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Blue House

Coordinates: 37°35′12″N 126°58′35″E / 37.5867°N 126.9763°E / 37.5867; 126.9763
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For other uses, see Blue House (disambiguation).

Blue House
청와대
靑瓦臺
Cheong Wa Dae
The reception center of the Blue House
Blue House is located in Seoul
Blue House
Location in Seoul
Former namesGyeong Mu Dae (1948–1960)
Alternative namesCheong Wa Dae
General information
Architectural styleTraditional Korean
Address1 Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Town or citySeoul
CountrySouth Korea
Coordinates37°35′12″N 126°58′35″E / 37.5867°N 126.9763°E / 37.5867; 126.9763
Groundbreaking22 March 1937 (1937-03-22)
Topped-out20 September 1939 (1939-09-20)
Opened1948 (1948) (as presidential residence)
10 May 2022 (2022-05-10) (as public park)
Renovated22 July 1989 (1989-07-22) – 4 September 1991 (1991-09-04)
Closed9 May 2022 (2022-05-09) (as presidential residence)
Website
opencheongwadae.kr/eng
opencheongwadae.kr
Korean name
Hangul
청와대
Hanja
Revised RomanizationCheong Wa Dae
McCune–ReischauerCh'ŏng'wadae

Cheong Wa Dae (Korean: 청와대; Hanja: 靑瓦臺; lit. Cyan-tile Pavilion), also known as the Blue House in English, is a public park that formerly served as the presidential residence and the diplomatic reception halls of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) from 1948 to 2022. It is located in the Jongno district of the South Korean capital city of Seoul, behind Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Cheong Wa Dae is a complex of multiple buildings built largely in the traditional Korean architectural style with some modern architectural elements and facilities. Cheong Wa Dae now consists of the Main Office Hall Bon-gwan,[a] the Presidential Residence, the State Reception House Yeongbin-gwan,[b] the Chunchu-gwan,[c] Press Hall, the Secretariat Buildings, and other buildings and structures. The entire complex covers approximately 250,000 square metres or 62 acres.

Cheong Wa Dae was built upon the site of the royal garden of the Joseon period (1392–1910). While the Blue House served as an executive office, it was one of the most protected official residences in Asia.[1] Upon the inauguration of President Yoon Suk Yeol in May 2022, Cheong Wa Dae was relieved of its duties as the official residence and executive office of the president. The president's offices and residence were moved to the Ministry of National Defense building in the Yongsan District of Seoul, and the former executive residence of Cheong Wa Dae and its grounds were fully converted into a public park.

History and transition

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Goryeo and Joseon eras

[edit]

The Blue House dates back to the Goreyeo Dynasty of the Joseon (Kingdom of Korea, 1392-1897). The location of Cheong Wa Dae was the site of a royal villa in Hanyang, the southern capital of the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). It was built by King Sukjong (r. 1095–1105) in 1104. Goryeo's principal capital was at Kaesong, and it also maintained a western capital at Pyongyang and an eastern capital at Gyeongju on opposite sides of the Korean peninsula. After the Joseon period (1392–1897) moved its capital to Hanyang, Gyeongbokgung was built in 1395, the fourth year of the reign of King Taejo (r. 1392–1398) as the main palace, and the royal villa lot became the back garden of the palace. It was used as the site for civil service examinations and military training. Feng Shui singer Kim Wi-je said, "Samgaksan Mountain is a scenic view facing north and south. The mountain range that started there is three and four, and they are defending the famous place, so if you rely on Samgaksan Mountain to build a capital, the Dead Sea will come and pay tribute in nine years".[2] After King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty established the country, the new capital was designated in Hanseongbu. Later, in 1394, a new palace was built; the site was near the palace site of Nanjing, Goryeo. The current Cheong Wa Dae seat corresponds to the north of the former royal palace Gyeongbokgung. At that time, it was said that there were temples such as Chungsundang and Chirojeong Pavilion in this place. Here, descendants of kings and founding contributors gathered to conduct large-scale membership.

