Ihwajang

This was the home of the first president of the Republic of Korea (South Korea's official name as of 1948), Lee Seung-man (or Rhee Syngman or Yi Seungman -- no one seems to agree on a proper spelling), and his wife. President Lee was the country's controversial leader from August 1948 to April 1960. After South Korea gained independence from Japan, he took control, but he used to return here to his prepresidential home to take walks in the garden. After he relinquished his office (in the wake of popular protests that followed a disputed election), he stayed here before leaving to live in exile in America. The home's architecture shows how Korean traditional homes changed under Japanese colonialization. On display are everyday household objects, clippings of historical articles, his humble clothing, and general depictions of his frugal lifestyle.

Details

• Address: 1-2 Ihwa-dong, Seoul
• Phone: [phone]
• Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
• Prices: Free admission
• Transportation: Subway line 4 to Hyehwa Station (exit 2); walk toward Korea National Open University and turn left at the SNU Elementary School of College Education; keep walking until you get to the crossroads and head toward Podowon Garden restaurant. Follow the road leading uphill -- Ihwajang is at the end