The home of art historian Choi Sunu, where you can sit on the wooden veranda and look out over a courtyard of pines and stone.
Choi Sunu's Old House is a 1930s hanok in Seongbuk-dong. Choi (1916 to 1984) was an art historian, a former director of the National Museum of Korea and the author of "Leaning Against the Entasis Columns of Muryangsujeon." He lived here from 1976 until his death.
In 2004 it became the first property protected under Korea's National Trust for Cultural Heritage, kept and opened to the public through citizens' efforts.
The courtyard, with its pine trees and stone objects, was arranged to Choi's own eye. You can sit on the wooden veranda, the toenmaru, and take a quiet moment. His handwritten manuscripts and personal collection are on display, and there are hands-on programs such as a vintage typewriter experience.
Admission is free and no booking is needed. The house opens Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 16:00, and is closed on Sunday and Monday.
You will find it at 9 Seongbuk-ro 15-gil, Seongbuk-gu; Gilsangsa Temple is among its neighbours.