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Living and traveling in Korea

How To Visit The Blue House In Seoul: A Guide To Cheongwadae

Did you know you can visit the Blue House in Seoul now? Actually, there were tours before, but now you can see more. Formerly the president’s home, the newly elected Korean president no longer lives there, so they’ve opened it for people to see for the first time in 74 years. If you’re interested in seeing Korea’s government buildings, you should go take a tour of The Blue House, or Cheongwadae (청와대) as it’s called in Korean.

Citizens and tourists can see the Blue House but the process to see it is a bit different, so make sure you read carefully. If you’ll be visiting downtown Seoul soon, this is definitely something you should see. Who knows? Maybe the next president will move back in and it won’t be public anymore. It might be your only chance!

How To Get There

The importance of cheongwadae opening, notable south korean presidents, what to see, what to do nearby.

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Situated snuggly behind Gyeongbokgung Palace with Bugaksan behind it, you can easily add this to a day in downtown Seoul.

Address: 1 Cheongwa-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청와대로 1) By Public Transportation: Take Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung station, exit 4. Then, take bus 1711, 1020, 7018, 7016, 7022, or 7212 to Hyoja-dong, and it’s a short walk from there.

Alternatively, you could walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace and exit out the back gate to find the Blue House as well. Make sure to check when you buy tickets that the back gate will be open by the time you get there though.

Days: Wednesday – Monday

Hours: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm

Admission: Free

How to visit: Currently, reservations are required to visit the Blue House. However, if you’re a tourist you cannot make a reservation on the website. Keep reading though because you CAN still visit.

If you’re a citizen of South Korea or a resident of South Korea:

• You can register on the Cheongwadae website in order to visit.
• Registration can be made up to four weeks in advance.
• Up to 6 people can be registered per reservation.
• A local mobile number is required to verify your identity.
• Website: https://reserve1.opencheongwadae.kr/

If you are a tourist visiting South Korea:

• There are two times a day when 500 walk-ins are allowed to enter and this is when you can get in.
• Walk-in times: 9:00am & 1:30pm
• Note that you should arrive at least a half hour in advance. On popular days, the line can get long fast.
• You must bring your passport to show at the ticket booth to enter.

Because every South Korean president lived here, The Blue House was always pretty closed off to the public. There were special events held sometimes, but it was much like the American White House where few people have seen the interior. The new President Yoon Suk-Yeol, who was elected in 2022, decided not to live there and opened the residence up to the public.

Opening up Cheongwadae was a controversial decision but President Yoon strongly voiced his opinions that the Blue House was a symbol of Korea’s legacy of imperial presidencies. He vowed to return the compound to the public and move his office to the defense ministry building in Yongsan. It could be that this tourist attraction is limited to this president’s 5-year term though, so you should go see it while you can!

History of the Blue House

The land that the Blue House is on was originally a royal villa in Hanyang, the capital of the Goryeo Dynasty. Once Joseon took over and Gyeongbokgung Palace was built, it became the back garden of the palace. During the Japanese occupation, they built a government administrative building there.

When the Republic of Korea was established in 1948, the first president Syngman Rhee renamed the building to “Gyeong Mu Dae” and he used it as an office as well as a place of residence. The fourth president of South Korea, Yun Bo-seon, changed the name to Cheongwadae, which literally means “The Blue House” after the signature blue tiling on the roof.

All of the Korean presidents have used this for both their residence and official offices until the latest one, President Yoon Suk-Yeol. After a Presidential decree, The Blue House was declared a public park this year, 2022, and opened to the people for the first time since it was built. You can imagine how excited citizens and tourists have been to visit. There is a limit of 6,500 people that can enter every two hours by reservation for this reason.

• Rhee Syngman (이승만) – The first president of South Korea
• Yun Bo-Seon (윤보선) – President with the shortest term at 1 year and 224 days.
• Park Chung-Hee (박정희) – The longest-serving president at 15 years, 10 months, and 10 days. This is about 3 times the length of a current presidential term in Korea.
• Roh Tae-Woo (노태우) – The first president of the sixth and current Republic of Korea.
• Park Geun-Hye (박근혜) – The first female president of South Korea, also inspired the largest weekly protest in South Korean history with 10 million people joining.
• Moon Jae-In (문재인) – Stepped over the demarcation line at JSA and similarly welcomed Kim Jong Un to step into the south marking the first time since the Korean War a North Korean leader had entered South Korea.

