On June 6, Memorial Day, citizens stood in line near Cheong Wa Dae in Jongno-gu, Seoul, awaiting their turn. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 6 (Korea Bizwire) — As President Lee Jae-myung signals a return to the historic Blue House as his presidential office, public interest in visiting the iconic former seat of government is surging.
Weekend tour reservations have filled up entirely, reflecting heightened attention to the compound that could soon resume its role as the heart of state affairs.
On Thursday, long lines of visitors braved the early summer heat outside the Cheong Wa Dae complex in Seoul’s central Jongno district. According to the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation’s reservation website, all available time slots for Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in June are fully booked. Each time slot accommodates over 3,000 visitors. Weekday reservations, however, remain open.
On June 5, visitors observed portraits of former presidents displayed in front of Sejong Room inside the main building of Cheong Wa Dae.
Though President Lee began his term at the current presidential office in Yongsan, he has made clear his intention to relocate back to the Blue House. In a YouTube appearance on March 30 — days before his election victory — Lee described Cheong Wa Dae as the optimal seat of power, citing its symbolism, history, and superior security.
“It’s the best — deeply symbolic, secure, and appropriate for state affairs,” Lee said, sharply criticizing the Yongsan compound as vulnerable to surveillance and lacking in strategic protection. “We’re conducting affairs of state while surrounded by apartment buildings.”
The presidential residence inside Cheong Wa Dae.
According to ruling party insiders, President Lee is expected to return to Cheong Wa Dae within the next six months, pending facility repairs and security system reinstatement.
Since its opening to the public in 2022, several key features — including the underground National Crisis Management Center and the Yeomingwan office wing — require significant restoration to meet operational and security standards. A transition task force is reportedly in formation to oversee the relocation.
Meanwhile, the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation is undertaking a comprehensive restoration of the compound’s scenic trails. On Thursday, the foundation announced it would temporarily restrict public access to the 1.31-kilometer path running from the Chilgung trail to Baegakjeong Pavilion and the road beside the Chunchugwan briefing room, as repair works proceed.
The foundation emphasized that the maintenance work is unrelated to President Lee’s return, noting the schedule was planned prior to the election. “There are currently no official instructions related to the President’s relocation,” a spokesperson said.
Until any move is formally confirmed, the foundation will continue to operate under existing guidelines — accepting public reservations up to four weeks in advance and maintaining weekend cultural performances.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
