In Goryeo (918-1392), royal palace halls were on today’s Cheong Wa Dae site, and this was part of the rear garden for Gyeongbokgung, the main palace, during Joseon (1392-1910). Destroyed in the late 16th century, Gyeongbokgung was rebuilt in the mid-19th century under the orders of the regent Heungseon Daewongun, who named the site Gyeongmudae (archery range) to express wishes for officials’ literary and martial skills to flourish together. During the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945), the Governor-General’s official residence was located here, and after liberation, the Republic of Korea President began to use the site as a residence and office. It was renamed Cheong Wa Dae in 1960, and the Main Office Building was completed in 1991, giving Cheong Wa Dae its current appearance.

Inside are various rooms dedicated to specific functions such as the President's Office; Sejong Room, where cabinet meetings are held; and Jiphyeon Room, where summit talks are convened. The sprawling lawn in front of the Main Office Building is called the Grand Garden and used for outdoor events.

Completed in December 1978, this is the venue for hosting official events that involve foreign guests and for holding large meetings. The structure is supported by eighteen stone pillars, which impart a stately appearance, while the interior is decorated with Rose of Sharon (national flower), laurel, and Taegeuk (the yin and yang symbol of the universe) motifs. The first floor serves as a reception room and the second floor is a dining area.

The First Family lives in this compound, completed in 1990 to separate the President’s working and living areas. Within these walls are a main building, detached reception hall, traditional garden, and detached sarangchae (men’s quarters). The structures feature traditional hipped-and-gabled roofs, and the signboard over the main entrance reads Insumun(仁壽門 Gate of Benevolence and Longevity).

Completed in April 1983, this traditional Korean-style structure is used for receiving foreign guests and holding unofficial meetings. It was built with wood from upright Korean red pine trees (Pinus densiflora) more than 200 years old. Inside facilities include a room with an ondol (traditional under-floor heating) system, spacious wooden-floored hall, and kitchen. Outside, royal azaleas bloom in spring, while persimmons and quinces ripen in autumn to provide a beautiful Koreanesque scene.

Completed in 1968, this garden is populated by some 120 different tree species as well as commemorative trees planted by former Presidents. The 3,300㎡ landscape has been planted with lawns for outdoor events. An umbrella pine symbolizing Nokjiwon is more than 160 years old and stands about 17m tall.

The offices of the Presidential Secretariat are collectively called Yeomingwan (與民館) and occupy three buildings. The name comes from the phrase Yeomin gorak (與民苦樂 Share the people’s hardships and joys) and promises the Government will remain close to the citizenry through good times and bad. Solar panels have been installed on the outer walls of Building 3, supplying part of the electricity consumed on site.