The Finest Hanok in Seoul?… Jongno-gu 'Sangchonjae'

Traditional Wooden Structure Method
Highly Praised for Versatile Use of Main and Outer Buildings
‘Jaedong Hanok’ and ‘Hogyeongjae’ Also Selected as Excellent Hanok
Benefits Include Nameplate Installation and Small-Scale Repair Support

Sangchonjae Main House and Inner Courtyard

Jongno-gu (District Mayor Jeong Munheon) has carefully restored a long-abandoned police-owned vacant house and opened the traditional hanok ‘Sangchonjae’ in June 2017, which has been selected as one of the '8th Seoul Excellent Hanok' by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

The Seoul Excellent Hanok certification system was introduced by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2016 to promote the beauty and value of hanok and to revitalize hanok architecture. Sangchonjae received high praise for its excellent architectural features, including traditional wooden structure methods and the functional relationship between the inner and outer quarters.

Named after the old name of the western area of Gyeongbokgung Palace, ‘Utda’ (Sangchon·上村), it serves as a space contributing to the preservation of hanok culture, which is gradually disappearing due to urban development and commercialization. Built in the traditional hanok style of the late 19th century, this special place allows visitors to directly experience the globally recognized excellence of ondol culture and continuously offers diverse exhibitions and programs related to hanok, hanbok, traditional crafts, and seasonal customs.

Not only admired for its outstanding architectural beauty but also for operating substantial cultural and artistic projects that encompass all social classes, Sangchonjae has established itself as a popular representative spot in Seochon, attracting an average of about 20,000 visitors annually. The operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and it is closed every Monday, January 1st, and on the days of Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays.

In addition to Sangchonjae (Architectural Office Kangheejae), Jaedong Hanok (139 Architecture and Design Research Institute), Jigeum (Chakchak Studio), and Hogyeongjae (Inroom the Design), all located within the district, were also honored with the Seoul Excellent Hanok selection.

‘Jaedong Hanok’ was praised for maintaining the original form of a hanok on a narrow plot while designing the space and considering courtyard lighting. ‘Hogyeongjae’ received comments highlighting its design and construction, where the windows were replaced with glass panels and the interior was remodeled like an apartment. The ‘Jigeum’ hanok earned good scores by lowering the floor to solve ceiling height issues, laying stone tiles, and revealing the wooden hanok structure that had been hidden behind bricks.

The four excellent hanoks selected in the district will have the ‘Seoul Excellent Hanok Plaque’ attached outside and will receive annual regular inspections by experts for five years.

Additionally, if necessary, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to support small-scale repairs up to 4 million KRW per year.

District Mayor Jeong Munheon stated, "We will continue to focus on using Sangchonjae as a hub to promote the charm of hanok and the excellence of ondol culture to more residents and domestic and international tourists."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.