After Gyeongbokgung was burned down during the 1592–1598 Japanese invasions of Korea, it was left unattended for a long time. However, during the reign of King Gojong, Gyeongbokgung was rebuilt under the leadership of Heungseon Daewongun, and a support was built outside the Sinmumun Gate and in the current Cheong Wa Dae. Later, buildings such as Yoongmundang were built in the background, and Gyeongmudang was also renovated at this time. There were 32 buildings in Gyeongmudae, including Oungak, a resting place for the king. In Yoongmundang, a festival and military training was held.[3][4]

Foreign occupations

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Following the neighboring Empire of Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910, the Imperial Japanese governor of Korea used the Gyeongbokgung grounds for the Government-General Building. In 1927, many buildings in the background, including Gyeongmudae, were demolished. In July 1939, Japan built an official residence/office for the governor-general on the site of Cheong Wa Dae. Even after liberation following the Second Sino-Japanese War (1931/1937-1945) and parallel Second World War (1939/1941-1945) in September 1945, this location was used as his official residence by the occupying United States and its designated United States Army Military Government in Korea's John Haji, during 1945-1948.[2][3]

Presidential residence

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After the establishment of the Republic of Korea government in the southern portion of the Korean peninsula in 1948, the first President of the Republic, Syngman Rhee (1875-1965, served 1948-1960), named the former Imperial Japanese Governor-General's residence Gyeongmudae 경무대; 景武臺; lit. Scenery–force Pavilion), which was the name of one of the few old buildings for former official residence there. He used it as his office and residence. The second South Korean President, Yun Bo-seon (1897-1990, served 1960-1962), changed the name to "Cheong Wa Dae" after he was inaugurated in 1960. The name was reportedly changed as it had ostensibly become associated with authoritarianism and dictatorship.[2] An alternate name "Hwaryeongdae" was proposed alongside "Cheong Wa Dae" as a possible renaming candidate, but the latter was ultimately chosen.[3] After Park Chung Hee (1917-1979, ruled 1962-1979) came to power through a military coup as third President, some argued that the colour should be changed to yellow, saying it is a more precious color, but Park Chung Hee dismissed it.[4] At the regime of Park Chung Hee, the Blue House structure had a president's office on the first floor and a living space for the president's family on the second floor. However, as the building was narrow and ageing, a major renovation was carried out during the Park administration.

In January 1968, North Korean infiltrators nearly reached the building in a bid to assassinate President Park during the Blue House raid. In the ensuing melee, 28 North Koreans, 26 South Koreans, and four Americans were killed.

On October 26, 1979, Park was assassinated by the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) Director in a safe house in the Blue House grounds.

Presidents Park, Choi Kyu-ha, and Chun Doo-hwan used the building both as their office and official residence. While President Roh Tae-woo was in office, a new office building, official residence, and press center, called Chunchu-gwan, was built. The main office building was opened in April 1991. In September 1991, an advisory committee consisting of 22 experts was formed to gather opinions and build the current main building, official residence, and Chunchugwan. In 1993, during Kim Young-sam's presidency, the building built by Japan for the then-official residence was dismantled. Roh Moo-hyun tried to change the structure of the main building to strengthen communication with the staff, but failed.[5][6] The wartime evacuation facility built by Park Chung Hee in 1975 was repaired in 2003 to create a room (underground bunker) for the National Crisis Management Centre.[7]

Opening up to the public

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Because the Cheong Wa Dae has often been regarded as a symbol of the president's imperial power, many presidents made efforts to relocate the presidential office and residence.[8]

Kim Young-sam was the first to push for relocation as a symbolic break from the previous military dictatorship era. Kim Young-sam pledged to move his office to the Seoul Government Complex near Gwanghwamun but was unable to achieve this. Instead, the road in front of the Blue House and the mountain Inwangsan was made open to the public. In addition, 12 safe houses located in Gungjeong-dong and Samcheong-dong were demolished, and Mugunghwa Garden, a civic park, was created.[8]

Kim Dae Jung also pushed for a plan to set up offices at the Seoul and Gwacheon Government Complex but stopped due to security and cost problems. Instead, measures were taken to open the Chilgung Palace located in the Cheong Wa Dae precincts and expand the scope of Cheong Wa Dae viewing.[8]

The Roh Moo-hyun administration tried to move all government departments, including Cheong Wa Dae, to Sejong City, but failed due to the Constitutional Court's decision to confirm the unconstitutionality of the new administrative capital law. Since then, Roh Moo Hyun has opened Sinmumun Gate, the northern gate of Gyeongbokgung, and Bukaksanseong-ro.[8]

