Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House)
You may know the White House, but do you know the Blue House? Officially known as Cheong Wa Dae, meaning “pavilion of blue tiles,” this striking former residence of the president in the Jongno-gu district was built on the site of a royal garden, dating from 1104. It’s beautifully backdropped by Bugaksan, one of the city’s most popular hiking mountains, the top of which makes for an excellent vantage point to observe Cheong Wa Dae, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the entire city beyond. At the time of this writing, the new presidential candidates are considering a return to the Blue House, which will close the grounds to the public. Check the website for updates.
