Ojukheon House

최광모 · CC0

A 500-year-old wooden house, birthplace of Yi I and the painter Shin Saimdang — two faces on Korean banknotes.

Very few houses anywhere produced two people printed on their country's currency: Shin Saimdang (50,000 won) and her son, the scholar Yi I (5,000 won). Ojukheon is among the oldest wooden houses left standing in Korea, named for the black bamboo around its yard. Inside hang Shin Saimdang's paintings of plants and insects — a 16th-century woman respected as an artist and not only as a mother, which was rare indeed in her time.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Ojukheon House?

Year-round

How much does it cost to visit Ojukheon House?

3,000 KRW (free for over 65s)

How long do you need at Ojukheon House?

1.5 hours

What are the opening hours of Ojukheon House?

08:00–18:00 (to 17:30 in winter), last admission 30 min before closing

Did you know

The main house dates from the early 16th century and is National Treasure No. 165.
Birthplace of the scholar Yi I (Yulgok) in 1536.
Shin Saimdang was the first woman to appear on a Korean banknote.
The grounds include the Gangneung municipal museum.

Travel tips

Combine with Gyeongpo beach, about ten minutes away by car.
English guided tours run at fixed times.
The bamboo grove behind the house is the best photo spot.

Source: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/rgnContentsView.do?vcontsId=110823

Updated: 2026-08-04