The Blue House: South Korea's Highest Power Institution

Located in Seoul, South Korea, the Blue House serves as the presidential residence. The presidential residence includes the main building, annex, gatehouse, Sarangchae, and corridor. Sejong Room: This is where the State Council meetings, which review major government policies, are held. Portraits of twelve former presidents are displayed on the wall of the entrance hall. Mugunghwa Room: Used by the First Lady, this space served as a reception room and office for meeting foreign guests. Portraits of former First Ladies are displayed here. Presidential Office: This is where the President conducted official duties, handled state affairs, and held small meetings. Chungmu Room: A space for awarding certificates of appointment to a large number of people or holding meetings. Inwang Room: A small banquet hall for luncheons or dinners, also used for joint press conferences during state visits by foreign leaders. Nokjiwon: The most beautiful place within the Blue House grounds, home to over 120 species of trees and commemorative trees planted by former presidents. Sangchunjae: A venue for introducing traditional Korean house styles to domestic and foreign guests, hosting protocol events, and holding unofficial meetings. Yeomingwan: Named after the phrase 'Yeomingorak,' meaning to share joy and sorrow with the people, this is where the President and staff interact with the public. Chunchugwan: The Blue House press center, accommodating over 300 domestic and foreign journalists. The first floor consists of a press room and a briefing room, while the second floor is used for presidential press conferences and briefings. During the Joseon Dynasty, it served as the rear garden of Gyeongbokgung Palace, with 232 buildings including Sugung, Gyeongmudae, Yungmundang, Gyeongnongjae, Byeokhwashil, and Oungak. It also had the 'Eight Provinces Rice Paddies,' where the king personally cultivated rice to emphasize the importance of agriculture. Yeongbingwan: Meaning 'guest house,' it was used for official events such as performances and banquets to introduce Korea to visiting foreign presidents or prime ministers, as well as for large meetings and banquets with over 100 attendees. The first floor served as a reception room for foreign dignitaries or a venue for large meetings, while the second floor was used for large luncheons or dinner events.