Sangchonjae Cultural Space

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Sangchonjae Cultural Space

Published Date : Jun 01, 2021 / Edited Date : Jun 04, 2021

Sangchonjae is a traditional hanok cultural space located in Seochon Village, the birthplace of King Sejong the Great. Seochon is rich in historical and cultural resources as it was the residence of powerful rulers and middle-class citizens during the late Joseon Dynasty. It is also where Gim Jeong-hui and modern artists gathered later on.

Photo of yellow and pink Sangchonjae brochures and a blue text box that says: A hanok cultural space, Sangchonjae in Seochon village

Sangchonjae Hanok Cultural Space in Seochon Village

Sangchonjae, built at the end of the 19th century in the traditional hanok style, is operated as a traditional culture exhibition facility that promotes the excellence of the ondol, which is a traditional heating system unique to Korea that uses hot stones beneath the floor to keep a room warm. The ondol culture is globally recognized for its innovation and effectiveness.

A combination of 3 photos. Left: The exterior and entrance of Sangchonjae in Seochon Village; Above right: A signboard for the 2017 Korea Public Architecture Awards; Bottom right: Sangchonjae tile roof

# Traditional & Cultural Exhibition

The history of Korean ondol can be seen at Sangchonjae and visitors can learn all about its development and cultural impact, as it has been passed down since the Paleolithic period. The hanok and ondol system has been restored to its original state so that visitors can experience the system first hand, such as through various examples and demonstrations. There is even a transparent floor so that visitors can see the ondol in action.

A combination of 3 photos. Left: Inside view of Sangchonjae in Seochon Village A black rubber shoe placed under the threshold; Above right: A view of the Jangdokdae and the kitchen; Bottom right: View of shoji paper door and floor

In the main house, visitors can explore a traditional Korean kitchen, equipped with the necessary items for preparing and storing food, and at the same time has a heating function that regulates the temperature of the room. In various places of Sangchonjae, the scientific elements of the heating process are explained through videos, which assists visitors in learning how it all works.

Left: Ondol heating at Sangchonjae in Seochon Village and a black TV hanging on the wall; Right: Inside of an ondol heated room

# Traditional & Cultural Experience

In the learning annex at Sangchonjae, there is a space where visitors can learn about the history of Hangul right in Seochon Village, the birthplace of King Sejong the Great. The area explores the logical characteristics of Hangul through examining the purpose of its creation, and the remarks made by world-class scholars. There is also an experience program where visitors can sit and write Hangul themselves, which is great for people either practicing their skills or trying it out for the first time! Visitors can practice Hangul on a postcard and take it with them as a souvenir, or to send it off to loved ones back home.

Left: Traditional culture experience place of Sangchonjae; Right: Handwriting experience

At Sangchonjae, seasonal events based around holidays such as Ipchun, which is a holiday that celebrates the first day of spring, Dano, another major Korean holiday, the Winter Solstice, and many other seasonal events related to traditional Korean culture are held on site. This is a must-do for any culture-loving traveler!

Address: 12-11 Jahamun-ro 17-gil, Cheongunhyoja-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Subway: Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 2

Fee: Free

Tel: +82-2-6013-1142

Hours: Daily 9:00 - 18:00
* Closed Mondays, January 1, Lunar New Year’s Day & Chuseok

Website: Go to website >>