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More popularly known
among westerners as the “Blue House,” the feature that makes the
Cheong Wa Dae or the presidential residence, first catch your
attention is the blue tiles that make up the façade of the main
building.
With the panorama of Mt.Bugaksan serving as a background, the
blue tiles and roof of the building seem to stand out yet still fit in
beautifully and in harmony with its surroundings. Precisely the way it
was designed to do as it has always been meant to represent the beauty
of Korea.
The unique buildings Cheong Wa Dae are comprised of the Main Office,
Yeongbingwan (Guest House), Chunchugwan (Spring and Autumn
Pavilion), Nokjiwon (Green grass), the Mugunghwa (Rose of
Sharon) Valley, and the Seven Palaces.
All built in the traditional Korean style, each building has an
architecture and specific feature that is considered unique to that
building alone.
The blue tiles of the main building which are estimated at 150,000
pieces were each baked individually to make them strong enough to stand
for many years.
Chunchugwan which is located to the right of the main building
and serves as the venue for the President’s press conferences has a roof
that is made up of earthen tiles.
Designed to hold large conferences and official events for visiting
foreign guests of state, the Yeongbingwan to the main building’s
left boasts of 18 majestic pillars supporting the structure.
 After
admiring the superb architecture of the complex’s buildings, you can
take a walk along the Nokjiwon and the Mugunghwa Valley.
The Nokjiwon is the place where a succession of presidents planted trees
on memorial occasions. There is one famous tree which is 310 years old.
The Mugunghwa Valley
has flowers, a fountain, and a phoenix statue, which makes it one of the
favorite spots to do a little picture taking. The valley is at its most
beautiful between the months of July and October when the Mugunghwa
flowers are in bloom.
There are also many places to visit in Hyoja-dong Sarangbang.
Presents given to the president from around the world are displayed
here. One place you should not miss is "the Seven Palaces." This area
has seven palaces with traditional houses and yards from the Joseon
dynasty.
Visit beautiful Korea today! |