Walking into Cheongwadae, you can feel the excitement of everyone there to see a building that’s been closed for so long. It feels like an incredibly fancy building, and it’s always cool to see cultural sites because you can feel all of the history in a place when you walk around.

Main Office Building (청와대 본관)

This is probably the most recognizable place in all of Cheongwadae. It’s the building that has the blue tiles on the roof that gave the property its name. It has been used as the official presidential office since it was built in 1911 to 2022. Since it’s been opened to the public, it’s been made into a museum of the lives of presidents while they used this space.

Each room in the building shows a different purpose for it, while at the end there’s a display of all of the First Ladies of South Korea. This is also the most popular building, and the line tends to be long. If you want to see it, it should be either the first or last thing you visit while at Cheongwadae.

Yeongbingwan (영빈관)

Yeongbingwan is the state reception hall. This was the place where the president would host guests from other countries. There would be traditional dance performances and banquets here to welcome other heads of state.

Presidential Residence (대통령관저)

This was the home of presidents and their families while they were in office, kept separately from the main building. It includes three sections: Bonchae, which is the actual living space; Byeolchae, which is the reception space, and Sarangchae. This last room is traditionally used as a study by the men of the house.

Sangchunjae (상춘재)

Designed similar to the Presidential Residence, Sangchunjae is a place where traditional Korean artwork is displayed to guests. It’s also a place where receptions and unofficial meetings are held.

Nokjiwon (녹지원)

This is a massive outdoor space that’s perfect for sitting with a picnic blanket and relaxing on a nice day which they might start allowing any day. There are a lot of different trees here, including commemorative trees planted by each president.

Chunchugwan (춘추관)

Built in 1990, this building is the newest addition to Cheongwadae. It’s used for official presidential announcements and for the Press Secretary to give news briefings. The name comes from the record-keeping office of the Goryeo Dynasty.

Chilgung Palace (칠궁)

The name of this building literally means “Seven Palaces”. It’s the place where the spirit tablets of the seven concubines who birthed kings of the Joseon Dynasty are enshrined. According to Confucian beliefs, it’s incredibly important to respect your elders in life and honor them in death, so it’s a necessity for their spirits to be preserved in tablets like this. If you’re wondering where everyone else’s spirit tablets are, you can visit Jongmyo Shrine , which is nearby. That is where all of the kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty’s spirits are preserved.

So you made it out to the Blue House and you want to spend the day in the area. Well there’s plenty to do!

Tongin Market

This is a really fun traditional market with a bit of a twist. You can buy traditional style coins and then shop around from vendor to vendor getting food but instead of getting big bowls of soup and platefuls of chicken, you get mini-versions of everything which is ideal if you want to sort of taste test the goods and just see what you like. Most markets serve up great food but it’s big serving sizes and if you don’t know what you’re getting, you might be afraid to try new things. This is a great way to try a lot of tiny dishes of Korean market food. See what you like!

Find out more about Tongin Market

Gyeongbokgung Palace

The largest of the Korean palaces sitting right in front of the Blue House can’t be overlooked of course. Where the Joseon Kings sat and where the presidents of Korean history sat? See them both in the same day if you can. Or the same night. Throughout the year, there are special night viewings of the palaces downtown which can’t be beat. If you’ve seen Gyeongbokgung by day, try to see it by night this time.

Find out more about Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

The Seoul MMCA is a fabulous art museum just east of Gyeongbokgung Palace. There are always amazing exhibitions there and the layout itself and buildings that make up the museum are also really interesting too. Stop in and see what’s going on when you’re in the area.

Find out more about the Seoul Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

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Thanks for providing the online reservation link for residents. Very helpful!

Stephanie von Wellinghoff

Many thanks Alexis, I am so grateful for this very insightful story which helped me a lot. I was lucky to get in, and can only warmly recommend visiting the Blue House. What a wonderful house, and what a proud and culturally rich nation!

Thank you for the info inside your article. Do vistors still need to make online reservations for visiting Blue House now? Where is the gathering place, at the Cheongwadae gate or at the east parking lot besides Gyeongbokgung ? Thank you. Vera

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How to Visit The Blue House in Korea (Cheongwadae)

Last Updated: Jun 24, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

One of Korea’s biggest mysteries is Cheongwadae — also known as the Blue House in Seoul. It’s quite a secluded place, and was heavily restricted for a long time. The only thing passersby could see were the buildings and pavilions that had the iconic blue tiles formed to honor traditional Korean architecture. 

