Ihwajang (Seoul)

 place with historical importance, memorial hall

lhwajang was ex-president Syngman Rhee's private residence built in 1934, and where the first government of Korea was organized.

President Rhee and his wife lived in lhwajang from October 18th 1947 on, and many their possessions are still on display inside the home.

Today, lhwajang consists of a Iogakdang - the chamber where the first government was formed - an anchae (inner quarters), a byeoldangchae (detached house), and a newly constructed sallimchae. All, except Iogakdang, are now used for exhibitions. Iogakdang, located on the highest spot, is the oldest of the buildings.

President Rhee's study room and bedroom on display in the anchae provide insight into his everyday life. Syngman Rhee, who was a doctor of philosophy and deeply devoted to Korea's independence movement, was elected as the 1st president of the Korean Provisional Government after the March First Independence Movement in 1919. He was also elected as a member of the National Assembly at the general election of May 10th 1948. On July 17th that same year, he enacted and proclaimed the constitution, and was appointed as the first president of the Republic of Korea on July 24th, 1948.

lhwajang is Historic Site #497.