Artist/Designer: Vernacular
Project Location: South Korea
Style/Period(s):
Traditional
Primary Material(s):
Wool, Clay, Stone
Function(s):
Residential Structure
Related Website(s):
Significant Date(s):
1762, 19th Century
Additional Information:
The residence known as Manchwidang belonged to Jo Hak-shin (1732–1800), who was a seventh-generation descendant of Jisan Jo Ho-ik, a prominent Neo-Confucian scholar from the Joseon Dynasty during the reign of King Seonjo. The men's quarters are called "Manchwidang," while later additions, such as a new men's quarters named "Gwangmyeongheon," and separate ancestral shrines known as "Byeolmyeo" and "Bobonjae," were constructed by subsequent generations. This estate is situated in the center of a flat village, surrounded by pine trees on a hillside, creating a serene and dignified atmosphere.
From the street, the new sarangchae and the haengrangchae (servants' quarters) provide a partial view of the roofs of the main quarters (anchae) and men’s quarters (sarangchae), creating a visually layered and harmonious landscape. The sarangchae is separate from the haengrangchae, and together with the main quarters, they form a "ㅁ"-shaped layout. A shrine is located on the right side of the house, with additional structures, including Byeolmyeo and Bobonjae, extending behind the shrine. This arrangement further enhances the estate's resemblance to a traditional yangban (scholarly nobility) home.
The main quarters (anchae) are designed in a "ㄷ" shape, consisting of a central area with four rooms. On the right side, two of the rooms function as the anbang (master bedroom), along with a daecheong (main hall) and a smaller room. The outer wings on either side add practical functionality: the right wing connects to the kitchen and storage rooms next to the anbang, while the left wing includes a lower room and a wooden-floored room adjacent to the daecheong.
The sarangchae (also known as Manchwidang) features a name plaque and consists of two rooms on the left that serve as the sarangbang (reception room). In the center, there is a daecheong (wide wooden floor space), and on the far right, there is a room designated for ancestral rites. To the left of the sarangchae, a middle gate connects the sarang courtyard to the inner courtyard of the main quarters.
Although the millhouse has been removed, the property still retains important features of a noble residence from the late Joseon era. These include the main quarters (anchal), Sarang Chae, new Sarang Chae, and ancestral shrines, which provide a valuable glimpse into the architectural style and lifestyle of yangban families. The estate exemplifies a harmonious integration of function and form, offering insights into daily life, spatial arrangements, and the Confucian values of the period.
Address: 25, Jongdong-gil, Geumho-eup, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Tags: Korea, Historic House, Hanok
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