For 74 years, it served to house the South Korean president, and only they were able to enter the building. However, special access was granted to some of the president’s trusted colleagues, as well as special foreign delegates who had business to do in Korea.

Visiting the Blue House in Korea can teach you about Korea’s extensive political and cultural past, and how it has shaped the country into what it is today.

Cheongwadae is conveniently located in the heart of Seoul, and the nearest station is the same one that directly takes you straight to Gyeongbokgung Palace, another political heritage site that offers a free guided tour on all days except Tuesdays.

Note that the guided tours of Cheongwadae Seoul are only given to those who have made prior reservations. If you wish to reserve a slot, please visit their official website . Also, keep in mind that the Blue House is closed on Mondays and special holidays.

Getting to The Blue House

What is cheongwadae , history of the blue house in seoul, how to visit the blue house as a tourist, tips for visiting the blue house, seoul blue house faq.

To get to the Blue House, the closest subway station is Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3). You can also ride the Seoul Autonomous Bus , which has a stop outside Gyeongbok Palace, and then the route eventually takes you to the Hyojaro entrance of Cheongwadae.

Note that these buses run from 9AM to 5PM. Beyond 5pm, you can ride a taxi from the Seoul Station and the fee is just ₩6900. There are three notable landmarks near Cheongwadae other than Gyeongbokgung Palace.

We have National Museum of Korea, which contains the best collection of Korean history and art, followed by Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional neighborhood that has preserved its traditional charm, and finally Namsan Tower, a communications tower that is also a skyscraper that offers the best views of Seoul.

As some people may initially think, the Blue House is definitely not a rip-off of the US White House. But it definitely fulfilled the same purpose; that is, until the current president decided to change the site into a public park, and moved all operations to a military facility in Yongsan-gu. 

So, if it’s not a parody of the White House, then where did the Blue House get its name? It comes from the Korean nickname for Cheongwadae, which has a vivid blue-tiled roof that has remained unchanged throughout the years. Several renovations were made to improve the presidential home, but the roof has stayed on over the years. 

The blue tiles go all the way back to the Goryeo dynasty, and I’m not a historian, but during my research I learned that it was a belief during this period that a home with a blue roof is a symbol of wealth. Also, if you’ve seen the White House before, and then came to visit Cheongwadae in Seoul, you may be surprised that it’s not a single building, but a complex of multiple structures. 

The Blue House is actually three times larger than the White House. It’s also in a pretty ideal location, and is just a convenient walk away from several historical landmarks, like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village.  

One of the most notable features of the Korean Blue House is the elegant mix of traditional Korean architecture with modern elements. These are beautifully incorporated into the main building, its surrounding pavilions, and the fountain at front.

If you also take a stroll in the large garden , you get a clear view of the Bukhansan, flanked by the Naksan and the Inwangsan mountain ranges. If you plan to visit, make sure you have secured a reservation on the Korea Blue House website first, although you can just walk in as long as you do not have plans to join the tour.

Visitors are required to wear formal attire like a suit, but you can also rent a hanbok for a day and still be considered suitable. Moreover, if you wear a hanbok, you can get into the nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace for free.

The Blue House originally was a villa built by the royal family during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1932), and was later considered during the Joseon Era (1392-1910) to be a site so sacred that no king could dare to enter.

In the mid-19 th century, it was turned into a military training ground called the Gyeongmudae , and was also wide enough to host the gwageo , or the civil service examinations. When the Japan-Korea Treaty was imposed on the Korean Empire, a building was erected to house the Japanese Colonial Government General throughout the Japanese occupation.

After defeating Japan in 1948, it became the official residence of Korea’s first president. 

For years it kept the name Gyeongmudae, until it was officially changed into Cheongwadae, following the inauguration of Yun Boseon during the Second Republic. Park Chung-hee, the controversial president that served for 18 years until his assassination in 1979, was largely responsible for adding structures to the lot. 

The gregarious main building, along with several embellishments, were completed during the sixth president Roh Tae-woo’s term after the successful 1988 Summer Olympics. More sections were made to accommodate the incoming foreign leaders and delegates that were impressed by Korea, and thus came for state visits.

