A house beside a fortress wall
In Hyehwa-dong, an old wooden house uses part of the Seoul City Wall as its boundary. According to the city, the building dates to 1941. Its unusual setting brings several periods of Seoul's history into view at once.
A residence with public responsibilities
After liberation, the house served as an official residence for the Chief Justice of Korea. From 1981 to 2013 it was the Seoul mayor's residence. Its exhibits describe not only political and administrative meetings but also daily life and connections with the neighbourhood. It became a public exhibition centre in 2016.
Five rooms, many perspectives
Inside, the rooms explore the construction of the city wall, Hyehwamun Gate, the surrounding mountains and the former residence. A walk beside the wall followed by maps and architectural displays can help visitors understand Seoul's geography as a historic capital.
Plan your visit
The official site lists the grounds as open 09:00–21:00 and indoor exhibitions Tuesday–Sunday 09:30–17:30. Admission is free; Mondays and major holidays are closed. Use Exit 5 of Hansung University Station on Line 4. There is no on-site parking. The last guided-tour time differs across official pages (15:00 versus 15:30), so verify the booking schedule.
The question is not simply how old the house is, but how a city wall became entwined with civic life, power and memory.