At 9 Seongbuk-ro 15-gil in Seoul’s Seongbuk-dong, this hanok house museum was home to Choi Soon-woo, a former director general of the National Museum of Korea. Its 1930s design brings together an L-shaped main building and a J-shaped outer building, with a garden for a quieter pause. Choi lived here from 1976 to 1984 and sought to express his understanding of Korean beauty in the house. The property was saved from demolition through citizen donations and support from the National Trust of Korea.
Choi Soon-woo’s home
Choi Soon-woo, also known by the name Hyegok, lived in the house from 1976 until 1984. He was a former director general of the National Museum of Korea and a historian of East Asian art and archaeology.
Choi wrote about Korean art and beauty, and he aimed to express his own ideas about Korean beauty in the design of his home.
A house saved from demolition
The house’s preservation was made possible by donations and public support through the National Trust of Korea. Its layout includes an L-shaped main building and a J-shaped outer building, both part of its 1930s hanok design.
FAQ
Where is the Old House of Choe Sunu?
It is at 9 Seongbuk-ro 15-gil in Seongbuk-dong, Seongbuk District, Seoul.
Who lived in the house?
Choi Soon-woo, a former director general of the National Museum of Korea, lived there from 1976 to 1984.
What are the house’s opening days?
It is closed on Mondays and Sundays. It opens Tuesday to Saturday.
