Seoul: The Cabinet on Tuesday allocated 25.9 billion won (US$19 million) in state funds to facilitate the relocation of the presidential office to the former Cheong Wa Dae compound, as announced by the presidential office.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, President Lee Jae-myung approved the relocation plan during a Cabinet meeting held earlier in the day. The amount allocated represents approximately 69 percent of the budget that was used to move the presidential office to Yongsan in central Seoul under the previous administration, stated presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.

The presidential compound was initially relocated to the defense ministry’s headquarters in Yongsan a few months after former President Yoon Suk Yeol took office in May 2022. The former presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae, located on a secluded hilltop in central Seoul, has since been accessible to the public for sightseeing.

Kang further explained, “To ensure a smooth return to Cheong Wa Dae and a better sightseeing environment for visitors, the operation schedule for Cheong Wa Dae tours will be adjusted.” The transition back to Cheong Wa Dae will occur in phases on weekends and holidays.

In a separate announcement, the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation, which manages walking tours at the former presidential compound, indicated that the current tour schedules will continue through July 14. Changes will commence with reservations for the period of July 16-31. All tours will be temporarily suspended from August 1 for maintenance and security procedures, resuming once the relocation is finalized.