During the Lee Myung-bak administration, the relocation of the secretary's and security's office was also considered, but it was suspended due to costs and approval needed by the National Assembly. Moon Jae-In made President Gwanghwamun a presidential election pledge, but after taking office, it was canceled due to security and cost issues. Instead, the road in front of Cheong Wa Dae and the fortress road of Bukaksan Mountain, which had been temporarily opened, were completely opened.[8]

Conversion into a public park

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On March 20, 2022, President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he would take office on May 10 in the Ministry of National Defense building in the Yongsan District of Seoul, and open the Blue House to the public as a park.[9] In May 2022, following an order issued by Yoon after he took office, the building officially converted into a public park and opened to public visitation for the first time in its 74-year history, with a maximum of 39,000 visitors allowed daily.[10] The visitors can witness cultural performances, tours, and hiking trails that lead to the mountain Bugaksan, Cheongwadae's scenic backdrop.[11]

The Government of South Korea allocated ₩36 billion (about $29.5 million) from government reserve funds for the relocation of the office.[12] However, the Ministry of National Defense at the time faced criticism, with concerns raised regarding the potential negative impact on national security, associated costs, and other issues such as heightened nuclear activity in North Korea and challenges to post-pandemic economic recovery. A recent survey revealed that 58% of the people opposed this move.[13][14][15]

Calls to restore Blue House as presidential office

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In the aftermath of the impeachment of President Yoon, there have been increasing calls to restore Cheong Wa Dae as the presidential office and residence. Rep. Kim Byung-joo of the Democratic Party, a former general, said that the Yongsan office was unsuitable as a presidential office, while conservative mayor of Daegu, Hong Jun-pyo said that Yoon's move away from the Blue House "diminished the president's charisma from the outset and emboldened the (political) opposition" and "The Blue House, like the White House in the United States, is a symbol of Korea".[16]

Logos

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The Blue House logo was first enacted in 1995 during the Kim Young-sam administration. The logo was modified in 2005 during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. In 2008, with the inauguration of the Lee Myung-bak government, a new logo was released. In 2013, a new logo was released with the launch of Park Geun-hye's government and was used until the end of Moon Jae-in's government in 2022.

  • 1995–2005
    1995–2005
  • 2005–2008
    2005–2008
  • 2008–2013
    2008–2013
  • 2013–2022
    2013–2022

Major facilities

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The Cheong Wa Dae has a land area of 253,505 m2 and a floor space of 76,685 pyeong. At the time of the Japanese colonial era, the site area of the Governor-General's office was 644,337 m2, but after liberation, it was reduced to 230,980 m2, and then increased to the current level with the expansion of related buildings and facilities such as security. 73 parcels belong to the Blue House, including Sejong-ro 1, 157-94 Samcheong-dong, and 9 other parcels, Sejong-ro 1-91 and 17 parcels, and Gungjeong-dong 1–2, and 43 parcels.

From December 2007 to February 2008, the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation covered the leaders of the Roh Moo Hyun government who were about to retire and made the last 100 days of the regime a documentary about Cheong Wa Dae. The program captured secret stories from the main building, where the president's office is located, to the official residence and the Yeomingwan.[17] Lee Myung-bak also made and released his documentary video shortly before his retirement, and the interior of the Blue House, including the official residence, was also released to some extent.[18] Moon Jae-in opened the office to commemorate the 100th day since his presidency.[19]

Main building

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Blue House Main Building

The main building (Korean: 본관; Hanja: 本館) was built in September 1991 and used for the president's office. There was also criticism that the space was larger than necessary and that it was closer to a building for protocol than a space for work and communication, so when President Moon Jae-In took office, he decided to see only official work here.[20] The main gate of the Blue House is called the 11th gate; it is a place where ministers and officials of higher rank enter during the Cabinet meetings. Entry is allowed only after showing a pass. The interior was partially unveiled on the day of Moon Jae-In's inauguration.[21]

The main building is based on traditional wooden structures and palace architecture. It has single-story annexes arranged on the left and right sides and 150,000 Korean blue tiles on the second floor. In addition to general tiles such as Sukiwa, Amkiwa, Sumaksa, and Ammaksa, decorative tiles can be seen in palaces such as miscellaneous statues, fiddles, dragon heads, and earthenware.[citation needed]

On the first floor of the main building, there is the First Lady's office, the Mugunghwa Room, a reception room, and the Inwang Room used for small lunches, dinners, and refreshments. The second floor features the president's office, reception room, and a white room where people eat. The lawn in front of the building includes a state welcome event, a military honor guard, and a traditional funeral. Sejong Room, a separate building on the west side, was the venue for Cabinet meetings and appointment award events, while Chungmu Room, a separate building on the east side, was the venue for medium-sized lunches, dinners, and meetings.[22][23]

