President Lee Jae-myung's office announced that the relocation to Cheong Wa Dae commenced on December 8 and will conclude before Christmas. The process took a bit longer than anticipated due to security concerns.

An administration official stated that most of the moving activities were conducted outside of business hours and on weekends to avoid disrupting official duties.

People visiting Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, in May 2024. Photo: AFP

Following his election in June, President Lee announced his intention to work from Cheong Wa Dae. This move comes three years after the building was transformed into a public attraction under former president Yoon Suk-yeol.

Cheong Wa Dae, also known as the Blue House, derives its name from the approximately 150,000 blue tiles adorning its roof. It has long been associated with South Korean presidents.

However, in 2022, Mr. Yoon opted not to work from the building, relocating instead to a new headquarters in the Yongsan district. Some sources suggested his decision was influenced by "feng shui issues."

The Cheong Wa Dae site previously housed the residence of the Japanese Governor-General from 1910 to 1945. Before that, the land served as a training ground for the royal guard or as a burial site for royal concubines.

Many South Korean presidents who worked there faced significant challenges, both during their terms and after leaving office, including assassination attempts, impeachment, and imprisonment.

By Ngoc Anh (AFP)