E2024-G056

Choe Seung-hyo’s House: A Legacy of Culture and Art

Narrative

Located in the Yangnim History and Culture Village, Choe Seung-hyo’s House, built in 1921, is a traditional Korean house (hanok) that illustrates the transition of late Joseon–era architecture into the modernized hanok style of the early twentieth century. Blending the dignity of a wealthy household with traces of modern culture, it remains one of the representative cultural heritages of the Yangnim History and Culture Village today.

The house was originally built by Choe Sang-hyeon (1881-1945), an independence activist who also constructed the Noble House of the Choe Family in Sa-dong. It was later purchased in 1965 by Choe Seung-hyo (1917-1999), who served as president of Gwangju MBC. Together with his brother Choe Seung-nam, he contributed to the development of Gwangju’s cultural scene by founding the Hyeondae Theater and was also an avid collector of artworks and historical materials. After his passing, his third son, Choe In-jun (1950- ), took charge of maintaining the house. A contemporary artist trained under Nam June Paik (1932-2006), Choe In-jun continues the family’s artistic and cultural legacy.

Choe Seung-hyo’s House was designated as a Gwangju Folklore Cultural Heritage in 1989 and is also known as one of the filming locations for the film Love, Lies.

Story Map

• Houses of Gwangju: Living Heritage of Time and Memory
  • Choe Seung-hyo’s House: A Legacy of Culture and Art
  • Go Won-hui’s House: A Legacy of Loyalty and Integrity
  • Kim Bong-ho’s House: A Home Preserving the Everyday History of Gwangju
  • The Noble House of the Choe Family in Sa-dong: A Space Reflecting Modern Gwangju’s Architecture and Life
  • Traditional Homes with Foreign Influences: Yi Jang-u’s House
  • Traditional Homes with Foreign Influences: Kim Yong-hak’s House