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All South Korea Gwangju Lee Jang-woo's House
AO Edited

Lee Jang-woo's House

This traditional home is a rare example of 19th-century Korean architecture.

Gwangju, South Korea

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kylierose
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The Korean-style garden was restored in 2009.   kylierose / Atlas Obscura User
A courtyard containing onggi, traditional earthenware pots, shows how kimchi and other fermented ingredients were stored.   kylierose / Atlas Obscura User
Servant’s quarters were added after 1959.   kylierose / Atlas Obscura User
The main living quarters of building are glimpse into the 20th-century upper-class lifestyle.   kylierose / Atlas Obscura User
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In the bustling city of Gwangju in South Korea's southwestern corner, tucked away in the city's historic Yangnim-dong neighborhood, a traditional Korean home boasts rare architecture in a calming atmosphere. Known as a hanok, the home was first constructed in 1899. The wealthy landowner, Jeong Nak-Gyo, and his family commissioned the house and were the first to live in it. 

Throughout the Japanese colonial period in South Korea from 1910-1945, many similar homes with Korean architecture were destroyed. This house adopted a Japanese-style garden during this time period but was able to maintain its distinctive Korean buildings.

The home was later purchased by its most famous resident, Lee Jang-Woo, in 1959. Lee was a prominent philanthropist and education advocate for the Jeolla region. Along with his legacy of founding kindergartens, middle schools, high schools, and universities across Jeolla, he has also left behind this remarkable architectural site for visitors today to enjoy. Under Lee's care, additions were made to the house including men's quarters, servants' quarters, and a storehouse, all in keeping with the traditional Korean style.

The Japanese-style garden was converted back to a Korean-style garden in 2009 for the Gwangju Design Biennale. The original women's quarters and gates built by Nak-Gyo are also still intact.

Related Tags

Colonialism Houses House Museums Historic Homes History 19th Century Gardens Japanese Gardens Architecture

Know Before You Go

The grounds of the Lee Jang-Woo house are free to visit and walk around. Visitors can look into the buildings through the windows or sit on the wooden balconies to enjoy the peaceful garden. The Korean name is spelled: 이장우 가옥.

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kylierose

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June 27, 2023

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  • http://m.cha.go.kr/public/commentary/culSelectDetail.do?VdkVgwKey=24,00010000,24&pageNo=77010000
Lee Jang-woo's House
Nam-gu, Yangchon-gil, 21
Gwangju, 61640
South Korea
35.140427, 126.911635
Get Directions

Nearby Places

May 18th National Cemetery

Gwangju, South Korea

miles away

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miles away

Hampyeong Expo Park

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miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Gwangju

Gwangju

South Korea

Places 2

Nearby Places

May 18th National Cemetery

Gwangju, South Korea

miles away

Wang Dong's Rock Quarries

Gwangju, South Korea

miles away

Hampyeong Expo Park

Hampyeong, South Korea

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Gwangju

Gwangju

South Korea

Places 2

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