  • Blue House Presidential Office
    Blue House Presidential Office
  • Blue House Presidential Office
    Blue House Presidential Office
  • Blue House Presidential Reception Room
    Blue House Presidential Reception Room

Guest house

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Blue House State Guest House

The guest house (Korean: 영빈관; Hanja: 迎賓館) was completed in December 1978 as a building that held large-scale meetings, welcoming foreign state guests, and various official events. It is currently the oldest modern building in the Cheong Wa Dae precincts. The first floor is a reception event for foreign guests as a reception room, and the second floor is a place where large-scale luncheon and dinner events are held, decorated with Mugunghwa and laurel trees.[22] However, it is said that the use is not strictly divided. The capacity is about 250 people, but there are no separate accommodations and not enough decorations or facilities to feel Korean style; it is close to a huge banquet hall used as a venue for luncheon.[24]

Inside the Blue House guest house

In the past, there was no space in the Blue House to greet state guests. Therefore, the Chosun Hotel and Walkerhill Hotel were used or the Korean house (content 3) was used as a guest house. In 1958, the Syngman Rhee administration nationalized Jangchungdan Park to build a guesthouse and began construction. Construction was temporarily suspended due to the April 19 Revolution and the May 16 military coup, but the Shilla Hotel guesthouse was completed in February 1967. However, it was operated mainly by state guests suffered financial difficulties, and was eventually sold to the public in 1973 and became the current Shilla Hotel.[25]

Since then, it has been argued that the space for events in the Blue House is not suitable for the national status, and construction of the current guesthouse on the old site of Gyeongnongjae, which was built to encourage farming during the Joseon period, began in January 1978. The guesthouse was completed at the end of that year; in October 1998, the surrounding old buildings were renovated and then re-renovated in June 2000.[25]

Old residence

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Blue House Presidential Residence

The old residence (Korean: 청와대 대통령 관저; Hanja: 靑瓦臺 大統領 官邸) was completed in 1990 as the place where the president lived with his family. Although it was not well disclosed to reporters in the past, the entrance to the official residence was disclosed in March and November 2003, when Roh Moo-hyun was in office. Lee Myung-bak had also released images related to family life, and while president, Moon Jae-in made several public appearances on his way to work at the entrance of his official residence.[26]

Blue House Presidential Residence Insu Gate

Park Geun-hye's daily life was revealed when Kim Mak-up, a contractor and butler when Park Geun-hye was in office, was investigated by the prosecution. At this time, the structure of the official residence was also known, and according to his statement, the official residence was divided into an inner room and an annex, and the annex was where the bodyguard resided. At that time, the interior had a bedroom, study, fitness room, newsroom, Korean room, powder room, etc., and the president's bedroom was equipped with a bed, dressing table, drawer, TV, desk, laptop, and intercom. The annex had a security room, a cooking room, a dining room, and a reception room which consisted of a meeting table, a round table, and a TV.[27]

Presidents Chun Doo-hwan, Roh Tae-woo, and Roh Moo-hyun stayed at Cheong Wa Dae on the last day of their terms and left Cheong Wa Dae the next day. Kim Young-sam, Kim Dae-jung, and Lee Myung-bak left Cheong Wa Dae on the last day of their terms and served as presidents until midnight. Meanwhile, Choi Kyu-hah and Park Geun-hye stepped down before a successor was decided, both of whom stayed at Cheong Wa Dae for a few more days after their presidential terms ended.[28] Previous presidents moved in at the same time as they took office, but Moon Jae-In did not move in until the third day of his inauguration due to facility maintenance. This was the first time since the completion of the official residence.[29]

Before the construction of the current main building and official residence during Roh Tae-woo's presidency, the old main building's first floor served as the presidential office, while the second floor functioned as the presidential residence. It is said that during this period, there were two shutters on the stairs connecting these floors. Later, under Roh Tae-woo's reign, the current official residence building was built behind the former main building, incorporating traditional architectural styles to maximize the function of the residential space. The layout included a main building for living space, an annex for hosting events, and the creation of traditional-style gardens and men's quarters in the front yard.[30]

