Cheongwadae to Be Developed into a Global Tourist Landmark

Announcement of Basic Operation Directions for Culture Ministry Delegated Management
Dynamic Program Development, Accessible Content for the Vulnerable
"Deriving Dynamic Execution Plans, Entrusting MZ Generation"

The Blue House will be transformed into a dynamic space where history, culture, and nature come alive.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 10th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which was entrusted with the management of the Blue House by the Presidential Office last month on the 31st, announced the basic direction for its operation. The ultimate goal is to become a world-class tourist landmark linked with surrounding historical and cultural resources and Mt. Bugaksan. Moving away from sightseeing focused solely on scenery, dynamic programs will be developed, and content will be operated based on the national philosophy of freedom and solidarity and the spirit of being friendly to the vulnerable. Participation from the MZ generation will be encouraged through public-private cooperation. The plan is to change the viewing paradigm with new and differentiated content. A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official said, "We are preparing exhibitions, performances, and exploration programs related to four core contents: presidential history, cultural arts, cultural heritage, and trees, to offer a uniquely fascinating experience."

The program receiving the most attention is the special exhibition on presidential history. Centered around the Main Hall, it conveys the lives and philosophies of past presidents. A Ministry official said, "We are planning the exhibition to break away from the d?j? vu of existing presidential exhibitions." Outdoors, at places like the Grand Garden, Nokjiwon, the helipad, and Sojeongwon, visitors can experience the essence of K-culture and enjoy high-quality performances that broaden horizons. These include a special music concert for the first anniversary of the opening, the National Gugak Center’s seasonal performance series, the National Symphony Orchestra’s classical concerts, the K-Music Festival by Gugak Broadcasting, the K-Opera Gala by the National Opera Company, and traditional dance and gugak orchestral performances at the National Theater.

Programs that help visitors rediscover the Blue House in a familiar way will also be operated. Representative examples are "The President’s Trees" and "Finding Hidden Trees." By uncovering interesting stories and providing in-depth explanations, visitors are helped to fully appreciate the gardens. Within the Blue House grounds, there are over 50,000 trees and flowers, including thirty-five commemorative trees planted by presidents.

On the 26th, citizens visiting Cheongwadae in Jongno-gu, Seoul, are touring the interior of the main building. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will also introduce special programs for people with disabilities, children, and national merit recipients. It begins with a performance by a visually impaired orchestra at the Press Hall on the 20th, Disability Day. This was planned as an extension of the disability-friendly policy following last September’s special art exhibition for disabled artists. The Children’s Day event (May 5), which had been held in limited spaces with only a few children invited, will be greatly expanded. Various experiential events will be held at the Grand Garden, Nokjiwon, the helipad, and other locations to encourage participation from many children. A Ministry official said, "We are also planning programs to invite families of heroes such as veterans and independence activists on commemorative days like the Korean War Memorial Day and Liberation Day."

The creation of a world-class tourist landmark will be entrusted to the MZ generation. They are considered the best candidates to develop and introduce various themed tourist courses linking the historical and cultural resources near the Blue House and Mt. Bugaksan. A Ministry official said, "We aim to derive more dynamic implementation plans," adding, "We plan to hold a Blue House area tourism cluster inauguration ceremony soon, introducing ten major tourist courses mainly led by the MZ generation."

Meanwhile, the Presidential Office’s Blue House Management and Utilization Advisory Group recently established the basic principles for the preservation, management, and utilization of the Blue House as "preservation and realization of historicity and symbolism," "respect for the role and identity as a national growth center," and "providing sustainable content fitting its identity and dignity." They proposed dividing the Blue House area into "a space of history and harmony," "a space of communication and culture," and "a space of nature and rest," creating a space where history and culture blend. They also suggested improving the connected area of Sarangchae and linking it with the abundant surrounding historical and cultural resources to make it a world-class historical and cultural tourism hub. Regarding this, a Ministry official said, "We will continue to cooperate with the Presidential Office, Cultural Heritage Administration, and others to effectively carry out follow-up tasks related to the management and utilization of the Blue House," adding, "We will announce specific programs by the end of this month."