Chuseok is one of the two biggest holidays in South Korea and if you're in Seoul, it can turn into a ghost town quickly! Most Koreans flock to the countryside, back to their families, to celebrate the Korean thanksgiving holiday. However, if you're stuck in Seoul, there are plenty of things to do for FREE! Visitors were in luck as starting this year, people are able to tour the Blue House (Korean White House) or Cheong Wa Dae (청와대) extensively. Let's take a look at this famous Korean drama location!
The Blue House has been in numerous K-dramas namely Designated Survivor: 60 Days.
Let's take you inside our experience!
Starting this year, Korean President Yoon Seok Youl, is not working from the Blue House choosing to work from an undisclosed location instead, therefore allowing unprecedented access to the famous building and grounds to the public!
One thing to note is before going, you must make an online reservation one week prior to your visit date as there is around a 6,000 visitor limit every 1.5 hours from 9 AM - 6 PM daily (Sunday to Monday). If you want to make a reservation please click on this site. The entrance fee is FREE but please allow ample time beforehand.
We entered through the side entrance, which was far fewer people than the main entrance around the corner at their first entrance time at 9 AM.
Apparently, the theme color of the event is pink! Very cute Korean style! You are given the opportunity to walk the Blue House grounds. There are a variety of gardens and parks within the area and great for children too!
There are several entrances where you show the staff your phone to scan your reservation to enter. We walked to the President's residence and where he housed his most esteemed guests! Although we were not allowed inside, windows were given a clear view of what goes on inside.
Then came the main event where we walked in a line into the main reception hall and where most K-dramas were filmed! It was a short walk, around a 15-minute stroll, from the residence to the main entrance. Let's go inside! Can you spot the areas where some dramas were filmed?
Even the smallest details were adorned in gold!
At the main entrance, there was the main reception hall which was so elegant! The chandeliers and ceiling designs were all in the shape of the Korean flower!
The whole walkthrough of the Blue House grounds took around 1.5 hours. Don't forget to go around the same area to see some amazing palaces and temples and spend the rest of your Chuseok day or Korean culture tour!
So how did you like your own personalized Blue House tour? Did we convince you to go? Let us know your thoughts and desires about K-drama filming locations!