Near the official residence, there is a pavilion called Ounjeong and a building called Chimryugak. It was originally located at the current site of the official residence but was moved to its current location during the new construction. In addition to Ounjeong Pavilion, there were two to three pavilions in the Cheong Wa Dae precincts that now have been demolished. The date when both Ounjeong Pavilion and Chimryugak Pavilion were built is unknown. However, it seems that it was built afterward, considering that neither building is mentioned in the shape of the northern palace, which is believed to have been built in 1907. Some say it was built during the Rhee Syngman era, but the signboard of Oh Un-Jeong is also handwritten by Syngman Rhee.[31]

The so-called handsome stone Buddha, the stone seated Buddha of the square pedestal of Gyeongju, is also located around the official residence. As the name suggests, it was originally located in Gyeongju, but it is said that Governor Masatake Terouchi moved to the governor's residence during the Japanese colonial period. When the official residence was newly built in the 1930s, the Buddha statue was also moved, and in 1989, when the official residence of the Blue House was newly built, it moved back to its current position.[32]

With the inauguration of President Yoon Suk Yeol on May 10, 2022, it lost its function as an official residence and was changed to an old residence.

Yeomingwan

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Yeomingwan (Korean: 여민관; Hanja: 與民館) is the place where Cheong Wa Dae aides work and is divided into three buildings. It was changed to Wiminkwan during the presidency of Lee Myung-bak. When President Moon Jae-in took office, it was returned to Yeomingwan, the name of the expansion during the Roh Moo-hyun regime. Yeomingwan is taken from Yeomin Dongrak, a phrase from Mencius, and means "to share joy with the people". On the other hand, Wimin speculates that it means 'politics for the people'. Shortly after its launch, the Moon Jae-in government initially considered retaining the name "Women's Hall" but ultimately reverted to "Yeomin Hall." It aimed to prevent any suggestion of hierarchy, ensuring the people were not perceived as subordinate to the Blue House.[33][34]

The main building and Yeomingwan are about 500m away. Roh Moo-hyun envisioned a Korean-style West Wing while constructing Yeomin Hall 1, and frequently worked there. However, in the second half of his administration, he preferred the office of the main building, and Lee Myung-bak also received reports from the office of the Yeomingwan three or four times. Park Geun-hye did not visit the office of Yeomingwan during his presidency, but Moon Jae-in worked at Yeomingwan again.[35]

The construction of Yeomin Hall 1 began in May 2004 and was completed in December. It has a floor space of 974 pyeong with one basement floor and three ground floors. The Chief of Staff's office and the State Affairs Office are located on the second floor, and the President's simple office, small meeting room, and conference room are located on the third floor.[36] Before the establishment of Yeomin Hall 1, Yeomin Hall 2 was referred to as an annex, while Yeomin Hall 3 was known as Dong Annex. Completed in 1969 and 1972, respectively, both are older structures. Following a safety assessment rating them as a D-grade, the National Assembly prioritized budget allocation for repair work.[19] The Blue House Library is located in Yeomin Hall 2, and as of January 2018, there are 18,662 books. Books can only be rented, and the library receives applications every month and purchases books after internal review.[37]

Sugungteo

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Sugungteo Site (Korean: 수궁터; Hanja: 守宮터) was named because the former main building, the official building of the Governor-General of Joseon during the Japanese colonial period, was demolished in November 1993 and restored to its old state. In addition, information boards and commemorative stones of the old main building were made to inform visitors of the origin of the Sugung site.[38]

Sangchunjae

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Sangchunjae

Sangchunjae (Korean: 상춘재; Hanja: 常春齋) is a traditional hanok located behind Nokjiwon, the garden of Cheong Wa Dae, and is used for foreign guests. The meaning of Sangchunjae is "a house where spring always continues". The current site of Sangchunjae Pass was the site of an annex called Maehwasil, a Japanese-style wooden building during the Japanese colonial period. It was about 66 square meters in size. After the establishment of the government, it was changed to Sangchunsil, which was used as a ritual building for refreshments and dinner events. Later, in March 1978, Sangchunsil was demolished and Sangchunjae, a 73m2 natural slate roof-style wooden building, was built. In November 1982, the existing Sangchunjae Pass was demolished and a 417.96m2 hanok was completed in half a year, taking its current shape. It is the first traditional hanok built in the Cheong Wa Dae precincts, and it is said to have used Chunyangmok (Content 4), which is more than 200 years old. Inside, there is a living room made of Daecheongmaru and two ondol rooms.[39][40]

