Yangdong Village, Gyeongju

This is a single-lineage village descended from two great clans, the Wolseong Son and the Yeogang Yi, set about 40 ri (some 16 km) north-east of Gyeongju along the Hyeongsan River toward Pohang. Set in the broad Angang Plain, it has a topography that, according to feng shui (pungsu-jiri), is auspicious for wealth, and fairly large yangban (Joseon aristocrat) houses stand together in clusters. The more senior the head house (jongga), the higher and broader the ridge site on which it stands, arranged according to yangban decorum, and the village preserves large houses of long history in good condition. The basic structure of the houses generally forms a closed quadrangular plan enclosing a courtyard, or an open quadrangular plan, and in some cases there is a servants' quarters in front of the gate. There are also mixed layouts such as an L-shaped or a single straight-row plan, but overall the arrangement and composition of the houses show the characteristics typical of houses in the Yeongnam region. Many old buildings, including Mucheomdang House (Treasure), Hyangdan House (Treasure) and Gwangajeong House (Treasure), have been designated as valuable national heritage. The village is valued highly for the scenery unfolding along the mountain valley, the houses that preserve long tradition in harmony with nature, and the materials, Confucian thought and customs that represent the yangban class. At the time of designation it was called 'Wolseong Yangdong Village', but since 'Gyeongju' has been the name continuously used since the Goryeo dynasty, while 'Wolseong' was only a temporary administrative-district name used for a period of administrative convenience, the name was changed, based on historical fact, to 'Gyeongju Yangdong Village' on 16 February 2009. This heritage site is generally open to visitors, but access may be restricted at times owing to the personal circumstances of the owners.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

National Folklore Heritage · 국가민속문화유산