A New Landmark in Samcheong-dong, Seoul This October! Step Into Sunhye-won, the SK Founder's 1968 Hanok Residence Turned Art Space
A perfect place to step inside and settle your thoughts~
Summary
- New Life for a 1968 Historic Residence: The private home of the SK Group founder opens to the public for the first time after years of restoration, subtly blending traditional Hanok charm with modern architectural lines.
- Debut Contemporary Art Exhibition: Running now through October 31, the exhibition "Greetings from the Trembling Things" features works by Mona Hatoum, Choi Sung-im, and Kim Yoon-soo.
- Free Admission by Reservation Only: Entry is free with advance reservation required; bookings for the current week open every Monday at 10 AM.
Wandering through the historic alleys of Seoul’s Samcheong-dong, past the stylish cafes and independent boutiques, there is now a new cultural spot to pause and find a moment of calm. Located in a quiet corner of the neighborhood, the newly opened exhibition space Sunhye-won is more than just a gallery for contemporary art; it carries a rich slice of modern Korean history.
A quiet dialogue between traditional Hanok and modern lines
Sunhye-won was originally built in 1968 as the private residence of SK Group founder Chey Jong-kun, and later served as an internal training center for the company. After years of careful restoration and transformation, this once-private estate has finally opened to the public as a cultural platform bringing together traditional architecture and contemporary art.
Architecturally, Sunhye-won retains the charming soul of a traditional Korean Hanok, with warm wooden beams and a sturdy tiled roof presenting an elegant, classic layout. Inside, modern exhibition spaces and professional lighting offer a clean contrast. The clash of old and new elements feels completely natural, adding a unique, serene atmosphere to the contemporary artworks on display. Visitors who appreciate simple silhouettes and room to breathe will immediately feel comfortable among the intersecting lines of past and present.
Inaugural exhibition: Finding peace amid turbulence
For its debut as an art platform (Art Project 2.0), Sunhye-won is hosting the exhibition “A Note from Trembling Things.” The show features internationally acclaimed artist Mona Hatoum alongside South Korean artists Choi Sung-im and Kim Yun-soo. Through a dialogue of diverse materials, their works explore breezes, everyday changes, and a sense of wellbeing amid trembling things, rendered even more moving as light and shadows filter through the Hanok.
If you are planning a trip to Seoul soon, consider adding Sunhye-won to your itinerary. The exhibition runs from now until October 31, 2026. Admission is free with advance reservations, and the system opens every Monday at 10:00 AM for the current week’s slots, ensuring that every visitor can experience the renewed charm of this historic Hanok in a comfortable, uncrowded setting.
📍 3-5, Samcheong-ro 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
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