Lesser-known destinations in Seoul definitely include the recently opened Cheong Wa Dae

I have a particular interest in the modern history of Korea, especially the history after the 'Miracle on the Han River', so watching the recent 'Spring in Seoul' was especially touching. This place, which has appeared countless times in Korean dramas, I finally got to see it in person. You need to make a reservation in advance for the Cheong Wa Dae restaurant before 2024 (free admission), but currently, you can almost go without one in the morning. I took a bus to Hyoja-dong and then walked for about 5 minutes to get there, and at the main entrance, someone will ask if you have a reservation (Koreans need to make one), if not, just show your passport, they scan it, give you a wristband, and you can enter. Cheong Wa Dae is now fully open, and almost all the places where the president used to live and work are open to the public (since President Yoon Seok-youl does not work or live here anymore), so there are quite a few places to visit, but not all rooms inside every building are accessible. For example, you can only walk around the residential area, not enter the buildings. It takes about 2 hours to walk around the whole place, and the ups and downs make it quite a nice visit, mainly locals come here. If you plan to go to Gyeongbokgung Palace or Samcheong-dong, you can actually visit Cheong Wa Dae first, then take the bus from the entrance for 2 stops to Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is very convenient (1 stop to Samcheong-dong).