Back when it served as a presidential home, tours were allowed in limited areas only. It was only just recently that people were granted full access; and this was merely because the president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol decided to relocate the presidential office. 

It was rumored that the reason for moving was “ bad feng shui ”, but the president also argued that making the former home into a public park is a touching gesture that promises open communication and transparency with the people.

Currently, the president has opted to commute from his home to the new office , built in a Defense Ministry complex near Yongsan Park. Now that you can freely explore areas that were not open to the public before, there were some recent additions to the tour that you will for sure enjoy.

Some of the memorable places you encounter are the Cheongwadae Bongwan , or the former executive office of the president, the Yeongbingwan , or the state reception hall large enough to hold banquets, and three sections of the Daetongryeong Gwanjeo , where the presidents and their families used to live. 

The most interesting part of the tour, however, is the Chilgung Palace , which literally means “Seven Palaces”. Here, you can find seven spirit tablets of the concubines who birthed seven notable Joseon kings.

Other interesting spirit tablets can be found in Jongmyo Shrine , which is in a different location entirely, but is still near that area. A fun tidbit that you should know is that there is a once-secret trail leading to Bugaksan Mountain behind Cheongwadae.

It’s somewhere near the Presidential Residence, and along the short trail, you will discover a Stone Buddha seated on a square pedestal. This is just mentioned in passing during the tour, so once it ends, you should definitely check it out.

Expect the tour to last around an hour and thirty minutes. Dress appropriately to avoid any snags, and remember that the event starts strictly on time, so report to the Public Information Hall at least 20 minutes before the set time.

Taking pictures of the area is permitted, but only at designated places indicated by the tour guide. You are also expected to honor privacy, so if there are events going on, do not take pictures unless allowed to do so.

To visit Cheongwadae Seoul, make a reservation on the official website ; simply click “Visit Cheongwadae” on the homepage to get started. Then in the drop-down menu, click “Visit for Tourists” and fill out the online reservation form and state your preferred visit date. 

Within the day, a confirmation of your reservation will be sent to your email (so if you haven’t received it, check your spam folder). Note that, to be able to register on the official website, you need to have a local mobile number, which you can get by purchasing a sim card at Incheon Airport .

You can also register on-site by heading over to the General Information Center of the Main Gate, but only a maximum of 500 visitors are allowed per session. This is the best option you can take if you don’t have a Korean phone number. 

Make sure to bring important IDs for verification purposes (like your passport or Alien Registration Card). But still, to be able to join the tour, it’s best if you secure a reservation online ahead of time, because about 10,000 people come to see the Korean Blue House weekly.

If you are not proficient in hangeul (the site is in Korean), and the staff handling the registration may not speak a lick of English, you should download Papago (find the download link here). This app is the most accurate translating tool, commonly used by locals to communicate with foreigners, along with a few other common apps . 

Before coming to the Blue House, you must keep in mind that this is an official landmark that requires visitors to dress formally or in traditional Korean clothing. Avoid revealing outfits and shorts, in particular. If you violate the dress code, be understanding as to why they cannot let you in. 

Arrive to the meeting place at least 20 minutes before your tour starts. They will not wait for you and will not let you join midway because you missed the instructions. The park is also pretty big, so never lose sight of your tour guide and follow their instructions.

Be mindful of your gestures and jokes, because certain jokes may offend locals who join you on the tour.

Why is the blue house so famous?

- The Blue House is known as the former residence of past South Korean presidents. It also has a vibrant blue roof curved elegantly on top of the main building, which has withstood the test of time. Tourists flock to this place to have an in-depth understanding about the presidents that shaped the country into what it is today, and admire the traditional architecture

Can you visit the Blue House in Korea?

- Yes, unlike before, Cheongwadae in Seoul is no longer limited to official delegations and invited guests. The scope of the tour has changed tremendously, and it now features areas that were off-limits to guests before. To join a Blue House tour, make sure you have secured a ticket online ahead of time, though you can always take your chances by arriving really early at the General Information Center.

Where does the South Korean president live now?

- Upon the inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol in May 2022, Cheongwadae was converted into a public park. For his office he now reports to the Defense Ministry Compound in Yongsan-gu, and has made arrangements to commute there from his house in Southern Seoul. 

