Seoul Metropolitan Library (former Seoul City Hall)
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Former Seoul City Hall reborn as Seoul Metropolitan Library
The former Seoul City Hall has reopened its doors to the as the city's main public library. The building's outer walls, main hall, and central staircase have been restored back to it's original glory from when it was built in 1926.
A Journey to the Past
Built in 1926, the former City Hall building was designated as a Cultural Heritage no.52 in 2003. During the building's renovation into Seoul Metropolitan Library, important original interior features and finishes were preserved, and are now on display at the exhibition hall located on the 5th floor. The up down sliding window preserved here, once common in early 20th century buildings, are now a rare sighting.
Just past the old window is the one of the original foundation piles which supported the building since it was built in 1926. Original Interior features and finishes, like steel bases, bricks, tiles, moldings, hinges, doors, and window frames that were preserved during the remodeling process are also on display.
The former Seoul City Hall has reopened its doors to the as the city's main public library. The building's outer walls, main hall, and central staircase have been restored back to it's original glory from when it was built in 1926.
A Journey to the Past
Built in 1926, the former City Hall building was designated as a Cultural Heritage no.52 in 2003. During the building's renovation into Seoul Metropolitan Library, important original interior features and finishes were preserved, and are now on display at the exhibition hall located on the 5th floor. The up down sliding window preserved here, once common in early 20th century buildings, are now a rare sighting.
Just past the old window is the one of the original foundation piles which supported the building since it was built in 1926. Original Interior features and finishes, like steel bases, bricks, tiles, moldings, hinges, doors, and window frames that were preserved during the remodeling process are also on display.
Cheongwadae
Cheongwadae is the presidential residence of the Republic of Korea and is regarded as the heart of the nation. It is comprised of the main presidential office, reception rooms, conference rooms and living quarters; annexes for Chunchugwan and Yeongbingwan, the Secretariat and Security Service Office; and gardens and ponds in front and back. The two-storied granite presidential office is covered with blue roof tiles, from which the name of Cheongwadae was derived (“Cheongwa” means blue roof tile in Korean).
The site of Cheongwadae was once home to a royal villa, a palace where queens-to-be were invited to stay during the royal wedding ceremonies of kings and crown princes during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) as home to the back garden of Gyeongbokgung (Palace) where several pavilions were built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, most of the buildings were demolished by the Japanese during the period of Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945) and the official residence of the Japanese Governor-General of Korea was built in their place.
When the Republic of Korea was founded in the wake of the country’s liberation, the country's first president, Syngman Rhee (1875-1965) named the compound “Gyeongmudae” and began to use it as a presidential office and residence. The name of the presidential compound was officially changed to Cheongwadae in December 1960 by the acting president at the time, President Yun Po-sun. Subsequently, the current main building and residence quarters were built in 1991 and thereafter, the former main building Gyeongmudae was demolished in 1993.
Cheongwadae, a new tourist attraction in SeoulThis important site with its impressive blue-tiled roof is well worth a visit. Cheongwadae offers guided tours to the public and tourists free of charge four times a day from Tuesday through Saturday, provided that reservations have been made in advance.
The site of Cheongwadae was once home to a royal villa, a palace where queens-to-be were invited to stay during the royal wedding ceremonies of kings and crown princes during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) as home to the back garden of Gyeongbokgung (Palace) where several pavilions were built during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, most of the buildings were demolished by the Japanese during the period of Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945) and the official residence of the Japanese Governor-General of Korea was built in their place.
When the Republic of Korea was founded in the wake of the country’s liberation, the country's first president, Syngman Rhee (1875-1965) named the compound “Gyeongmudae” and began to use it as a presidential office and residence. The name of the presidential compound was officially changed to Cheongwadae in December 1960 by the acting president at the time, President Yun Po-sun. Subsequently, the current main building and residence quarters were built in 1991 and thereafter, the former main building Gyeongmudae was demolished in 1993.
Cheongwadae, a new tourist attraction in SeoulThis important site with its impressive blue-tiled roof is well worth a visit. Cheongwadae offers guided tours to the public and tourists free of charge four times a day from Tuesday through Saturday, provided that reservations have been made in advance.
The assembly point for tours is located in the east-side parking lot of Gyeongbokgung (palace). Once visitors’ IDs have been checked, they may board a shuttle bus and proceed to Cheongwadae. Please note that overseas visitors must bring their passport with them to participate in the tour. The tour lasts approximately two hours. Visitors are expected to observe tour etiquette. Photographs may only be taken at designated locations, video cameras are prohibited, and food cannot be brought into the compound.
Cheongwadae ToursThe Cheongwadae Tour consists of seven stages: after departing from Chunchugwan, the press center, the tour proceeds to Nokjiwon, the site of the former Gyeongmudae, then the Main Building, Yeongbingwan, Chilgung, and finally the Cheongwadae Fountain. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes. Below is an outline of each stage of the tour.
● Chunchugwan
Chunchugwan is home to about 170 domestic and international correspondents who report on president's state affairs. The building houses a pressroom and briefing room on the first floor, and a multi-purpose room on the second floor, which is used as a venue for the start-of-the-year press conference and various events. After viewing a promotional video, visitors receive a memento.
Cheongwadae ToursThe Cheongwadae Tour consists of seven stages: after departing from Chunchugwan, the press center, the tour proceeds to Nokjiwon, the site of the former Gyeongmudae, then the Main Building, Yeongbingwan, Chilgung, and finally the Cheongwadae Fountain. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes. Below is an outline of each stage of the tour.
● Chunchugwan
Chunchugwan is home to about 170 domestic and international correspondents who report on president's state affairs. The building houses a pressroom and briefing room on the first floor, and a multi-purpose room on the second floor, which is used as a venue for the start-of-the-year press conference and various events. After viewing a promotional video, visitors receive a memento.
Reservations
Reservations must be made at least 3 weeks in advance online on the Cheongwadae website (http://english.president.go.kr).
Reservations must be made at least 3 weeks in advance online on the Cheongwadae website (http://english.president.go.kr).
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