There is a Hanok building behind the cathedral of the Anglican Church in Seoul called Yangijae Hall. It was originally built in Deoksugung Palace in 1905 but was moved to the current site during the Japanese colonial period until today.

Yangijae Hall was also called “Suhagwon”. It served as a modern educational institute for the children of the royal family and aristocrats living in the palace. They had to learn a lot of subjects, including Korean and Chinese characters, foreign languages, math, music, and gymnastics. All the classes were conducted in a modern style for about 2 to 5 hours every day. Also, there was a building called Hamhuidang Hall, which was connected to Yangijae Hall and served as a lecture hall.

However, the history of Yangijae Hall did not last long. It only operated until 1910. After Japan’s forced annexation of Korea, it is said that the Anglican Church of Korea leased and used some buildings, including Yangijae Hall. Following the death of Emperor Gojong, the Office of the Yi Dynasty either destroyed the buildings of Deoksugung Palace or sold them at a bargain price. During that time, even the Anglican Church of Korea purchased some of those buildings, including Yangijae Hall. Therefore, the original site of the hall was excluded from the area of Deoksugung Palace.

Nowadays, Yangijae Hall and other buildings are used as the offices and monastery of the Anglican Church of Korea. Yangijae Hall was originally used as an office before it was designated as a registered cultural asset in 2006, which has been carefully preserved.