Gyeam House

The House of Kim Gi-hyeon (Gyeam Historic House, National Folklore Cultural Heritage 199) is a hanok with over 100 years of history that was established by renovating a nobleman’s house dating from the nineteenth century and equipping it with modern facilities. The Gyeongju Kim clan has lived in the Seosan area, a fertile stretch of land in the middle of the west coast region, for over 600 years. The house has been open to the public since 2010, and attracts many Korean and foreign guests. The owner renovated the old house by installing a modern bathroom, sink, kitchen and air-conditioning and filling it with antique furniture, and transformed it into a clean and pleasant tourist accommodation with high-class bedding in order to avoid the stereotype about hanok being uncomfortable. In particular, the kitchen has been transformed into a modern facility where guests can enjoy a cup of tea or a meal. The house is also packed with charming features including a small old well equipped with a pump, a wood-burning stove with an iron pot, and a platform for crocks of sauces and condiments. The House of Kim Gi-hyeon is home to the small Wadang (Roof Tile) Museum, which contains a collection of roof tiles ranging from the Goryeo Dynasty to the Joseon Dynasty. The friendly owners also run a ‘Wadang Rubbing Experience’ program that is popular among foreign tourists and students alike, and strive to provide all their guests with comfort and relaxation and share pleasant moments with them. The house’s courtyard reflects the beauty of each season, including flower blossoms in spring, colorful leaves in autumn, and a snowy landscape in winter.