Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)

For 74 years the residence and office of Korea's president, opened to the public in 2022; before that, 'Cheong Wa Dae' meant an inaccessible, heavily guarded zone. Today, with a reservation, anyone can tour the main building, guest house, residence, and gardens.

The name 'Blue House' comes from the blue roof tiles of the main hall, and the facade of that hall against Bukak Mountain is one of the iconic images of Korean tourism. Within the grounds, a small exhibit traces the history of each presidency.

Honest tips: free, but advance reservation is the rule — booking opens five days ahead on the Cheong Wa Dae reservation site and sells out fast in peak season. Same-day standby exists some days, but cannot be relied on. Interior photography is restricted in places, and photo ID is mandatory, so bring it. Fifteen minutes on foot from Gyeongbokgung station, with a security screening before entry.