Has BTS been to the Blue House? - BTS has definitely been to the Blue House. In late 2018, former President Moon Jae-in invited the group to discuss their role as Cultural Ambassadors, after recognizing the impact their music has on the world and how their contributions have supported the nation in its economic growth and tourism.

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Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) 청와대

서울특별시 종로구 청와대로 1 (세종로) | 1, Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Online booking & on-site application available for touring the presidential compound.

Gyeongbokgung Station (line 3, exit 4). 15 mins walk.

Anguk Station (line 3, exit 1). 20 mins walk.

www.opencheongwadae.kr

Located with Bugaksan Mountain in the background,  Cheong Wa Dae (or Blue House) is the official office and residence  for  Korean Presidents  from  1948 to 2022 . Since the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, it has accommodated  President Syngman Rhee to President Moon Jae-in .

The Opening of Cheong Wa Dae to the Public in 74 years

On 10 May 2022 , f ollowing the relocation of the presidential office to the defence ministry building in Yongsan District, Cheong Wa Dae was opened to the public for the first time in 74 years, on the day of inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol .

Cheong Wa Dae Tour

Visitors can freely tour Cheong Wa Dae by making an appointment online or via on-site application. Admission is free.

There are 3 entrance gates to Cheong Wa Dae, namely the  Yeongbinmun Gate (west), main gate (center) and Chunchumun (Spring & Autumn) Gate (east).

1. Online Application ( reserve1.opencheongwadae.kr )

09:00 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:30).

Closed on Tuesdays.

First come first serve.

Reservation can be made up to 4 weeks in advance.

Up to 6 participants allowed per individual reservation.

Local mobile number required for identify verification.

2. On-site Application

Issuance at the General Information Center of the Main Gate.

09:00 & 13:30.

Maximum of 500 visitors per session.

Recommended option for foreign visitors to South Korea.

No smoking allowed inside Cheong Wa Dae.

In case of rain, access to the interior of the major buildings may be restricted for damage prevention.

Wearing a mask outdoor is strongly recommended, mask must be worn indoors though.

Map of Key Attractions at Cheong Wa Dae

1. Main Office Building - The central building used for the office of the President and reception of foreign guests.

2. Yongbingwan (State Guest House)  - The building where large-scale conferences and official events for foreign state guests were held.

3. Presidential Residence - The place where the president and his family live.

4. Sugung Site - The present site of Sugung was the site of Sugung that protected the royal palace at that time.

5. Sangchunjae - A venue for ceremonial events and informal meetings to introduce Korean style houses to foreign distinguished guests visiting the Blue House.

6. Nokjiwon   Garden - The most beautiful place on the grounds of the Blue House where 120 species of trees and commemorative plantings of past presidents are located.

7. President's Office - The Office of the President of the Republic of Korea.

8. Chunchugwan (Spring & Autumn Hall) - Built to be used as a press conference venue for the President and as a reporting room for reporters.

9. Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Garden  - A public rest park.

10. Chilgung Shrine  - The place where the tablets of concubines who given birth to a King during the Joseon Dynasty are enshrined.

Hike the Once-forbidden Bugaksan Mountain (Southern)

With the opening of Cheong Wa Dae, the southern hiking trails of Bugaksan Mountain (also known as Mt. Baegak) behind Cheong Wa Dae was also opened to the public for the first time in 54 years , on 6 April 2022.

The short loop trail starts from behind the Presidential Residence back to Cheong Wa Dae compound. Key highlights along the trail include the Stone Buddha Seated on a Square Pedestal from Gyeongju and Ounjeong Pavilion .

💡 Map of Bugaksan Mountain (Southern) Hiking Course

For those keen to explore the southern trails of Bugaksan Mountain more extensively, you can enter/exit the trails via Samcheong Information Center or  Chigung Information Center , located outside Cheong Wa Dae.

Road to Cheong Wa Dae in Autumn

During autumn , the road leading to Cheong Wa Dae, along the stone-wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace (Sinmumun Gate) turned into gorgeous shades of yellow from the ginkgo trees. A lovely sight to behold on the relaxing walk.

Map of Getting to Cheong Wa Dae

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Taking Tour Of Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House)

Taking a tour of Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) is free but be prepared to make reservations at least three weeks in advance as tours can fill quickly.

Table of Contents

Booking A Tour

Reservations for tours can be made by visiting https://english1.president.go.kr/contact/tours .