Chun Doo-hwan is said to have frequently met foreign guests and held informal meetings at Sangchunjae. Successive presidents also used it as a venue for informal meetings and meetings with foreign leaders. Park Geun-hye held a New Year's press conference at Sangchunjae for the first time in January 2017, when the impeachment trial was underway. After Moon Jae-In took office, Sangchunjae Pass underwent repair due to extensive moisture damage over time.[41][40]

Nokjiwon

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Nokjiwon

Nokjiwon (Korean: 녹지원; Hanja: 綠地園) is a garden in the Cheong Wa Dae precinct that has more than 120 species of trees. During the Japanese colonial period, it was the garden of the official residence of the Governor-General of Korea. It was also used as a site for livestock farms and greenhouses. After the establishment of the government in 1968, a garden was created when a space was needed to function as an outdoor venue in the Blue House. Initially, the green area was 5,289 m2, but it was expanded to 5,620 m2 in 1985. Currently, Nokjiwon is holding various events such as Children's Day, Parents' Day, and the Day of Persons with Disabilities.[39]

Chunchugwan

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Chunchugwan

Chunchugwan (Korean: 춘추관; Hanja: 春秋館) was completed in September 1990 as a venue for the president's press conference and a newsletter room for reporters. With a floor space of 1,028 pyeong, it has three stories above ground and one basement floor; the roof is covered with earthenware. The name Chunchugwan originated from the Goryeo and Joseon periods.[42]

Until the Kim Dae-jung government, reporters could freely go to the secretariat building in Cheong Wa Dae to cover the secretary. Since the Roh Moo Hyun administration, security measures have strengthened, resulting in a complete ban on reporters accessing the Blue House grounds; it can only be covered by the Spring and Autumn Hall.

Briefings by Cheong Wa Dae officials now take place at Chunchugwan. Under a press pool system, representatives cover events and share content, imposing significant restrictions on Cheong Wa Dae coverage.[43]

Mugunghwa Garden

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Mugunghwa Garden (Korean: 무궁화동산; Hanja: 無窮花東山) is a civic park built after demolishing the house of Gungjeong-dong in July 1993.[44] Five safe houses were demolished and built, and it is 10,560 m2. Mugunghwa Garden faces Cheong Wa Dae, and the back gate faces Changchangmun. In the middle of the hill is a central square and a well. In addition, a stone wall 30m long and 3m high is located at the site of the grand banquet hall in Angana-dong, where Park Chung Hee was assassinated.[45]

Chilgung

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Chilgung (Korean: 칠궁; Hanja: 七宮) is a Joseon-era shrine located right next to the Blue House guesthouse. It is called Chilgung because it enshrines the seven concubines who could not become queens. Due to the security of the Blue House, only those who applied to visit the Blue House are allowed to watch the commentary.

In the wake of the January 21 incident, the north of Chilgung Palace was demolished to create a road; it was a habitual traffic accident area, but it was also aimed at strengthening the security of the Blue House. Due to this construction, Jeogyeonggung Palace and Daebingung Palace were moved to their current positions. Chilgung Palace has reopened to the public in connection with Cheong Wa Dae visits in 2001.[46]

Seobyeolgwan

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Seobyeolgwan (Korean: 서별관; Hanja: 西別館) is a meeting-only building located on the west side of the main building of the Blue House, facing Chunchugwan with a heliport in between. Yeonpungmun Gate, located right in front of it, is a place where Cheong Wa Dae employees enter and outsiders enter.

Secret meetings known as the "Seobyeolgwan Conference" were frequently held within the Blue House due to its secure location and lack of access records, maintaining confidentiality. Originating in 1997 to address the IMF economic crisis, it has since been used in many governments. In October 2002, during a hearing on remittance to North Korea, Rep. Uhm Ho-sung of the Grand National Party publicly referenced the conference for the first time. During the Lee Myung-bak administration, there were weekly discussions on economic matters that occurred under the banner of a macro-policy council, involving key figures such as the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, the governor of the Bank of Korea, the chairman of the Financial Services Commission, and the senior presidential secretary for economic affairs.

