 
Korea House offers a traditional meal followed by various folk performances. Visitors can also
explore the garden, view handicraft items, and watch a traditional wedding ceremonry. It is a very
popular introduction to Korean performing arts for foreign visitors due to its location
and high level of promotion. The lobby in the main building houses a small selection of cultural
items and a gift shop sells souvenirs and postcards.
The area housing Korea House in the northern part of Nam-san in the heart of Seoul was referred to as
Cheonghak-dong Seonbi-chon ('Confucian Scholar's Village in the Blue Crane District') during the
Joseon Dynasty. The site was once used as the private home of Bak Paeng-nyeon, a famous Joseon
scholar-politician who is remembered as one of six loyal courtiers executed for their loyalty to the
ill-fated young King Danjong. The site was used for some time as a state guesthouse by the newly
established government of the Republic of Korea.
 
Buit in traditional Joseon architectural style, Korea House consists of several buildings:
Soseul Daemun ('lofty main gate'), Anchae ('women's quarters'), Aarangchae
('men's quarters'), Haengnangchae ('servants' quarters'), and Byeol-dang
('annex building'). Each building has its own archaically poetic name: Haerin-gwan
('house for overseas friends'), Sohwa-dang ('house of beauty and brillance'),
Hwanbyeong-nu (tower pavilion of blue ring), Garak-dang ('pavillion of beauty and music'),
Munhyang-nu ('tower pavilion of fragrance), Nogeum-jeong ('green pavilion for singing') and
Cheongu-jeong (pavilion for listening to the sounds of rain.). There is also a back garden where
the marriage ceremonies are held.
Performance admission fee: 29,000 won
Directions: Subway lines 3 & 4, Chungmuro Station, exit 3
Hours: scheduled performances daily
See related tour(s). |
