Kim Myeong-gwan’s House, Jeongeup

This house was built in 1784, the eighth year of King Jeongjo of Joseon, by Kim Myeong-gwan, the sixth-generation ancestor of Kim Dong-su. With Changhasan Mountain behind it and the upper reaches of the Dongjingang River flowing in front, the house occupies a classic 'baesan imsu' site, meaning back to the mountain and facing the water, considered highly auspicious in feng shui. The complex consists of a servants' quarters (haengnangchae), a men's quarters (sarangchae), an inner servants' quarters, a women's quarters (anchae), and a detached pavilion. Passing through the main gate, one finds the haengnang courtyard and the outer haengnangchae; going through the gate to its southeast leads to the sarangchae and a gatehouse. To the west of the sarangchae stands the U-shaped inner haengnangchae, and in front of it is the anchae, which also has a U-shaped plan. The anchae was built symmetrically, with kitchens placed in the projecting wings on either side, an unusual layout. The an-sarangchae, to the southwest of the anchae, is said to have housed the workers while Kim Myeong-gwan was building the main house. With its unpretentious structure, the builder's originality, and the dignified appearance of a late-Joseon scholar-official's house, it has largely been preserved in its original form and is valued as good research material in architecture and other fields. This heritage site is generally open to visitors, but viewing may be restricted owing to the personal circumstances of the owner and others.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jeongeup, Jeonbuk

Designation

National Folklore Heritage · 국가민속문화유산