Seoul: The Cabinet has earmarked 25.9 billion won (US$19 million) in state funds to relocate the presidential office to the former compound of Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office announced Tuesday. President Lee Jae-myung approved the relocation plan during a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day. The amount allocated is approximately 69 percent of the budget previously spent to move the presidential office to Yongsan in central Seoul under the former administration, as stated by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the presidential compound was initially relocated to the headquarters of the defense ministry in Yongsan a few months after former President Yoon Suk Yeol assumed office in May 2022. The old presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae, situated on a secluded hilltop compound in central Seoul, has since been opened to the public for sightseeing visits.
Kang mentioned that to ensure a smooth return to Cheong Wa Dae and enhance the sightseeing experience for visitors, the operation schedule for Cheong Wa Dae tours will be adjusted. The return to Cheong Wa Dae will take place in phases on weekends and holidays.
In a separate notice, the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation, responsible for operating walking tours at the former presidential compound, announced that the current tour schedules will continue through July 14. Changes are expected to take place starting from reservations for the July 16-31 period. All tours will be temporarily halted from Aug. 1 for maintenance and security procedures until they resume after the relocation is completed.