Much more interesting than the tour of Cheongwadae itself is this exhibition hall opposite the exit from the presidential compound. Inside are displays promoting Korea and Seoul as well as the work of past presidents and some of the gifts they have been given by international visitors. It’s all very nicely put together and in one section you have a photo op with a digitised image of the president on Cheongwadae’s front lawn.

There’s also a pleasant cafe next to which cooking classes are run for overseas tourists (₩10,000, for groups of 10 or more); make a reservation through the website.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Cheongwadae

0.18 MILES

Security is so tight around the Blue House (so called because of its blue tiled roof) at the base of Bukaksan that even innocently walking past the…

2. Ryugaheon

0.3 MILES

Based in a restored hanok, Ryugaheon specialises in photography exhibitions, but you may also see other types of art here such as canvases of embroidered…

3. National Folk Museum of Korea

0.34 MILES

Give yourself at least an hour to do justice to this excellent museum. It has three main exhibition halls, covering the history of the Korean people, the…

4. Jean Art Gallery

0.35 MILES

Pioneer of the Tongui-dong gallery scene and specialising in representing contemporary Korean and Japanese artists, such as Naru Yoshitomo and Yayoi…

5. Artside

0.36 MILES

Since 1999, Artside has taken a leading role in artistic exchange between Korea and China by regularly staging exhibits by contemporary Chinese artists…

6. National Children’s Museum

0.37 MILES

Advance reservations are recommended for this interactive and guided museum for kids, as walk-in visitors are limited in number daily.

7. Gallery Simon

0.37 MILES

Exhibitions include sculptures and interesting installations. Has a chic top-floor cafe with views over hanok roofs.

8. Gyeongbokgung

0.39 MILES

Like a phoenix, Seoul’s premier palace has risen several times from the ashes of destruction. Hordes of tourists have replaced the thousands of government…