Maewoldang Kim Si-seup Memorial Hall is dedicated to preserving the spirit of Kim Si-seup, the author of Korea’s first classical Chinese novel Geumo Sinhwa and one of the six loyal retainers (Saengyuksin). The hall celebrates his elevated spirit expressed through poetry and novels.

Kim Si-seup is known for writing Geumo Sinhwa, Korea’s first classical Chinese novel, which consists of five works blending imaginative fantasy with social criticism. He was also one of the loyal retainers who opposed King Danjong’s dethronement. To honor his literary and philosophical contributions, the memorial hall opened on June 15, 2007. The site covers 3,117㎡ with a building area of 358㎡, consisting of a single exhibition hall. The exhibition spaces include one display room, one traditional “Jeopo” play experience room, one animation room, and one photo zone room.

Gangneung is Kim Si-seup’s ancestral hometown and the place where his mother lived at her late husband’s grave. During his wandering years, it served as a base for his travels. Kim was a poet and writer with a free, unconventional style, a philosopher blending Buddhist and Confucian ideals, a practitioner of physical and spiritual cultivation, a humanitarian sympathetic to common people, and a traveler who admired the natural beauty and traditional aesthetics of Korea. Despite conflicts with his era, his integrity and steadfastness earned lasting respect. Visitors can view video materials of his representative classical poems, watch the Geumo Sinhwa animation, and learn the traditional folk game “Jeopo” featured in Manboksa Jeopo-gi, one of his works.