The Phoenix Returns: President Lee Jae-myung Reopens the Cheong Wa Dae Era
President Lee Jae-myung returns the presidential office to Cheong Wa Dae on Dec 29, 2025. Explore the shift from Yongsan and the new focus on the Yeomin complex.
After a three-and-a-half-year detour, South Korea's seat of power is heading back to its historic roots. President Lee Jae-myung is set to mark his first official day at Cheong Wa Dae on December 29, 2025, signaling the formal end of the 'Yongsan era'.
Reverting to Tradition and Symbolic Identity
According to the presidential office, the symbolic flag featuring two phoenixes will be raised at the compound early Monday morning. It's the first time the executive office has operated from the site since former President Yoon Suk-yeol moved the headquarters to the defense ministry building in May 2022. Alongside the physical move, the office's official name will also revert to Cheong Wa Dae.
Efficiency Over Ceremony: The Yeomin Complex
While the iconic main building with its blue-tiled roof remains the complex's face, President Lee won't be using it as his daily workspace. Instead, he'll be based in the Yeomin building complex, which houses his staff members. The move is designed to facilitate closer communication and faster decision-making. The main building, located about 500 meters away, will be reserved for formal occasions like summits and credential ceremonies.
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