The mansion was originally comprised of 99 kan (the traditional unit of space between pillars), the maximum size permitted for private residences below royal rank.
Lee Sang-ryong sold off his family fortune and the surrounding land to fund the liberation movement in Manchuria.
It is recognized as Important Folklore Cultural Heritage No. 182 by the South Korean government.
The restoration process involves removing the train tracks that cut through the property in 1941 to restore the historical integrity of the residence.
The name 'Imcheonggak' is derived from a poem by the Chinese poet Tao Yuanming, signifying a place of quiet reflection near the water and blue mountain.
Andong Imcheonggak is one of the oldest extant private residential houses in South Korea, dating back to 1519 during the Joseon Dynasty. It is a 99-kan traditional wooden mansion originally built by Lee Myeong, a high-ranking government official. The property is historically significant as the birthplace of Lee Sang-ryong, a prominent independence activist who served as the first leader of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. In the early 20th century, the Japanese colonial government forcibly built a railway line directly through the estate, significantly damaging its original structure. As of 2026, the property is undergoing a comprehensive, multi-year restoration project to relocate the rail line and reconstruct the original courtyard layout. The architecture reflects the traditional noble house style of the Gyeongsang region, characterized by its complex layout and wooden framework. It currently serves as a living memorial to the resistance against colonial rule.
The elevated view from the courtyard looking out toward the mountain backdrop.
Check the official restoration status before visiting, as construction areas may be restricted to the public.
Explore the surrounding village area to see other traditional hanok homes preserved in the Andong region.
Walk slowly as many of the wooden floors and stone paths are historic and uneven.
Do not enter areas cordoned off for the ongoing reconstruction project; do not touch the historic wooden pillars or lattice windows.
Parts of the site may be periodically closed due to the long-term restoration of the rail line and site grounds.
Remove shoes before entering any of the wooden indoor areas; maintain a quiet tone as the site is considered a historic memorial.