You will be give a confirmation number after you submit a request for a specific tour date and time. Print out this confirmation number immediately as you probably will not receive any emails or be contacted before the tour date.

September 17-June 30 : 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00 July 1-September 16 : 10:00, 11:00, 15:00, 16:00

There are no tours on Mondays, Sundays and holidays. There are no group tours (more than 10 people) on Saturdays.

Day Of Tour

On the day of the visit you should meet at the Cheong Wa Dae Tour Information Booth at the east parking lot adjacent to Gyeongbokgung Palace. The parking lot is located at the southeastern corner of the palace just outside of the palace walls. Plan on arriving 20 minutes prior to your tour time.

To be admitted to the tour, bring along the print out of your confirmation number and your passport. Without your passport, you may be denied admission to the tour.

After checking in, you will receive a visitors pass that you must wear around your neck for the duration of the tour.

After you are all checked in, you will be escorted to a shuttle bus that will take you the short distance to Cheong Wa Dae.

When you arrive at Cheong Wa Dae, you will encounter airport style security.

After security, you will enter a room and watch a quick video on the history and background of Cheong Wa Dae. After the video, you will follow a group around the grounds of Cheong Wa Dae and get an up close view of the beautiful buildings and gardens.

All tours are in Korean. If you do not speak Korean, you can use the supplied audio tour guide for free.

Photos of Cheong Wa Dae are only allowed at certain points on the tour. If you do not speak Korean, you will know when it is appropriate to take photos when the rest of the group pulls out their cameras.

The entire tour lasts about 60 minutes.

Transportation is not supplied after the tour. You will walk out of the southwestern gate of Cheong Wa Dae and have to find your own transportation to your next destination.

Last Updated on Jul 2, 2023

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A Journey Through Time: Unveiling The Treasures Of Korea House

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Immerse yourself in Korean culture at Seoul’s Korea House! Experience royal cuisine, traditional performances & tea ceremonies. Step back in time & explore Korean history!

Korea House (한국의집) is a must-visit destination in Seoul as it offers a traditional experience of dining (Hanjeongsik – Korean table d’hote), refreshments, and more. The high end cultural complex is situated in a hanok so you can even enjoy and experience the traditional housing styles of South Korea.

Korean traditional desserts? Check! Inside a hanok? Check! Wearing hanbok? Check! Pefect trio for you to enjoy desserts and drinks made for the Royal Palace. 📍 Korea House: https://t.co/0y9TRYBrGp #visitkorea #korea #travel #Hanok #desserts #traditional #beauty pic.twitter.com/NlI7aUJrjl — VisitKorea (@KoreanTravel) April 5, 2024

It opened in 1957 as a guest house for domestic and foreign guests. Since then, it has transformed into what it is today – a center for experiencing everything traditionally Korean. Be it food, performance art, culture, or space, everything reflects the rich history of Joseon Dynasty.

Table of Contents

The gorgeous and elegant beauty of the hanok house

Traditional Korean Cuisine

Hanjeongsik.

Experience the rich culinary heritage of Korea at Korea House! Their Hanjeongsik is a full-course meal, drawing inspiration from the Joseon Dynasty’s royal court cuisine. This exceptional feast goes beyond the royal table, incorporating dishes enjoyed by both the aristocracy and commoners of the era.

Nestled within Korea House, Kohojae (meaning “a house for lovers of the archaic”) offers a unique journey through time. Indulge in premium desserts and refreshments, inspired by the royal court cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty. Each guest receives a personal tray table adorned with a selection of seasonal treats, all handcrafted with the freshest ingredients.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 한국의집(KOREA HOUSE) (@koreahouse_official)

Traditional Performance Arts

In collaboration with the renowned KCHF Performance Arts Group, Korea House showcases captivating traditional Korean dance performances. The KCHF Performance Arts Group boasts a diverse repertoire, ensuring a performance that perfectly complements the theme and atmosphere of the place.

