Right in the heart of Buenos Aires stands a Korean-style palace where 19th-century French architecture blends with Eastern tradition. Discover the Bencich Palace, the Buenos Aires palace with a Korean spirit, which houses a cultural center, and explore it on one of its free guided tours.
The Palacio de Buenos Aires, home to the Korean Cultural Center in Buenos Aires, which you can visit for free
Located at 972 Maipú Street, this Buenos Aires palace was built in 1914 by architects Eduardo M. Lanús and Pablo Hary. It originally served as the residence of the Hunter family, one of the many wealthy families of Buenos Aires’ golden age.
Later, this mansion was acquired by the Bencich brothers, real estate developers. However, its history took a turn in 2018, when the building officially became the headquarters of the Korean Cultural Center (CCC).
Architecturally, the Bencich Palace reflects the eclectic French style influenced by the L’École des Beaux-Arts movement, which was very popular in Buenos Aires in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, its moldings, columns, ornate ceilings, and monumental staircases coexist in harmony with historical artifacts brought directly from South Korea, alongside all the activities that the Korean Center carries out every day.
What you’ll find inside
If you’re passionate about Asian culture or simply curious to explore the most beautiful palaces in Buenos Aires, this venue offers an unmissable experience:
- Exhibits and Heritage: You can admire traditional Korean attire (hanbok), models inspired by traditional architectural design (hanok), and South Korean furniture
- Workshops and Courses: The center offers classes in the Korean language, cuisine, traditional dance, and visual arts.
- Cultural events: They frequently organize festivals, film series, and gatherings dedicated to contemporary literature.
How to sign up for the free guided tours
A tour of the Bencich Palace’s halls allows you to appreciate both its architectural richness and its current cultural significance. Free guided tours are usually held three times a month, but since space is limited, it’s essential to reserve a spot in advance.
To participate, all you have to do is fill out this pre-registration form as soon as the monthly call for applications opens.
Practical information for your visit
- 📍 Address: 972 Maipú Street, Retiro / Microcentro, CABA.
- 🎟️ Admission: Free (advance online reservation required).
- 🗓️ Tour frequency: 3 times a month (check available dates on their form).