Ihwajang (Korean이화장; Hanja梨花莊) is a historic home in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea. It is the former residence of the first President of South Korea, Syngman Rhee. It was designated a historic site of South Korea on April 28, 2009. It is open to visitors as a memorial hall to Rhee.[1]

Ihwajang
The house complex in 2018
Map
General information
Address32 Ihwajang 1-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Coordinates37°34′42″N 127°00′23″E / 37.578333°N 127.006389°E / 37.578333; 127.006389
Grounds6,571 m2 (70,730 sq ft)

It consists of several buildings in a complex.[2] A number of different people lived in this area, including Joseon scholar Shin Gwang-han [ko] in the 16th century and Grand Prince Inpyeong in the 17th century. It has consistently been considered a scenic area to live, with many visitors admiring the scenery.[2]

During much of the Japanese colonial period, Rhee lived in exile in the United States. After Korea was liberated in 1945, Rhee returned to the peninsula and took up residence here.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "서울 이화장(서울 梨花莊)". Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  2. ^ a b "사적 서울 이화장 (서울 梨花莊) : 국가문화유산포털 - 문화재청". Heritage Portal : CULTURAL HERITAGE ADMINISTRATION (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-01-01.
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