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Seattle, Washington / History

East Kong Yick Building

A historic four-story masonry building in Seattle's International District, home to the Wing Luke Museum and a National Heritage Site commemorating Asian Pacific American history.

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East Kong Yick Building
www.wingluke.org, og_image_www.wingluke.org

What is the East Kong Yick Building known for?

The East Kong Yick Building is a National Heritage Site and one of the most significant Asian Pacific American historic sites in the United States. It currently serves as the home of the Wing Luke Museum, which focuses on the culture, art, and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

What are the hours of operation?

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Additionally, Free First Thursdays are held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM from May through October 2026.

How much does it cost to visit?

Adult admission is $24.95, seniors (62+) are $21.95, and children ages 5-12 are $14.95. Children under 5 are admitted for free.

Can I take a tour of the building?

Yes, the Wing Luke Museum offers guided historic hotel tours that highlight the Freeman Hotel, Yick Fung Store, and Gee How Oak Tin Family Association. These tours are included with general admission and run Wednesdays through Sundays at 10:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM.

Are there any restrictions for the tours?

Access to the historic hotel spaces is available only by guided tour. Tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 15 guests per tour.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The East Kong Yick Building is a four-story masonry structure located at 715-725 South King Street in Seattle's Chinatown-International District. Opened in 1910 as the center of a new Chinatown, it was funded by the pooled resources of 170 Chinese American pioneers who sought to establish a community hub. The building's design originally featured retail stores at the ground level with hotel space, offices, and apartments above, serving as a vital resource for early immigrants. For decades, the building—also known as the Freeman Hotel—served as a cultural hub and living quarters for hundreds of Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino immigrants during the pre-World War II era. It provided essential social meeting rooms and apartments that fostered a sense of belonging for new arrivals in the United States. This legacy of community support continues today, as the site is recognized as one of the most significant Asian Pacific American historic sites in the country. In 2006, under Director Ron Chew, the Wing Luke Museum acquired the building, which was subsequently reconstructed and reopened in May 2008 as an expanded museum space. The museum now focuses on the culture, art, and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. It has since been designated a National Heritage Site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, attracting approximately 50,000 visitors annually.

Visitor tips

  • Book your visit for Wednesday through Sunday between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
  • Arrive early for the historic hotel tours, as they are limited to 15 guests per tour and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Plan your visit for the first Thursday of the month (May through October) from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM for free admission.
  • Adult admission is $24.95, but remember that historic hotel tours are included with this general admission.

Nearby context

The East Kong Yick Building stands as a focal point of Washington State's most extensive Asian community in the heart of the International District, serving as a community safe haven alongside other historic storefronts.

Sources

Evidence and links