Choi Sunu (1916~84), who was the president of the National Museum of Korea and the famous author of “Leaning Against Baeheullim Pillar of Muryangsujeon,” lived in this hanok (Korean traditional house) from 1976 -1984. It was opened to the public in April 2005 and designated as Civilian Cultural Heritage No. 1 by the Korea National Trust.

Hours : April - November, every Tues - Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Phone : +82-2-3675-3401~2
Website : http://www.choisunu.com

Designated as Historic Site No. 83, Seonjamdanji is the site of the Seonjamdan Shrine, where mulberry trees were grown to feed silkworms raised in a silkworm raising room. It was established in 1471, during the 2nd year of King Seongjong's rule (the 9th king of the Joseon Dynasty). The Seonjam ceremony started in the beginning of the Goryeo Kingdom period, modeled after the old system of China. One of the official duties of queens in the Joseon Dynasty was holding the Chinjamrye ceremony. Agriculture and sericulture were key industries during the Joseon Dynasty, and thus sacrificial rites for the god of sericulture took place at Seonjamdan.

Gilsangsa was once one of the most famous restaurants in Korea, Daewongak. The Daewongak restaurant was founded by the late Kim Yeong-han, and was operated by the same family for three generations from the late 1960s to the early 80s. In 1987 Kim donated the property to Buddhist monk Rev. Pubjeong, a noted Zen master, who turned it into a Buddhist temple in 1997. Temple stay is available from 3 p.m. on Saturday to Sunday morning on the fourth week of every month.

Phone : +82-2-3672-5945~6
Website : http://www.kilsangsa.or.kr

Designated as Seoul Folk Material No. 10, this villa was built in the 1900s at the end of the Joseon Dynasty by Yi Jong-seok, a merchant. This house offers a glimpse into the life of merchants at the time.

Closed : Mondays & Sundays (advance reservation required)
Phone : +82-2-741-5161

Designated Seoul Monument No. 7, Simujang is the house where "Manhae" Han Yongun, the illustrious monk-poet and activist of the March 1st Independence Movement, spent the last years of his life, after being released from imprisonment due to his participation in the movement. Unfortunately, he passed away in this house right before the liberation of Korea (in 1945).

This hanok was once the home of novelist Yi Tae-jun, one of the fathers of modern Korean literature. He is acclaimed for having pioneered modern writing technique in Korea with his short stories “Gamagwi”, “Dalbam”, and “Bokdeokbang”. It was renovated by his granddaughter and is now being run by her as a traditional tea house named Suyeonsanbang.

Hours : 12 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. (Walking exploration available only in the afternoon)
Phone : +82-2-764-1736