Bukchon Cultural Center

Opened in October 2002 to inform domestic and international visitors about the history and value of Bukchon, the meaning of Bukchon, and our traditional culture. Bukchon Cultural Center is a modern hanok in Gye-dong, Seoul, built in 1921 and designated as a National Registered Cultural Heritage. It was previously known as the former Min Hyeong-gi House, but recent research indicates it was the house of Min Hyeong-gi's wife, Yoo Jin-kyung. In Bukchon, it was commonly called 'Min Jaemugwandak' or 'Gyedong Manimdak.' Originally composed of an inner house, outer house, front row house, back row house, and shrine, it was renovated with a focus on preserving and restoring the original hanok form as much as possible in accordance with the hanok renovation standards ordinance. Currently, as part of the 'Bukchon Regeneration Project,' it serves as a community center for residents and a visitor information center. The promotional exhibition hall, originally the back row house, now displays materials promoting the history and value of Bukchon. It screens videos highlighting the importance of preserving Bukchon and provides various information about Bukchon, including cultural properties and traditional cultural experiences held in the area. The inner house, located in front of the promotional exhibition hall, is used as offices, meeting rooms, and lecture halls for traditional culture classes, and a charming sarangbang (reception room) is available for residents to rest. The small pavilion behind the inner house, originally a shrine, has been repurposed as a resting space where visitors can enjoy the elegant atmosphere of a hanok while sharing a cup of tea. The detached building located further inside past the pavilion operates as a sarangbang for residents, and the wooden veranda is used as a venue for experiential programs to provide opportunities to enjoy traditional culture.