[Insta Walk] Boan Yeogwan - A Resting Place for 80s Travelers, Transformed into an Art and Culture Gallery

Designed by Japanese Architect in 1942
Used as Lodging Space until 2002
Directly Purchased by CEO Choi Seong-woo in 2007
Transformed into a Cafe, Bookstore, and Gallery Complex Art Space

Gallery in Old Inn Draws Attention for 'Bold Attempt'
Beyond Simply Preserving an Old Building
Dreams of a Sustainable Art Industry Haven
"Cultural Art Spaces Should Capture Everyday Art
Need for Self-Sustaining, Independent Institutions Without Support"

Signboard of Boan Inn. / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] We often develop attachments to specific spaces. In modern society dominated by urban life, citizens increasingly crave meaningful spaces. In cities, which inevitably have densely populated and harsh environments, people prefer parks or plazas to feel a sense of openness. The desire to experience leisure and nostalgia amid busy and complex city life, as well as the urge to incorporate vintage charm amid the growing preference for modern designs and patterns, frequently emerge.

Therefore, urban planning experts strive to interpret these diverse thoughts of citizens and create larger and more numerous plazas within city centers. They also make efforts to restore historically significant buildings or structures, even at astronomical repair costs. This may be an attempt to create an oasis spring in the hearts of people amid the blandness of urban life by preserving social and historical memories tied to specific spaces.

However, as redevelopment, reconstruction, and high-density regeneration projects in old downtown areas are simultaneously promoted to address housing shortages, it seems difficult to fully preserve spaces bearing historical traces. Against this backdrop, the alleys of Bukchon and Seochon around Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul have become so-called 'hot' spots, gaining popularity even among young people. This is a refreshing shock in Seoul, one of the world's top megacities. Narrow alleys house vintage cafes, popular restaurants, and workshops, attracting Instagrammers who visit intensively and leave records. Among these places is the 'Boan Inn,' which has stood deep inside Seochon alleys for about 80 years.

Boan Yeogwan New Building (center) and Old Building (right). The Old Building was constructed in 1942. / Photo by Boan Yeogwan

The small wooden building of Boan Inn is now surrounded by palace walls in front and modern buildings on the sides and back. It creates an illusion as if time has stopped only in this place.

Boan Inn, designed and built by a Japanese architect in 1942, served as a resting place and lodging for travelers until 2002. It holds special value as it was frequented by great figures in Korean literature. Midang (未堂) Seo Jeong-ju wrote in "Cheonjiyujeong" that "In the fall of 1936, Ham Hyeong-su and I stayed together at Boan Inn in Tongui-dong, where we, along with Kim Dong-ri, Kim Dal-jin, and Oh Jang-hwan, created a poetry circle magazine called 'Siinburak' (Poets' Village)." After purchasing this historically significant building in 2007, CEO Choi Seong-woo has been using it as a complex art space combining a cafe, bookstore, and gallery.

Having studied art history at Paris 1 University and worked as a cultural manager, CEO Choi said Boan Inn was an ideal space for him. "At that time, Insadong and Samcheong-dong were already overly commercialized and not suitable environments for creating cultural and artistic spaces," he recalled. "After much deliberation, I came to Seochon and found Boan Inn."

Boan Yeogwan is currently used as a complex cultural space. The photo shows the interior of Boan Club. / Photo by Boan Yeogwan

He explained, "I grew up in a rural house that was a Japanese colonial-era house, so I was very familiar with old wooden buildings like this. Yet, I felt it was unique to have such a space right in the middle of Seoul, filled with all kinds of fine buildings. I thought artistic activities could be possible here, so I purchased this inn."

CEO Choi preserved the exterior and interior of Boan Inn as much as possible while transforming the old inn into a gallery. The first exhibition held at Boan Inn immediately captured public attention. At that time, contemporary art exhibitions in Seoul were high-end events held in modern buildings. Thus, a gallery set up in a dilapidated old inn building was seen as a 'radical attempt' breaking previous conventions.

Nonetheless, CEO Choi found it awkward that the exhibitions at Boan Inn were regarded as unusual. He said, "In Europe and Japan, where there are many centuries-old buildings and factories, this exhibition style has long been practiced. It was simply something I was accustomed to through learning, applied domestically."

Boan Cafe located on the first floor of Boan Motel. / Photo by Boan Motel

Maintaining Boan Inn and developing it as a space for artistic activities was by no means simple. According to CEO Choi, the Japanese-style wooden building constructed in the 1940s consists of numerous pillars and frames. While the building itself is sturdy, checking for and repairing any rotted or damaged parts requires considerable effort and cost.

He likened the maintenance and repair work of the inn to "caring for a living being." This means it is a labor-intensive task requiring deep attention and effort.

CEO Choi now dreams not only of preserving the old building but also of making Boan Inn a sustainable home for the arts industry. He explained, "I hope it becomes a space that grows independently and autonomously without separate support." He pointed out, "Many art institutions and galleries today operate with financial support from large corporations. While this may broaden choices for artists, I believe art truly gains meaning when it is independent and free."

He emphasized, "A cultural and artistic space plays a role in embracing everyday art that we encounter and interact with in daily life. Therefore, society needs self-sustaining and independent art institutions centered on culture and art."

CEO Choi stressed, "In countries like Korea, where cities grow compactly and rapidly expand outward, the original downtown (wondosim, the core center of the city) inevitably becomes forgotten and abandoned. I hope many people will think about and share the task of recycling and regenerating such neglected spaces."