Historical places #23 in Daegu

House of Yi Sanghwa

4.3 · 528 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
House of Yi Sanghwa, 6-1 Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Interesting facts
1

Yi Sanghwa died at age 42, just two years before Korea's liberation from Japanese rule.

2

His famous poem, 'Does Spring Come to Stripped Fields?', was written in 1926 and remains a symbol of resistance in Korean literature.

3

The house underwent extensive restoration to match its appearance during the poet's final years in the late 1930s.

4

The site includes a small exhibit hall showcasing original manuscripts and personal artifacts from the poet's life.

5

Yi Sanghwa was part of the 'White Tide' (Baekjo) literary movement, which introduced romanticism to Korean poetry.

Overview

The House of Yi Sanghwa is a restored traditional Korean residence that served as the final home of the prominent anti-colonial poet and independence activist Yi Sanghwa. Located in the heart of Daegu, the site preserves the domestic environment where he lived from 1939 until his death in 1943. The structure features a classic L-shaped layout representative of 20th-century Korean residential architecture. Visitors can explore displays detailing his literary contributions, most notably the poem 'Does Spring Come to Stripped Fields?'. The site functions as a memorial museum highlighting his role in the resistance against Japanese colonial rule. It remains a key location for understanding the cultural history of Daegu's Modern History Street district.

Photo spot

The traditional courtyard looking toward the main living quarters with the wooden sliding doors open.

Insider tips

Combine your visit with a walking tour of the surrounding Modern History Street, which features other significant colonial-era sites.

Read a translation of his poetry before visiting to better understand the emotional significance of the displayed artifacts.

Check the signage carefully as some exhibits focus on the political climate of the 1930s rather than just the domestic architecture.

What to avoid

Do not treat the site as a casual park; it is a dedicated memorial space, so maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and major national holidays.

Etiquette

Remove shoes when entering the traditional wooden floor areas of the house.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Spring, to appreciate the thematic connection to his most famous poem.
Address
House of Yi Sanghwa, 6-1 Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
35.867, 128.588
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsOriginal manuscripts, period furniture, and literary artifacts of Yi Sanghwa.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Spring, to appreciate the thematic connection to his most famous poem..

The traditional courtyard looking toward the main living quarters with the wooden sliding doors open.

Close by you'll find Daegu Dalseong Park, Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine, 경상감영공원.