Baek In-je House in Gahoe-dong is one of the finest hanoks in Bukchon Hanok Village. I discovered this place by accident while walking around Bukchon and I was amazed by its beauty.
The house was built in 1913 when the country was under Japanese colonial rule. It is a modern hanok where sarangchae (men’s quarters) and anchae (women’s quarters) are connected through the hallway unlike traditional hanoks where sarangchae and anchae are separated. It also has a very unique feature that sarangchae is two-story. The traditional hanoks made in Joseon Dynasty period do not have this feature. In addition, you can find Japanese architectural elements such as tatami mats, red bricks, and glass windows, which were distinctive features at the time.
Recognized for its architectural and historical value, the Baek In-je House was listed as Folk Cultural Asset No. 22 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 1977. The Seoul Metropolitan Government purchased the property in 2009 and turned it into a museum in 2015. The museum is named after its last owner, Baek In-je, who took the ownership of the house in 1944. The BaekInje’s House Museum is worth visiting if you want to experience hanok as an actual living place in the early 20th century.
Baek In-je House
Website : https://museum.seoul.go.kr/eng/about/annex/houseOfBaekInje.jsp
Address : 16 Bukchon-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours : 09:00~18:00, Closed Mondays
Admission Fee: Free
Telephone: 02-724-0232, 0200
Did you know the Baek In Je house was the office of the International Social Service Seoul branch from 1962 – 1966 and the home of the American director and his family? I lived in the home from 1962 -1966 and have many fond memories.We were the only American family in the vicinity at the time. I was surprised to discover my childhood home has become a museum of traditional Koren architecture.
Robin Munro Perez
Oh really? That is amazing! I didn’t know the place was used as the office of the International Social Service. Thanks for sharing the information! You might want to check the Korean film ‘Assassination’ because the film was shot in your childhood home. 😉