The building originally served as the official residence for the South Gyeongsang Province governor during the Japanese colonial occupation.
It hosted the emergency cabinet meetings that directed the South Korean government's war strategy.
The structure survived the Busan International Market fire of 1953, which destroyed much of the surrounding city fabric.
It is designated as a Busan Metropolitan City Monument to protect its historical significance.
The Provisional Capital Memorial Hall served as the official presidential residence and administrative hub for the South Korean government during the Korean War when Busan functioned as the temporary capital. Constructed in 1926 as the residence for the provincial governor, the building displays a blend of Japanese colonial-era architecture and modern governmental repurposing. The ground floor displays historical records, photographs, and artifacts detailing the wartime hardships and political efforts of the period. Upstairs rooms are furnished to recreate the living and working spaces used by President Syngman Rhee. The facility preserves the site’s role in navigating the nation's political survival from 1950 to 1953.
The main entrance facade showing the classic 1920s architecture.
Visit the archives section to view original documents and maps from the early 1950s.
Check the surrounding grounds for additional historical markers related to the provisional government period.
Ensure you have enough time to read the detailed placards, as they provide essential context for the exhibits.
Do not mistake the modern university campus architecture for the historic memorial hall.
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.
Maintain a quiet tone appropriate for a memorial space and refrain from touching exhibits.
