Blue House, Presidential residence in Jongno District, South Korea
Description
The Blue House is a former presidential residence in Jongno District, South Korea, located at the foot of Bukaksan Mountain. The complex includes several pavilions with curved rooflines, administrative buildings, and landscaped grounds that extend across wide slopes.
History
The compound was established in 1948 as the presidential office and residence after Korea regained independence. It stood on grounds that had served as a royal garden during the Joseon Dynasty.
Culture
The name comes from the blue roof tiles visible across the buildings, crafted using an old Korean ceramic technique. Today families and school groups visit the site, walking through the open gardens and taking photos in front of the pavilions.
Practical
You can explore most of the grounds on foot during opening hours, but some interior spaces require advance registration through the official website. The entrance is near Gyeongbokgung subway station, and a walk around the site takes roughly one to two hours depending on your route.
Did you know?
In 2022 the grounds opened to the general public as a park for the first time in 74 years. Visitors can now walk paths that were previously accessible only to a few government staff and invited guests.
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