Myeongjae House, Nonsan

This house is said to have been built by Yun Jeung (1629–1714), a scholar of the reign of King Sukjong of Joseon. It appears to have undergone later repairs, and its detailed construction techniques reflect the architectural style of the mid-19th century. It stands on the skirt of the mountain that holds Noseongsanseong Fortress, laid out facing south alongside Noseong Hyanggyo, the local Confucian school. On a high stone platform stands the sarangchae, the men's quarters, four kan across the front and two kan deep; one kan to its rear-left stands a single-range gate building housing the middle gate, set back by one kan so that the inner quarters cannot be seen directly from outside. Passing through it, one reaches the U-shaped anchae, the women's and main living quarters, which together with the gate building enclose a broadly square courtyard, open on one side. In front of the house lies a broad outer yard, beyond which an artificial pond has been dug with a round island at its centre, forming a garden. Behind the anchae, a distinctive rear garden makes use of the gently sloping ground, showing the beautiful spatial composition of the traditional Korean house. Every structural member is finished with great care, the structure is simple and coherent, and the house survives in good condition — an important example of a Joseon-period yangban (nobleman's) residence. At the time of designation the site was named "Yun Jeung Seonsaeng Gogotaek" (Old House of the Scholar Yun Jeung), but on 29 January 2007 the designated name was changed to "Myeongjae House, Nonsan," after Myeongjae, the pen name of Yun Jeung (1629–1714), the noted Confucian scholar of King Sukjong's reign of Joseon who is said to have built the house. Note: this heritage site is generally open to visitors, but viewing may be restricted at times owing to the personal circumstances of the owner and others.

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Where it is

Region

Nonsan, Chungnam

Designation

National Folklore Heritage · 국가민속문화유산