Cheongwadae Sarangchae
Cheongwadae Sarangchae is a historical memorial museum where visitors can learn about the past, present and future visions of Seoul and Korea. Originally the home of the public information hall of Cheongwadae (the Blue House, the Korean presidential residence) called “Hyojadong Sarangbang”, it re-opened with its present name in January 2010 after extensive renovation. Cheongwadae Sarangchae is a two-story building, with exhibition halls related to culture and tourism on the first floor and halls related to the national vision on the second floor.
Cheongwadae Sarangchae features the Korea Hall, the Hi Seoul Hall, a traditional handicrafts demonstration room, a souvenir shop and a café on the first floor. Various cultural events, such as demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and traditional Korean tea tasting, are held regularly in the lobby. The souvenir shop stocks Cheongwadae-themed goods and traditional Korean items. After viewing the exhibitions, it is pleasant to take a break at the café and enjoy a cup of traditional Korean tea.
The Presidential Hall on the second floor displays material about the former presidents of Korea. Here visitors can explore the political and economic events of Korea from the past up to the present day via pictures and visuals. Visitors can also see at a glance a chronology of the past 60 years of Korean history, as well as the major events in the democratization and industrialization of Korea.