Inner Courtyard of Bae Ryeom House / Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service
Demand is growing for affordable ways to relax and enjoy a day out. Seochon in central Seoul is a popular place for day trips within the city, where people can stroll in an atmospheric neighborhood and visit traditional Korean houses and indulge in their special atmosphere. Places like the Hong Geon-ik House and the Yi Sang-beom House offer free opportunities to soak in the calm and tranquility of Korea’s historic domestic architecture.
But both within and outside the capital region, there are many more spots that offer similar opportunities.
In Gye-dong, Jongno District, the former home of Korean artist Bae Ryeom has been opened to the public. Built in what is now recognized as a classical layout for Seoul’s city-style hanok, the house was converted for public use in 2017 and now hosts small-scale exhibitions and cultural programs. Hongik University, known for its strengths in art and design, has been entrusted with oversight and management of the building.
Baek In-je House / Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service
Not far away in Gahoe-dong is the Baek In-je House. Built in 1913, the traditional hanok reflects the era of its construction through its blend of modern Western and Japanese architectural influences.
One of its most distinctive features is a corridor connecting the inner quarters and the guest rooms, allowing movement between the two without passing through the courtyard. The guest rooms are also unusual for a hanok, having been built as a two-story structure.
The second floor was designed with tatami flooring, along with Japanese-style corridors and windows, hinting at the background of the man who built the house: Han Sang-ryong was the nephew of a pro-Japanese collaborator who became notorious for his role in Korea’s annexation by Imperial Japan. The upper floor was reportedly often used to host gatherings for Japanese guests.
The house later passed into the hands of Baek In-je, founder of Paik Hospital, and remained in the possession of his family until it was acquired by the Seoul city government.
Myeongjae House / Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service
Outside Seoul, in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, stands Myeongjae House, a classic example of an aristocratic residence from the Joseon era.
The house was built in the 17th century by the disciples of Yoon Jeung, a renowned scholar. Facing south, it features a square pond in the traditional style of the era. It is also well known for its extensive collection earthenware jars, which create a striking atmosphere that has made the site a popular spot for photography.
Chusa Historic House / Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service
In Yesan, also in South Chungcheong Province, stands Chusa Historic House, where the late Joseon-era philosopher and artist Kim Jeong-hui, better known by his pen name Chusa, once lived. The house was built on land granted to his great-grandfather Kim Han-sin at the time of his marriage to Princess Hwasun, a daughter of King Yeongjo. Its unusually tall gates still hint at the grandeur the residence once possessed.
Wooden pillar plaques with Chusa’s calligraphy hang throughout the house. Inside, visitors can also take part in traditional activities such as learning tea etiquette and making hand fans.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
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