House of Baek In-je in Bukchon becomes tourist hotspot

Sarangchae in the House of Baek In-je, which is generally reserved for men and guests / Courtesy of Seoul Museum of History

The House of Baek In-je, situated in Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul's Jongno District, has been garnering attention from foreign visitors for its extensive collection of Korean traditional houses, known as hanok.

According to the Seoul Museum of History, approximately 33 percent of visitors to the site last year came from overseas.

In Bukchon Hanok Village, the House of Baek In-je stands out due to its scale and architectural significance.

This Korean traditional house stands out due to its unique structure, and the Seoul Museum of History ensures that visitors have access to necessary information and services.

As the number of foreign visitors increases, the museum offers information services in English, with on-site staff fluent in the language.

In addition, visitors can enhance their experience at the hanok by listening to commentary programs available in English, Chinese, and Japanese. Pre-booking for the commentary program is required through the official website of the Seoul Museum of History.

Entry to the house is free of charge, and the opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. The hanok is typically closed on Mondays, except on public holidays. If Monday falls on a public holiday, the house will be open to the public.

The house was the residence of Baek In-je, a doctor who founded Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital. Built during the Japanese colonial period, it reflects the style of modern hanok.

Baek was kidnapped to North Korea during the Korean War, and he remains missing to this day.

After the war, his wife and bereaved family continued to reside there until the Seoul Metropolitan Government took ownership of the hanok in 2009. The city government turned it into a historical attraction.

Since 2015, the premises have been transformed into a vibrant cultural space, welcoming the public to explore the traditional house.

Introduced in Seoul during the Gyeongseong Expo in 1907, the House of Baek In-je showcases the beauty of traditional hanok architecture with a modern twist.

It was built using black pine, which boasts distinctive features that set it apart from the conventional upper-class residences of the era.

The structure consists of a central room with panoramic views of the village, spacious bedrooms, a large garden, and annex buildings.

The inner patio of the House of Baek In-je, which is reserved for women of the household/ Courtesy of Seoul Museum of History

Unlike other typical hanok, the House of Baek In-je features a connected space between Sarangchae and Anchae by corridors, allowing convenient access between the two structures. Sarangchae is a section that is generally reserved for men and guests, and Anchae is a place that is reserved for the women of the household.

The incorporation of Japanese corridors and tatami rooms, iconic flooring mats in traditional Japanese-style spaces, along with the strategic use of red bricks and abundant windows, reflects the characteristics of the time of its construction.

Also, part of the Sarangchae of the house has two stories, a unique characteristic not found in traditional hanok from the Joseon era.

The House of Baek In-je is highly valued for its architectural and historical significance, representing the Bukchon Hanok Village. It retains the beauty of a traditional hanok while incorporating modern trends of its time.

The focal point for foreign visitors to Bukchon Hanok Village is an area behind Gahoe-dong Cathedral, densely populated with modern hanok dating back to the Japanese colonial period.

While this area is primarily inhabited by current residents, restrictions are in place for visitors seeking access to the interiors of these houses.

However, unlike other residences, the House of Baek In-je allows limited access for individuals to explore its interior, despite being designated as a cultural property.

“In contrast to other hanok in Bukchon, the House of Baek In-je stands out for its considerable scale, drawing special attention from foreign visitors who are captivated by the unique atmosphere melding seamlessly with the Sarangchae yard,” said an official at the House of Baek In-je.

“The opportunity for visitors to step inside and satisfy their curiosity about the hanok appears to be a significant factor contributing to the growing influx of tourists.”