Revitalization of historical trails around the presidential residence, known as the Blue House, undergoes transformation
The Locked-Down Blue House
Steer clear of Seoul's iconic Cheong Wa Dae, aka the Blue House, on June 4 afternoon. It's firmly off-limits to visitors. [YONHAP]
Curiosity spikes as whispers circulate about the presumed return of the president to the Blue House. Yet, self-proclaimed neighbors near the compound appear uncertain about this prospect.
Calls for the Blue House's comeback as the presidential headquarters grow following the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol.
As for the obliging former president, he's posed for a photograph alongside the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung, his opponent, last year. [YONHAP]
In reality, the Blue House's closure on June 4, 2025, was triggered by a much less controversial affair - a thorough refurbishment project began for the walking trails within the Blue House complex that day. As such, tourists were barred from the trails until the maintenance work wrapped up. However, other facilities like the main office building and Yeongbingwan guesthouse were open for business as usual during this time. [2]
Amid the political landscape, there's been growing excitement about the prospect of returning the presidential office to the Blue House compound. This was initiated by the election of President Lee Jae-myung, who promised to relocate the presidency back to the Blue House, reversing an earlier decision by Yoon Suk Yeol, who had shifted the presidency to the Defense Ministry complex in Yongsan District in May 2022. The surge in interest to visit the Blue House suggests pent-up public anticipation that access might be restricted once more if the presidential office returns there. [1][2][3]
It's essential to clarify that Yoon Suk Yeol remains an ex-president, and current discussions revolve around whether the Blue House should reclaim its role as the official presidential office and residence – a topic of ongoing debate stemming from symbolic and practical considerations. Recent polls indicate that the majority of respondents advocate for the Blue House as the location for the presidential office, mirroring ongoing discussions about its value. [2][3]
- Despite the ongoing political discussions about the relocation of the presidential office, the Blue House underwent a home improvement project on June 4, 2025, focusing on renovating the walking trails within the complex, restricting access for tourists until the maintenance work was completed.
- Amid the government's deliberations about reinstating the Blue House as the presidential headquarters, there is a surge in interest among lifestyle enthusiasts to visit the iconic home-and-garden spot, fearing future restrictions similar to those during the presidency of Yoon Suk Yeol.
- The home improvement project taking place in the Blue House has stirred debate among politicians regarding the defense of the Blue House's historical significance as a symbol of Korean politics and its potential future role as the presidential residence and office.
