"You Can No Longer Visit the Blue House" 15 Days Left Until Tours End

Full Suspension of Tours Starting August 1
Expected Move-In Within This Year After Renovation
25.9 Billion Won Secured for Blue House Renovation Budget

The Blue House, which was opened to the public on May 10, 2022, will completely suspend tours starting August 1. President Lee Jaemyung is expected to return to the Blue House later this year after facility renovations and security inspections are completed. From August 15, 1948, when the government was established, until May 9, 2022, the Blue House served as the office for twelve presidents, from the first president Syngman Rhee to President Moon Jaein, for a total of 74 years. Now, the Blue House is once again set to become the center of power. The presidential residence was completed first on October 25, 1990, during President Roh Tae-woo's term, and the main building was finished on September 4, 1991, bringing it to its current form.

When I visited the Blue House around lunchtime on the 10th, it was bustling with people. Although I have toured the Blue House more than ten times, I had never seen so many visitors as on that day. It took more than 30 minutes of waiting in line to enter the main building. With tours about to be suspended, it seemed that everyone was eager to visit.

On the 10th, a long line formed to tour the Blue House main building. Visitors had to wait more than 30 minutes to enter. Photo by So Jongsup

The Blue House has already suspended tours for some facilities. From the 16th to July 31, indoor tours of the main building and other areas that had been open to the public will be halted. The presidential residence and Chimgyugak are completely off-limits. Visitors also cannot see Ounjeong, located behind the residence, or the "Blue House Buddha Statue." Tourists must gather at the Gyeongbokgung Palace east parking lot and travel by bus, accompanied by a guide, for an outdoor-only tour. The route covers the State Guest House, the front of the main building, the old main building site, and the green area. Each session allows 200 people, with up to 2,000 visitors per day. With the suspension of tours approaching, the Blue House is essentially taking a pause.

Even while open to the public, spaces like Yeomin-gwan, which served as office space for Blue House staff, were not opened, so renovations there are expected to proceed quickly. The State Guest House has hosted many external events over the years, so it remains fully functional. The main challenge is the renovation and security inspection of the main building and the presidential residence, which were fully opened to the public. In particular, the presidential residence, where the president lives, appears to require extensive renovations and a thorough inspection. The facilities are outdated, and since they were exposed to the public, there may be security vulnerabilities such as wiretapping.

The former presidential residence at the Blue House appears to be in need of extensive renovation due to outdated facilities and exposure. Photo by So Jongsup

Upon inspecting the security facilities such as barbed wire fences around the Blue House and the residence, I found holes and rust in several places. Deciding what to do with former medical facilities that were converted into restrooms is also likely to be an issue. If President Lee chooses to use the former residence as it is, it is highly likely that these areas will be restored to their original function as medical facilities. The yew tree, estimated to be around 740 years old and the oldest tree at the Blue House, has steadfastly remained in place during the two years and three months of vacancy. Even in the heat, it remains green and seems ready to welcome its new owner. The presidential office has already submitted and approved a total of 25.9 billion won in reserve funds for the Blue House return at a Cabinet meeting.

Among the approximately 55,000 trees at the Blue House, the oldest is a yew tree estimated to be around 740 years old. It is a living witness that has observed the Blue House's history of glory and disgrace.

During the presidential campaign, President Lee pledged to establish a "Presidential Office in Sejong." The Multifunctional Administrative City Construction Agency reported to the National Policy Planning Committee on the 23rd of last month that it would take about four years and seven months from the design to the completion of the Sejong office.