Seoul is bracing for a symbolic shift in power as the presidential office officially reverts to the Blue House on December 29th, effectively ending the “Yongsan Era” that began with former President Yoon Seok-yeol’s inauguration. President Lee Jae-myung concluded work at the Yongsan office on December 26th, paving the way for operations to resume at the historic Blue House next week.
On the afternoon of the 25th, the Taegeukgi is fluttering in the wind on the flagpole in front of the Blue House main building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The official name of the President’s Office will be changed to Blue House as of the 29th, and the phoenix flag symbolizing the President will be hoisted at the Blue House as of midnight on the 29th. Newsis
The presidential office confirmed that the phoenix flag, currently flying at the Yongsan Presidential Office, will be lowered at midnight on December 29th, coinciding with the raising of the phoenix flag at the Blue House. The phoenix flag serves as the symbol of the Republic of Korea’s head of state and is traditionally flown at the location of the President’s main office.
Relocation of the President’s business facilities began on December 8th, with most of the move to the Blue House now complete. Briefings have already commenced since December 22nd in the Blue House’s Chunchu Hall, the designated space for media briefings.
A Return to Tradition, and a Focus on Communication
President Lee has established a presidential office within both the main Blue House building and Yeomin-gwan, a dedicated building housing the offices of the Chief of Staff, Chief of Policy, and Chief of National Security. The intention is to facilitate swift and integrated policy decision-making with key staff, with most work conducted from the Yeomin-gwan office.
President Lee Jae-myung, who is about to begin his duties at the Blue House, is making his final day of work at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul on the 26th. Provided by the President’s Office
The move to the Blue House marks the end of the Yongsan era after a period of three years and seven months.
The Yongsan era commenced on May 10, 2022, when former President Yoon relocated his office from the Blue House to a building previously used by the Ministry of National Defense, citing a desire to distance the presidency from perceptions of authoritarianism. While presented as a symbol of reform and improved communication, the “surprise relocation” to Yongsan faced considerable controversy and criticism throughout the former President’s term. The informal question-and-answer sessions with reporters, a hallmark of the Yongsan era, were discontinued after approximately six months due to disagreements between a reporter and presidential staff. Concerns have also been raised regarding the concentration of police security near the President’s Office in Yongsan, potentially contributing to the October 29 Itaewon disaster. Further issues, including allegations of shamanism and preferential treatment in official residence construction, also impacted the Yoon administration.
As the Blue House era begins anew, a key challenge will be overcoming the historical image of the location as an “old palace” and a symbol of limited communication. This is why attention is focused on whether President Lee’s commitment to transparent communication—including the first-ever live broadcasts of business reports—will continue within the Blue House. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik stated at a press conference on December 7th, “We plan to further expand online live broadcasting after the Blue House relocation.”
