Seoul Low

Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House)

This is a Korean version of White House, where the president lives.

It is heavily guarded. I feel that that this presidential residence is set in a beautiful surroundings with hills in the back ground and a fountain in the main square facing the Blue House and is said to be the ying-yang and life for the country's power, safeguarding the emperors and rulers since ancient times.

We were only allowed to take pictures in some certain spots, and take pictures of the Blue House from a certain distance and video recording is strictly prohibited. If you are first time visit Korea, it is worth to drop by to see the landmark as the president office and house although cannot get in.

Many may not know that you can actually visit The Blue House but you need to pre-register thru the official website. There's a guided tour to the Blue House where you need to observe and comply to the rules. For foreigners, audio guide will be provided and you just have to press the number accordingly as per the instructions on. Applications must be submitted at least three weeks in advance of desired tour date. 

Visitors gathered at the Cheong Wa Dae Tour Information Booth, located in the East Gate Parking Lot of Gyeongbokgung Palace 30 minutes before the start of the tour. Then tour guide checked our passport and then board the shuttle bus and proceed to Cheong Wa Dae. Upon arrival, there was a brief security check followed by a short introductory video. the tour includes visiting Nokjiwon Garden, the old building grounds, the Main Building and Yeongbin-gwan (the State Guest House). The entire tour take approximately around 60 minutes.

Overall, I enjoy to walk around the beautiful garden