However, there was often criticism that it was a closed-door agreement because no records, including the duration of the meetings, were left.[47] Controversy escalated when during an annex meeting, 4.2 trillion won worth of funding was given by the Park Geun-hyen government as a way to the support Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. Criticism also mounted over the decision to set economic policies and determine the fate of insolvent conglomerates and banks at secret meetings. As a result, the Seobyeolgwan Conference, which was called the "hotbed of government administration", was no longer held after June 2016, but revived in December 2018 under the name of the Economic Coordination Conference after the inauguration of the Moon Jae-inn government.[48]

In November 2019, the interior structure of the annex was remodeled while keeping its appearance intact. It was an underdeveloped and closed building, and there was a lack of conference rooms in the Cheong Wa Dae precincts. The purpose was to relocate secretive meetings from the closed-door chamber to Yangji, converting it into a meeting venue accommodating both high-level and working-level officials. During the remodeling process, a name change was considered, but this was canceled because "it could be an opportunity to change the name of Seobyeolgwan, which has been disgraced".[49]

Sihwa and Yeonpung Gates

[edit]

Sihwamun Gate (Korean: 시화문; Hanja: 時和門) and Yeonpungmun Gate (Korean: 연풍문; Hanja: 年豊門) are the doors of the Blue House but are separated from the main gate. Yeonpungmun Gate served as a guide building for visitors to the Blue House and was completed in February 2009. It is 859m2 in size with two floors above ground and one basement floor. On the first floor, there is a visitor information room, a rest room, an entrance gate, and the Nonghyup Blue House branch, and on the second floor, there is a book cafe and an interview room. It is an eco-friendly building with a geothermal system and a solar panel system.[50]

Yeonpungmun Gate was also controversial as a place where various official and informal meetings were held and attended by Cheong Wa Dae officials. In 2009, there were suspicions that executives of three mobile carriers, SK Telecom, LG Uplus, and KT, were invited to contribute a large amount of funds, and a secret meeting attended by policy advisers such as defense, administrative safety, unification, and foreign trade was also held at Yeonpungmun. There was also talk that an official from the Mir Foundation participated in the Yeonpungmun meeting in 2016.[51]

It was in 1970 that an information room was established in Cheong Wa Dae. Since then, in August 2007, during the Roh Moo Hyun government, the 55-myeon meeting room and the 22 information room, which were the names of the information rooms at the time, have been changed to the Bukak information room and the fountain information room, respectively. These numbers were the numbers of the guard post where the information room was located, which was intended to be changed into soft, easy-to-understand words that could help visitors understand.[52] After the inauguration of the Lee Myung-bak government, the existing information room, which had few convenience facilities other than two sofas, was extensively constructed to take its current shape.[53] The names of the Bukak Information Room and the fountain Information Room were also changed to Yeonpungmun Gate and Sihwamun Gate, respectively, which was derived from Sihwa Yeonpung, meaning "opening the era of harmony and growing the economy every year". It also created a bank on the premises that visitors and employees could use, and Nonghyup was finally selected.[54]

The main gate of Cheong Wa Dae is only available to a small number of people, including the president, foreign leaders, and Cabinet members; most Cheong Wa Dae employees enter through Yeonpungmun Gate or Sihwamun Gate. Sihwamun Gate, adjacent to Gyeongho-dong, is mainly used by bodyguards, and Yeonpungmun Gate adjacent, to Yeomingwan, is mainly used by secretarial staff.[43]

Cheong Wa Dae Sarangchae

[edit]

Cheong Wa Dae Sarangchae is a building built for tourists visiting Cheong Wa Dae and is a space that teaches Korean history and culture. Inside the building, there are artifacts related to past presidents and an exhibition hall. The history and old photos of Cheong Wa Dae, as well as the old photos and history of Gyeongbokgung, are all displayed there. In addition, visitors can purchase Korean foods and souvenirs.

On the first floor, there is a Korea Tourism Exhibition Hall, a souvenir shop, and a shelter, and on the second floor, there is a Cheong Wa Dae Hall and a public communication experience center.

