Cheong Wa Dae: Korea’s bulwark of Democracy in the Peninsula
Since my major is International Relations, it is a must to visit this place. The Blue House became so busy during the height of the G20 Summit last November 7-11, so I opted to make a reservation after the event. It is good to know that foreigners and local tourists can access the well secured compound and even take pictures in front of the Presidential Residence. In comparison to the Philippines, Tours to the Malacanan Palace were no longer existing, albeit VIPs can have access to the Kalayaan Hall (The Presidential Museum) I have been to that Museum and I felt that the Philippines is indeed a rich country with all those ornate accessories and decorations. Going back to the Blue House, visitors who wish to have a guided tour should register online on: http://english.president.go.kr/tours/history/history.php
Inside the Garden where presidential functions were held.
The colors of autumn
At the marble bridge leading to a mini forest.
You need to reserve at least 2 weeks before your visit and just fill out the forms which will require your passport number, alien registration card (if you have one) and other personal details.
You will be escorted by its tourist bus located on the eastern part of the Gyeongbok Palace. It is easy to find as a permanent Cheong Wa Dae Tour outpost is situated. Friendly security personnel will be happy to check your passport and ticket. The tour is approximately 1 hour and 20 mins. Taking pictures were allowed on some spots and only for a certain period. All camera addicts should be aware! (grin) I am guilty with this crime (I am quite vain sometimes and I want to have my pictures taken on every spot) and I was apprehended twice during the tour. Here is a brief History of the Blue House from its official website:http://english.president.go.kr/main.php
The Early Goryeo Period
In 1067, the 21st year of the reign of King Munjong of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), Yangju, now Seoul, was elevated to namgyeong (the south capital), one of the three capitals of Goryeo. Gaegyeong (now Gaeseong) was the main capital, Pyongyang was seogyeong (the west capital) and Gyeongju was donggyeong (the east capital) until Yangju was designated the south capital. In the following year, a new palace was built in namgyeong. It is highly likely that the new palace was located on the current site of Cheongwadae.
The Middle Goryeo Period
King Sukjong (1054-1105; r. 1095-1105) of Goryeo attempted without success to move the main capital to namgyeong. Inspired by an appeal of Kim Wi-je who believed in the geomantic theory of the Buddhist Great Master Doseon, King Sukjong visited namgyeong and observed for himself the geographical features there to decide on a candidate site for a palace. Eventually, the current site of Cheongwadae, south of Bugaksan mountain, was chosen.
The Early Joseon Period
The current site of Cheongwadae was used as a venue for a royal ritual called Hoemaeng during the Joseon period (1392-1910) up until Japan’s Hideyoshi invasion in 1592, when Gyeongbokgung, the main palace, was burned down. During the Hoemaeng ritual, merit subjects and/or their legitimate descendants joined with the king to pledge allegiance before the spirits of heaven and earth and to be granted rewards according to their merits. According to the Taejong Sillok (Annals of King Taejong), there was a village near the Cheongwadae site. The name of the village was known as Buk-dong or Dae-eunam-dong. It is recorded in the Annals that on November 14, 1404, a Hoemaeng was held in Buk-dong near Gyeongbokgung.
The Late Joseon Period
After King Gojong (1852-1919) was enthroned, Gyeongbokgung was restored and the area outside Sinmumun, the north gate of the palace, was turned into the rear garden of Gyeongbokgung. In 1869, the sixth year of the reign of King Gojong, there were five pavilions in the rear garden, including Yungmundang, Yungmudang, Bicheondang, Jungilgak and Ongnyeonjeong. These structures measured 488 kan (a traditional unit of measure indicating space between two columns) in total. In 1905, a new pavilion called Chimnyugak was added. In particular, the compound encompassing Yungmundang and Yungmudang was referred to as Gyeongmudae, which was used as a venue for civil service examinations. On Suseonjeondo (首善全圖, Complete Map of the Capital City) published in 1891, the 29th year of the reign of King Gojong, the rear garden outside Sinmumun was also marked as Gyeongmudae.
The Japanese Colonial Period
Since 1910 when Korea was forcibly annexed to Japan, many buildings built during the periods of the Joseon Dynasty and the Great Han Empire in the back garden of Gyeongbokgung have been demolished. Particularly, when the Joseon Expo was held in 1929 in Gyeongbokgung and its rear garden to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Government-General of Korea, most buildings were torn down except for a few such as Chimnyugak. Later, the Japanese imperialists constructed a residential building for the Governor-General of Korea on the site of the old rear garden and named it Gyeongmudae.
When the Republic of Korea was founded in the wake of country’s liberation, Gyeongmudae began to be used as a presidential office and residence by President Syngman Rhee. The name of the presidential compound, however, was officially changed to Cheongwadae on December 30, 1960 by President Yun Po-sun, who claimed that the old name was a reminder of Japanese colonial rule and the dictatorial rule of President Rhee. The name of Cheongwadae was derived from the fact that the main building was covered with blue roof tiles, which is one of the iconic cultural properties in Korea.
My Cheong Wa Dae Experience
Our Tour starts at this pavilion. An Audio Visual Presentation of Lee Myung Bak and his first Lady, will give you a brief and in-depth guide of the complex. Together with us are some folks from Busan and they look so amazed on the wonderful presentation. This large drum reminds me of Korean drama like Queen Seondok and Jumong. The sound of the drum serves as an alarm during war and special occasions.
The garden where official gatherings were also held. Notice the various colors of the leaves during fall. Isn’t it fascinating?
This bridge captures the serenity of life. I wonder how the President feels whenever he pass this wonderful bridge leading to a forest.
A worm’s view of the mini forest located in the complex; the calming wind adds calmness to this euphoric stroll.
The author with the L sign for Lee Myung Bak in front of the Presidential Residenc
The Guest House where foreign delegations stay during official visits to ROK.
At the middle of the tour, they will be distributing mugs with the picture of the blue house in it, a perfect souvenir or a gift for your loved ones at home.
It was a Saturday, so many family enjoy this educational experience with their sons and daughters and even to grandpa and grandma.
It was a very memorable experience and I felt the warmth and hospitality Cheong Wae Brings to every people who walks on its lawn. I wish to visit the place again.
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