SEOUL, December 29, 2025 – In a symbolic restoration of tradition, the "Phoenix Flag" – the official presidential standard featuring two phoenixes and the mugunghwa (rose of Sharon), South Korea's national flower – was raised at Cheong Wa Dae, commonly known as the Blue House, at midnight on Sunday local time. This marked the end of a nearly three-year and seven-month hiatus, during which the presidential office operated from the Yongsan District compound in central Seoul.
The presidential office announced earlier on Sunday that President Lee Jae-myung would commence work at the Blue House on Monday, December 29, formally completing the relocation process that began earlier in the month. President Lee arrived at the historic compound on Monday morning, greeted by saluting guards and a crowd of supporters waving national flags and chanting his name. He held an informal tea meeting with senior aides in one of the complex's rooms, signaling the start of official duties at the site.
The raising of the Phoenix Flag at Cheong Wa Dae, simultaneously lowered from the Yongsan office, is widely seen as the culmination of the move back to the traditional presidential palace. The official name of the presidential office has reverted to "Cheong Wa Dae," abandoning the neutral "presidential office" designation used during the Yongsan era.
This relocation reverses a controversial decision by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who, upon taking office in May 2022, moved the presidential office to the former Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan. Yoon argued that Cheong Wa Dae, nestled on a hillside and surrounded by mountains, symbolized "imperial" isolation from the public and posed security vulnerabilities. The move cost approximately $40 million and faced criticism over expenses and logistical issues.
Yoon's presidency ended abruptly following his brief declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, which was rescinded hours later by the National Assembly. The National Assembly impeached him on December 14, 2024, and the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment on April 4, 2025, removing him from office. Yoon now faces criminal charges, including insurrection, and remains in detention.
The ensuing snap presidential election on June 3, 2025, saw Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung emerge victorious with approximately 49.4% of the vote, defeating People Power Party nominee Kim Moon-soo (41.2%) and others. Lee, a former human rights lawyer, Gyeonggi Province governor, and Seongnam mayor, was sworn in immediately on June 4, 2025, as per constitutional requirements for snap elections.
During his campaign, Lee pledged to return the presidential office to Cheong Wa Dae, criticizing Yoon's relocation as unnecessary and symbolic of detachment. The move began on December 8, 2025, with preparations including security inspections and renovations due to reported damage from the previous administration. President Lee will conduct daily affairs from the aides' wing, about 500 meters south of the main building, which has been used by recent presidents for operational efficiency. The iconic main building, constructed in 1991 with its distinctive blue-tiled roof, will host official ceremonies and summits.
Cheong Wa Dae, built on the site of a former Joseon-era royal garden and later used by Japanese colonial authorities, served as the presidential office and residence from 1948 until 2022. Its return under President Lee is viewed by supporters as a step toward restoring institutional normalcy after the political turmoil of 2024-2025. Dozens of supporters gathered outside the gates on Monday, expressing optimism about the change.
Analysts note that the relocation aligns with Lee's broader agenda of pragmatic governance and healing national divisions exacerbated by recent events. However, challenges remain, including ongoing economic pressures, geopolitical tensions with North Korea, and diplomatic balancing amid global trade shifts.
The Phoenix Flag's return to Cheong Wa Dae underscores a new chapter in South Korean politics, seven months into President Lee's term.