Important info about Korea House

• Website : www.chf.or.kr
• Operating Hours : Lunch 12:00-15:00 (Last order 13:30) / Dinner 18:00-22:00 (Last order 19:30)
• Location : 10 Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 퇴계로36길 10)

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Korea House: Dancing Through Time

• Address: 10 Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
• Phone: 02-2266-9101
• Hours of Operation: 12pm – 9:30pm (Closed Mondays)
• Website: koreahouse.or.kr

#TraditionalPerformance #RoyalCuisine #KoreanMusic #KoreaHouse #KoreanTraditionalMusic #KoreanCulture

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Read before Reservation

• Reservation shall be made at least 3 days before the tour day.
• Reservation for the next month is available after 15th of the previous month.
• Reservation may be closed early during weekend, holiday, and peak season in spring and fall.
• Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office and Seoul culture and tourism guide are not liable for the safety accidents during the Seoul Guided Walking Tour.
• Reservation for unaccompanied tourist under 14 will be canceled on site.
• All reservations are canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour is unavailable due to Particulate Matter Reduction Measure or other weather conditions (heat wave, typhoon, heavy rain). (As of the date before the tour day)
• Reservation shall be made at least 1 week before the tour day.
• The course is for tourists with mobility problems (Senior, people with disability, stroller user).
• Reservation may be canceled when a guide is unavailable on the desired date and course.
• Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office (02-6025-0777) will contact you to confirm reservation. (At least 5 days~1 month before tour day) Reservation may be canceled when Seoul Guided Walking Tour Office cannot reach you for more than 3 times.
• 予約は観光日を基準として少なくとも３日前まで可能です。
• 翌月の予約は、前月の１５日から可能です。
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• 微細ホコリの非常低減措置発令及びその他の気象悪化（猛暑、台風、暴雨など）によって 　　徒歩観光の運営が困難な場合、すべての予約は一括キャンセルされます。 　（観光日前日基準）
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• 下个月的预约可从前月15日开始。
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• 觀光日基準最少3日前方可進行預約。
• 下個月的預約可從前月15日開始。
• 周末及公休日、春秋旺季的預約可早期結束。
• 進行解說時，對於有可能發生的安全事故，徒步觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光解說員概不負責。
• 未伴隨保護者的未滿14歲兒童遊客，會在現場取消觀光。
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• 觀光日基準最少1日前方可進行預約。
• 本線路是為了行動不便者(行動不便的高齡者、殘疾人、嬰兒車利用者等)的路線。
• 無輔助人員(或同行人)伴隨時，不可利用。 ※ 步行不便者1名至少需要1名以上的輔助人員陪同。 ※ 電動輔助器具(電動輪椅、電動獨輪車等)使用者時，每壹位輔助人員最多可陪同 4名步行不便者。
• 希望觀光的日期及線路上無解說員時，預約有可能被取消。
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• 進行解說時，對於有可能發生的安全事故，徒步觀光事務局和首爾文化觀光 解說員概不負責。
• 因發布微塵緊急低減措施及其他氣象惡化(暴熱、臺風、暴雨等)，無法運營 徒步觀光時，所有預約會批量取消。 (觀光前日基準)

Korea House Seoul (Full Course Dinner and Show)

Tour guide, transportation and entrance fees. included

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Hotel → Korea House (Dinner included) → Traditional Performance → Meet and greet with performers → Hotel

Korea House offers and authentic Korean traditional cuisine followed by various folk performances. By watching Korean traditional performance, you can find Korean music, dance, songs and instruments given mostly by the intangible cultural assets.

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Home > culture > features.

One year on, tourists continue to flock to Blue House and surrounding neighborhoods

A bird's-eye view of the Blue House in central Seoul on May 15, 2022, shortly after it opened to the public as soon as President Yoon Suk Yeol took office. [YONHAP]

A visitor from overseas takes a picture of the first lady portraits inside the Main Office Building of the Blue House. [MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM]

Visitors are allowed free access to Gyeongbok Palace in central at night when wearing hanbok, or traditional Korean dress. [LEE JIAN]

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced plans on April 19 to turn the Blue House into a "multi-purpose cultural complex" as well as a global tourist landmark. [MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM]

The largest and most-visited palace is Gyeongbok Palace in Jongno District, central Seoul. It was built in 1395 in the heart of Seoul as the main royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). [LEE JIAN]

Rakkojae at Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongni District, central Seoul, is a 140-year-old traditional Korean house that has been refashioned into an upscale hotel.[JOONGANG ILBO]

Different traditional Korean liquorS are displayed at the Sool Gallery in Jongno District, central Seoul. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Visitors to Hansik Space E:Eum make kimchi in Jongno District, central Seoul [JOONGANG ILBO]

