction, though access is restricted due to security reasons. Visitors can, however, enjoy a tour of the grounds and some of the buildings, which must be arranged in advance through the official website.

Not just a sight for tourists, the Blue House is a symbol of the South Korean presidency and a testament to the nation's rich cultural heritage and modern democratic values. It stands as a proud reminder of South Korea's progress and its commitment to peace and prosperity.

Local name: 청와대 Coordinates: 37°35'12"N, 126°58'30"E

Address

종로구 (청운효자동)Seoul South Korea

Contact

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Seoul

Day trips

Blue House – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Gyeongbokgung, National Folk Museum of Korea, Gwanghwamun, National Palace Museum of Korea.

0.5 miS
Historic palace with tours and a museum
Gyeongbokgung, Seoul
13 min walk • Gyeongbokgung Palace, a jewel nestled in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the Joseon Dynasty. Established in 1395 by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongbokgung served as the main royal...
0.4 miSE
Museum for Korean customs and culture
National Folk Museum of Korea, Seoul
12 min walk • The National Folk Museum of Korea stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Korea, situated in the heart of Seoul. This significant institution offers visitors an in-depth look into Korean history, traditional life, and the cultural beliefs of the Korean...
0.8 miS
Imposing gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gwanghwamun, Seoul
20 min walk • Gwanghwamun is the main and largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in Seoul, South Korea. Serving as a landmark historical site, this majestic gate stands as a proud emblem of the city's rich heritage and dynastic past.
0.7 miS
Collection of Joseon Dynasty artifacts
National Palace Museum of Korea, Seoul
18 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, the National Palace Museum of Korea is a cultural gem that showcases the rich history and royal heritage of the Korean peninsula. This prestigious institution is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of artifacts from...
0.6 miSE
Museum, Art museum, Shopping
Art Sonje Center, Seoul
17 min walk • Artsonje Center is a private art museum in Seoul, Korea, located in Samcheong-dong, a neighborhood adjacent to known for its numerous art galleries, cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
0.6 miNW
City gate, Historical place
Changuimun, Seoul
17 min walk • Changuimun is one of the Eight Gates of Seoul in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, South Korea, which surrounded the city in the Joseon Dynasty. The gate is also known as Buksomun, and Jahamun.
0.6 miSE
Museum, Specialty museum
Tibet Museum, Seoul
16 min walk • The Tibet Museum is a museum dedicated to Tibetan culture in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
0.7 miSE
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Gallery Hyundai, Seoul
19 min walk • Gallery Hyundai was founded in 1970, initially located in Insadong, South Korea. The founder and president of the gallery, Park Myung-ja introduced modern and contemporary art to the Korean public.
0.7 miSE
Museum, History museum
Gahoe Museum, Seoul
18 min walk • Gahoe Museum is a private museum in Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Established in 2002, its collection includes over 1,500 items, including 750 amulets, 250 items of folk paintings, approximately 150 classical books, and 250 other odd items. The museum is located on a street of traditional Hanok houses and gardens.
0.7 miNW
Museum, Art museum
Whanki Museum, Seoul
19 min walk • The Whanki Museum is a private art museum in Jongno-gu, in central Seoul, South Korea. It was established by the Whanki Foundation mainly to exhibit and commemorate the art of Whanki Kim, one of Korea's foremost abstract painters.
0.7 miSE
Museum, Art museum, Fashion museum
Han Sang Soo Embroidery Museum, Seoul
17 min walk • The Han Sang Soo Embroidery Museum is an art museum specializing in Korean embroidery located in Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, central of Seoul, South Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Blue House?

Nearby attractions include Cheongun-dong, Seoul (8 min walk), Samcheong-dong, Seoul (9 min walk), Changseong-dong, Seoul (12 min walk), National Folk Museum of Korea, Seoul (12 min walk).

How to get to Blue House by public transport?

The nearest stations to Blue House:

Metro

Gyeongbokgung • Lines: 3 (20 min walk)
Anguk • Lines: 3 (24 min walk)

Bus

Gwanghwamun • Lines: 600, 9709 (30 min walk)
개미마을종점 (30 min walk)