Kim Geun-su House
김근수가옥
Kim Geun-su House is a traditional wooden house in Domun-dong, designated Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage Material No. 64 in 1985. Although the exact construction date is unknown, it is believed to date to the Joseon period. The remaining main house shows a Hamgyeong-do-style ondol-centered double-house plan with a low overall height, double doors, raised eaves using temple-like building techniques, and protective 'dragon and tiger' characters on the gate.
Verified by HeySeorak on 📖 Owner story included
Best For
History, culture, scenic context, and first-time orientation
Area
Seoraksan
Price
₩ Budget-friendly
Info
63 Hadomun 2-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
강원특별자치도 속초시 하도문2길 63
Sokcho Tourism lists the site as always available and open year-round, but also notes that the current owner lives there. Treat this as a respectful exterior-only heritage stop unless official local access signs say otherwise.
The Story
Sokcho Tourism explains that the house was once part of a larger compound with gate quarters, storage, and a men's quarters, but around liberation its scale was reduced and only the main house remains.
Behind the Signature
The architectural details are the draw: low house height, double doors, a very low left sarangbang entrance, axe-finished wood on the kitchen door and main hall, earthen walls capped with roof tiles, and the protective 'Yongho' characters on the gate.
Local Tip
Use this with Kim Jong-woo House and Sangdomun Stone Wall Village as a pattern of traditional house forms. It is more meaningful as comparative architecture than as a standalone attraction.
Seasonal Note
Daylight is the only sensible visiting window. Avoid early morning, night, loud groups, and intrusive photography because residents may be present.
For Travelers
For international visitors, the site is useful for explaining that heritage is sometimes still lived around, not only displayed behind museum glass. Respectful distance is part of the experience.
How to visit
A quick guide for first-time visitors.
Step 1
Start with the context
Read the short history first so the stop is more than a photo point. The story usually explains why this place matters in Sokcho.
Step 2
Walk the key point
Use the map pin as your anchor, then give yourself a few extra minutes for nearby signs, views, side paths, or linked monuments.
Step 3
Connect the next stop
This works best as part of a route. Pair it with a nearby village, museum, market, ferry, temple, or lake walk rather than visiting in isolation.
Helpful guides
Practical reads to help you make the most of your visit.
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