Imagine living in a house that breathes art history. That is the Choi Sunu House. This house was once home to Hyegok Choi Sunu. He was a leading art historian. He lived here from 1976 until his death in 1984.
Today, we stand before Korea’s Registered Cultural Property No. 268. This is more than just a house. It’s a window into the life of a man who dedicated himself to Korean art. Choi Sunu served as the director of the National Museum of Korea. He unearthed the beauty of Korean ceramics. He also rediscovered traditional woodcraft. Choi Sunu also made significant contributions to the history of painting.
Born as Huisun in Gaeseong, Choi Sunu’s journey began with a meeting with Go Yuseop. This led him to the Gaeseong Municipal Museum in 1943. From 1974 to 1984, he directed the National Museum of Korea. He championed Korean culture through overseas exhibitions.
The Choi Sunu House itself is an example of urban traditional architecture. It shows a style prevalent in Seoul in the 1930s. The house features an open rectangular plan. It is composed of an L-shaped outbuilding and an upside-down L-shaped main building. These buildings face each other creating a unique space.
In 2002, redevelopment threatened to demolish this precious site. Public donations saved the Choi Sunu House. The National Trust of Korea purchased it. Now, The Cultural Heritage Foundation manages it.
Since 2004, the house has been open to the public as the Hyegok Choi Sunu Memorial Hall. You can explore permanent exhibitions of Choi Sunu’s relics. Special exhibitions occur in the fall. Cultural programs take place every spring and fall.
The Choi Sunu House offers a glimpse into Korean art history. It also celebrates the life of a remarkable man. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Hyegok Choi Sunu. He helped shape our understanding of Korean art. Remember his dedication as you explore this house. It is a monument to his life’s work.