Originally, this location was the presidential chief of staff's official residence, but when the front road of the Blue House was opened in February 1996, it was changed into a complex cultural space to provide convenience and attractions for the people. At that time, it was called Hyoja-dong Sarangbang, and the building was remodeled in January 2010 due to aging; since then, it has kept its appearance and name. On the first floor, there were the National Public Relations Center and the Seoul Public Relations Center, and on the second floor, there were the Presidential Hall, the Government Public Relations Center, and the G20 Rest Area.[55]

Guards

[edit]

Cheong Wa Dae security is handled by the Presidential Security Service. Three organizations belong to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency: the 101st Guards, the 202nd Guards, and the 22nd Police Guard, who are all in charge of the security and protection of the Blue House. The 101st Guards protect the interior of Cheong Wa Dae, and the 202nd Guards protect the exterior. The police guards are in charge of guarding the president at events outside Cheong Wa Dae. In the military organization, the first security team belonging to the Capital Security Command is in charge of outer security. There are two battalions, a combat support squadron, an armored squadron, and an air defense unit under its wing. It was established by integrating the 30th and 33rd guards that existed in the past. The number of troops under the wing is about 2,000.[43]

[edit]
Gardens on the grounds of Cheong Wa Dae

To the north is the mountain Bukhansan, flanked by two mountains, Naksan, symbolizing the Azure Dragon, on the left and Inwangsan symbolizing the White tiger, on the right. To the south is Namsan, the protective mountain of the capital. In front flow the Cheonggyecheon stream and Han River.

  • One of the buildings at the Cheongwadae Reception Center
    One of the buildings at the Cheongwadae Reception Center
  • Entrance to the Blue House as seen from Gyeongbokgung Palace
    Entrance to the Blue House as seen from Gyeongbokgung Palace
  • Monument on the road in front of the Blue House, administrative building in the background
    Monument on the road in front of the Blue House, administrative building in the background
  • View over the Gyeongbokgung and the Blue House at the foot of Bugaksan
    View over the Gyeongbokgung and the Blue House at the foot of Bugaksan
  • Aerial view of the Blue House
    Aerial view of the Blue House
  • Fountain in front of the Blue House
    Fountain in front of the Blue House
  • A bridge connecting the garden area to the Reception Center
    A bridge connecting the garden area to the Reception Center

Feng Shui

[edit]

Geomancers have long considered the area in which Cheong Wa Dae is located as an auspicious location. This view was backed up by an inscription on a stone wall that reads: "The Most Blessed Place on Earth", found behind the official presidential residence during the construction of a new building in 1990.[56] Others contend that it is cursed; an urban legend known as the "Blue House Curse (청와대의 저주／靑瓦臺의 詛呪)".[57] Choi Chang-jo, a former professor of geography at Seoul National University, argued in the 1990s that "the Cheong Wa Dae site is a permanent residence of dead souls or a residence of God" due to the misfortunes that have befallen onto former presidents.[58][59]

Since the time from Japanese rule of Korea, the Blue House served as the official residence of the president until the inauguration of Yoon Suk Yeol. According to legend, when the Japanese military evacuated the Blue House, they destroyed the local feng shui, causing all subsequent South Korean presidents to be cursed and have a bad end.[60][61] Excluding acting presidents, among the 13 South Korean presidents, 4 were prosecuted and jailed after leaving office (Chun Doo-hwan, Roh Tae-woo, Lee Myung-bak, Park Geun-hye); 3 stepped down due to civil movements or coups (Syngman Rhee, Yun Po-sun, Choi Kyu-hah); 1 was assassinated in office (Park Chung Hee); 1 chose to commit suicide after leaving office due to investigation (Roh Moo-hyun); while two survived the presidency and are not prosecuted (Kim Young-sam, Kim Dae-jung), they were sometimes included in the list because their children were jailed for corruption;[62][63] Moon Jae-in is under investigation for his former son-in-law's bribery;[64] Yoon Suk Yeol has moved out of the Blue House while in office,[65] but he is being impeached by the National Assembly due to political disputes and the sudden declaration of martial law.[66] These curses are believed to still be in effect.[67]

Disregarding curses or feng shui, scholars believe from the perspective of political science that South Korea's presidential system makes it easy for South Korean presidents to encounter unexpected events. These include the abuse of power due to excessive power in personnel appointments and dismissals and lack of checks and balances; South Korea's chaebols have given rise to crony capitalism and close ties between government and business, which has easily led to corruption; the single-term presidential system often makes his government a lame duck, and when the president's influence wanes, it is easy for prosecutors and investigative agencies to obtain evidence; serious party struggles; and even successive presidents will pardon the crimes of their predecessor.[63][68][69][70]

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cheongwadae.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ 본관; 本館; lit. Main House
  2. ^ 영빈관迎賓館; lit. Welcome-Guest House
  3. ^ 춘추관; 春秋館; lit. Spring-Autumn House

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