Cheong Wa Dae Spruces up Reception Hall

Cheong Wa Dae is refurbishing the Sangchunjae reception hall in anticipation of a visit from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

A Cheong Wa Dae official said, "We are renovating Sangchunjae and dividing it into a reception area and tea room, while changing the dining area to a traditional format."

Cheong Wa Dae started sprucing up Sangchunjae, which means "Spring House," after President Moon Jae-in invited Kim to Seoul in September.

A government official insisted the hanok or traditional Korean building had become outdated anyway and there were problems hosting foreign heads of state there. "We're not refurbishing Sangchunjae simply to prepare for Kim Jong-un's visit," he said.