Scallops at PKM Garden & Restaurant in Jongno District, central Seoul [LEE JIAN]

Tongui-dong Boan Inn is an 18th-century motel-turned-gallery in Jongno District, central Seoul [JOONGANG ILBO]

Yeopjeon or brass coins are used to buy food at Tongin Traditional Market in Jongno District, central Seoul [JOONGANG ILBO]

Yeonpotang, a clear hotpot with nakji (small octapus) and various vegetables at Shinanchon in Jongno District, central Seoul [LEE JIAN]

A cook at Tosokchon Samgyetang in Jongno District, central Seoul, makes Korean chicken ginseng soup known as samgyetang. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Sejong Village Food Street in Jongno District, central Seoul [JOONGANG ILBO]

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[Seoul] Korea House- Traditional Cuisine + Performance

$  86.8 – $  155.5

• This is for FOREIGNERS ONLY
• Performance Duration: 60 Min
• Same price for Adults and Children
• The minimum order per table is 2 meal set

Special offer

• Booking Process

• Feel the traditional atmosphere
• Experience Korean traditional performance and cuisine
• Variety of options to choose to suite your taste
• See employees in traditional clothes

Opened in 1981, the Korea House is a multi-cultural place to see traditional art performance, traditional wedding ceremony, and experience traditional cuisine or traditional culture by participating in  Bibimbab cooking class or wearing traditional clothes.

There are 4 different traditional royal full-course to choose from. Korea House uses finest authentic ingredients to provide the best royal cuisine.

Korea House has been showing various traditional art performance for over 20 years at the folk theater. 8 different types of dances are performed: Ogomu-Arirang-Seonnyeo dance- Shinawi- Taepyeongseongdae- Pansori- Fan dance- Poongmulnori.

https://www.koreahouse.or.kr/en/main (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

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※ For more information, please refer to Remarks .

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[Address] 10, Toegye-ro 36gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04626, Korea/ 04626 서울시 중구 퇴계로 36길 10 한국의집

[Subway] Chungmuro Station (Line 3/ Line 4), Exit 3 You can find Korea House when you get off at Chungmuro Station Exit 3

Reservation is available via website.

Every day Cuisine: 17:00PM-21:00PM Performance: 20:00PM-21:00PM

* Closed on the third Monday of each month, New Years and Chuseok You will not be able to reserve on these dates.

100% refund: 4 days before the reserved date (KST) 70% refund: 3 days before the reserved date (KST) 0% refund: 2 days before the reserved date (KST)

Please note that we are not responsible for 5% paypal commission fee. Even for 100% refund, you will not be able to get refund for the 5% paypal commission fee.(KST)

If you need to change the date, please cancel and make a new booking. Regular cancellation policy will be applied.

• The minimum order per table is 2 meal sets.
• All menu prices are VAT included.
• Performance seat will be allocated on the spot.

Assortetd Appetizers Cold Dish of Lotus Root and Crabmeat

Kimchi/ Vegetable or Seaweed Chips/ Seasoned Vegetables

Assorted Seafood in Pine Nut Sauce Abalone Decorative Skewers Braised Ox Tail with Red Ginseng Seasonal Frilled Fish Grilleld Rib Patties with White Flower Shiitake Mushrooms

Main Dish 2

Noodle Soup with Dumpllings

Seasonal Fruit Punch and Royal Sweets

*The menus are subject to change according to the season or circumstances.

Assorted Appetizers Mung Bean Dumpling Soup

Spicy Seasoned Sliced Raw Fish with Vegetables Steamed Fish Fillet Dumplings and Braised Napa Cabbage Seasonal Grilled Fish Glazed Deep-fried Shrimp and Scallops Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Pumpkin Sauce

Chicken Soup

Platter of Nine Delicacies Spicy Seasoned Sliced Raw Fish with Vegetable

Stewed Short Rib ni Slices with Vegetables Spicy Stewed Fish Grilled Freshwater Eel and Grilled Abalone Glazed Songhwa Mushroom and Seafood Bites Grilled Marinated Beef Tenderloin

Hot Pot with Noodles

Jelienned Vegetables and Fruit

Braised Napa Cabbage Stewed Short Rib in Slices with Vegetables Grilled Abalones with Vegetables Glazed Deep-fried White Flower Shiitake Mushrooms Bites Grilled Marinated Beef (Top Blade)

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