South Korean president temporarily moves into predecessor’s residence

South Korea’s new President Lee Jae-myung has chosen to reside in the presidential compound in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, central Seoul, a home previously occupied by his predecessor, former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Lee’s move comes as he prepares to restore the presidency to the historic Blue House, ending the Yongsan era, Caliber.Az reports per Korean media.

The presidential office confirmed that Lee will begin living in the Hannam-dong residence starting on June 5 night, following a thorough security and facilities inspection.

“Given the potential operational disruption to other agencies and tax waste that would result from relocating to a third site, President Lee has chosen to use the Hannam residence,” presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written statement. 

She emphasised that this arrangement is temporary until renovations at the Blue House are completed and the presidential office is relocated. On his first night in office, Lee stayed at a secured safe house arranged by the presidential office. His administration has made clear its goal of returning the presidency to the Blue House, symbolically reversing former President Yoon’s decision to move the office to Yongsan District. 

Speculation had swirled over whether Lee would undertake a daily commute from his private home in Incheon’s Gyeyang District—a logistical challenge—or move into the Hannam-dong residence. The announcement confirms his choice of the latter. Lee will stay at the Hannam-dong compound until the Blue House renovations are finished, marking a significant step in the symbolic and physical reset of South Korea’s presidential office.

By Naila Huseynova