Meeting Modern Korean History at Dilkusha, a Red Brick House
My First Encounter with Dilkusha, the Red Brick House
While strolling around Gwanghwamun during a lunch break, a red brick house with a peculiar, yet intriguing, presence catches your eye amidst the familiar cityscape. Located on a hill in Haengchon-dong, Jongno-gu, this house is ‘Dilkusha’. Derived from Persian, meaning "joyful heart," this place transcends a simple Western-style residence and is a space that holds important stories of modern Korean history. Initially, I was drawn by its exotic appearance, but as I explored the interior, I was captivated by the deep history and architectural beauty that Dilkusha embodies.
The First Impression of a Red Brick House in a Residential Area
Dilkusha is situated in the middle of a quiet residential area on a hill. Amidst the surrounding modern buildings, its antique red brick exterior stood out. The house, built in 1923, gave the illusion of being in a European village and was a rare large-scale architectural structure in Seoul at the time. In particular, the unique ‘party wall construction’ technique, where bricks are stacked on edge, was impressive. This method, which enhances insulation and soundproofing while strengthening structural stability.
In front of the house, there is a ginkgo tree over 400 years old, reminding me that this place is not only a beautiful architectural structure but also a space that has witnessed history for a long time. Standing under the ginkgo tree and looking at Dilkusha, I could experience a special moment where the past and present intersect.
The Story of the Taylors and Dilkusha
Dilkusha was the home of Albert Taylor, an American businessman, and his wife, Mary Linley Taylor. Albert settled in Korea through mining and trade and also worked as a special correspondent for the Associated Press, contributing greatly to informing the international community about events such as the March 1st Movement and the Jeam-ri Massacre. Mary was a British actress who developed a special affection for Dilkusha after beginning her married life in Korea.
The name Dilkusha was inspired by a summer villa Mary saw during her trip to India, meaning "joyful heart" and "utopia." Even during the tumultuous period of Japanese colonial rule, the couple spent a lot of time here based on their deep affection for Korea. Dilkusha is remembered not just as their residence but as a space that shared important moments in modern Korean history.
An Exotic Sensation Felt Inside
The interior of Dilkusha has been restored to how it looked when the Taylors lived there. A Western-style fireplace and high-backed wooden chairs in the living room added to the coziness, and the sunlight streaming through the windows warmly illuminated the entire space. In particular, the harmonious design of East and West stood out throughout the interior, with traditional Korean folding screens and Goryeo celadon juxtaposed with Western furniture and decorations.
Also, the displayed photos and records vividly showed the Taylors' daily life and life in Korea. Mary's paintings and memoirs showed how much she loved Korean culture. These details helped not only to record the past but also to understand the lives and cultures of the people at that time.
A Space Containing Modern History and Architectural Beauty
Dilkusha is more than just a beautiful house; it holds important moments in modern Korean history. Albert Taylor's achievement of transmitting the Declaration of Independence abroad during the March 1st Movement in 1919 makes this house even more special. In addition, Dilkusha, which is evaluated as a rare example of Western-style architecture during the Japanese colonial period, has great architectural value.
The effort to maintain the original form as much as possible during the restoration process was also impressive. The main spaces, such as the living room and bedroom, were reproduced as they were at the time, and the restored brick exterior also tried to faithfully capture the traces of the past. Thanks to this meticulousness, Dilkusha has come to have more meaning than just an exhibition hall.
A Small History Museum Encountered During a Walk
Dilkusha is not only a place that preserves the past but also a space that inspires many people today. This house, accidentally discovered during a walk, made me realize once again the multi-layered charm of the city of Seoul. It was surprising that there was a space that holds such deep stories even in a modern city.
If you are planning a lunch walk near Gwanghwamun, be sure to visit Dilkusha. The warmth felt inside the red brick house and the history contained within will surely remain as an unforgettable experience.
