The House of Geon-ik Hong has five Hanok buildings: Daemunchae, Haeng-nangchae, Sarangchae, Anchae, and Byeolchae, as well as a back garden. The back garden consists of an Ilgakmun, a well, and a Bing-go(ice storage). The total site area is 740.5m2, of which the building area is 154.6m2.
The intermediary gate within the Sarangchae separates the Bakatchae(the master's quarters) from the Anchae(living quarters), and the Ilgakmun leads from this house to the back garden. The ground level gradually rises toward the rear garden, and the Bing-go is positioned on the elevated terrace behind the Byeolchae.
The glass doors of the Daechung(main hall) and the awning of the eaves are among the main features of modern-era Hanok. However, the overall layout of the house, in which each building is separate and positioned according to the natural geography, and the fact that the entrance is located in a small alleyway are features of traditional Hanok. As the house was recognized for its architectural value in embodying both modern-era and traditional Hanok characteristics, it was designated as Seoul Folklore Cultural Heritage.
There are no detailed records about Geon-ik Hong, who was known only as a merchant and had built this house as his own residence. After purchasing the site lot in 1934, He built this house over a period of 2 years until 1936. Afterward, ownership of the house changed multiple times, and in 1958, the site lot was divided in half, resulting in its current size. In 2011, the Seoul Metropolitan Government purchased the house and carried out restoration work until 2015. In 2017, it was reopened to the public as a Seoul Public Hanok.
Currently, Anchae functions as a multipurpose space, ranging from small meetings to cultural programs such as lectures, workshops or music concerts. Sarangchae serves as anexhibition hall and Byeolchae as a reading room for visitors. the Daemunchae and part of the Sarangchae are used as management offices, while Haengnangchae is used as restrooms.
