Imyeonggwan Sammun is one of the gates located in Yonggang-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Province. It is a pride and a popular tourist attraction of Gangneung that was designated as National Treasure No. 51 in 1962. Its former name is Gangneung Gaeksamun Gate, and it began to be called Imyeonggwan Sammun in April 2010. Although the year of its construction is not known exactly, it is speculated to have been built in the early Joseon dynasty, based on the architectural style. It may be small in size, but it is considered a beautiful part of our heritage passed on by our ancestors that demonstrates the beauty and excellent structural characteristics of wooden buildings of Korea.

The term, “gaeksa,” refers to a guesthouse where very important guests or visiting officials from the central government stayed in the past. Imyeonggwan Sammun is the name of the gate to such facility. The guesthouse in Gangneung where Imyeonggwan Sammun is found is a wooden building erected during the reign of King Taejo of Goryeo, and in recognition of its beautiful and elaborate architectural elements that are characteristic of the architectural style in the Goryeo dynasty, it was designated as National Treasure No. 51. The signboard seen today was actually handwritten by King Gongmin during his trip to Naksansa Temple. The gate is in jusimpo style, and such classical beauty and elaborate structure are not seen commonly in Korea. The entasis of the pillars are especially extreme, and it gives off an antique appearance overall. It is characterized by the less severe decorative characteristics. It is speculated that it was built earlier than the main hall (Daeungjeon) of Sudeoksa Temple. Only the gate remains today, and it is the oldest extant wooden building in Korea, excluding Buddhist temples and halls.

Imyeonggwan Sammun located in Imyeonggwan Guesthouse located in Gangneung, Gangwon-do Province was where important guests visiting Gangneung were wined and dined. Located close to the city center, it is a great place to visit for tourists coming to Gangneung. It is next to Gangneung Daedohobu (government office), which we also suggest that you visit. It is a building site where central government officials stayed during their visit to Gangneung from the Goryeo dynasty until the Joseon dynasty, and it used to be the administrative center of Gangneung. Unfortunately, however, most of it was damaged, except for Imyeonggwan Sammun and Chilsadang. Only the site remains today, but it is worth exploring as it retains the traces of the prosperous and brilliant history of Gangneung.