Seoul, December 25, 2025
Blue House Reopens as South Korea’s Presidential Office
Table of Contents
The presidential office is officially moving back to the Blue House on December 29th, marking the end of the Yongsan era and a return to a historic symbol of South Korean leadership.
- The phoenix flag will be lowered at the Yongsan Presidential Office at midnight on December 29th and raised at the Blue House simultaneously.
- The official name of the presidential office will revert to the Blue House.
- President Lee Jae-myung plans to prioritize communication and accessibility by establishing his office in Yeomin Building 1 and expanding online engagement.
- Security measures around the Blue House will be relaxed to minimize inconvenience to the public.
The era of the Yongsan Presidential Office will conclude at midnight on December 29th, as the Lee Jae-myung administration prepares to reopen the Blue House. This shift, symbolized by the hoisting of the phoenix flag, has drawn attention to whether President Lee Jae-myung, a proponent of popular sovereignty, can distance his government from the past associations of the historic residence. The move back to the Blue House signifies a return to a long-standing center of South Korean governance.
A Return to Tradition
According to the President’s Office, the phoenix flag will be lowered at the Yongsan Presidential Office at midnight on December 29th and immediately raised at the Blue House. Concurrently, the official name of the President’s Office will be changed back to the Blue House, effectively returning the center of state affairs to its previous location after three years and seven months.
The Blue House’s history dates back to 1948, when it was first used as the office of President Syngman Rhee, known then as Gyeongmudae. Subsequent presidents also utilized the Blue House throughout various administrations, though it often carried the moniker of ‘Gujung Palace.’
Historically, the Blue House’s location, distant from the city center and encompassing a vast area—approximately 250,000 square meters, equivalent to 35 soccer fields—created a physical barrier to communication between the president and the public. During periods of military rule, the Blue House was perceived as a symbol of authoritarianism and secrecy, fostering a psychological distance from ordinary citizens.
Past presidents, including Kim Young-sam, Kim Dae-jung, and Moon Jae-in, advocated for relocating the presidential office to Gwanghwamun. Former President Roh Moo-hyun even proposed relocating the capital to Sejong City, envisioning the current government complex there.
Addressing Perceptions and Enhancing Communication
President Lee, who spent the first six months of his term in Yongsan, faces the challenge of reshaping public perceptions of the Blue House. The President’s Office maintains that the issue isn’t the space itself, but rather the need to improve communication with the public.
To that end, President Lee intends to establish his office in Yeomin Building 1, rather than the main building. This arrangement will facilitate frequent communication with the Chief of Staff, the Director of the National Security Office, and the Director of Policy – the so-called “three heads of office” – streamlining state affairs. The main building will be reserved for national events, such as summits.
Efforts to revamp the Blue House website are also being expedited, with plans to transform it into a digital platform for communication, embodying the principles of popular sovereignty. The goal is to bridge the physical gap between the president and the public through online accessibility.
Furthermore, an open studio will be established in the Blue House Sarangchae, allowing reporters, new media outlets, and YouTubers to freely create content. Live broadcasts of presidential schedules, including cabinet meetings, will be expanded. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik previously stated, “We plan to further expand online live broadcasting after the Blue House relocation.”
Security around the Blue House will be adjusted to prioritize public convenience through an “open security, low security” policy.
