New South Korean president will not stay at the Blue House

Speaking after taking office on May 10, new South Korean leader Moon Jae-in announced that he would move out of the Blue House, where presidents of the "kimchi land" have lived and worked since World War II.

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Mr. Moon hopes to find a smaller residence near Gwanghwamun Square, the AP news agency reported.

South Korea's presidential palace (Blue House) in Seoul. Photo: AP

"After all preparations are completed, I will leave the Blue House," the new South Korean president said, but did not mention a specific time.

Moon Jae-in, however, will not abandon the Blue House entirely. Presidential campaign officials said he will continue to use the Blue House's underground rooms for important national security meetings. The helipad and Yeongbingwan Hall will also be used to host foreign guests.

In addition, the 64-year-old former human rights lawyer also plans to open the remaining spaces of the Blue House to the public and convert unused buildings into museums or other facilities to attract tourists.

World leaders only abandon their residences in times of natural disasters, war or being overthrown because they see them as a symbol of power. Therefore, Moon Jae-in's plan is considered one of the efforts to erase the legacy of his predecessor Park Geun-hye, who lived in the Blue House twice.

According to Vietnamnet.vn