Song Byeong-il’s House, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea

Artist/Designer: Vernacular

Project Location: South Korea

Style/Period(s):
Traditional, Vernacular

Primary Material(s):
Clay, Stone, Wood

Function(s):
Residential Structure

Related Website(s):

Significant Date(s):
19th Century

Additional Information:
This historic estate in Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-Gun, is a well-preserved example of late 19th-century Joseon-era traditional Korean architecture. The property includes several vital structures: the anchae (main house), sarangchae (men’s quarters), gokganchae (storage building), sadang (family shrine), and daemoonchae (gatehouse).
Originally part of a larger complex where descendants of the esteemed Joseon scholar Song Si-yeol resided, the estate carries significant historical value. It is said that Song Byeong-il, the 8th-generation descendant of Song Si-yeol, constructed an annex here for his father while serving as the Governor of Chungcheong Province. This annex was later expanded into the jongtaek (main family residence), housing six generations of Song Si-yeol’s descendants. The scholar's burial site, located just above the estate, adds to the property's historical importance.
The layout follows a traditional “ㄷ”-shape for both the anchae and sarangchae, which are positioned side by side along an east-west axis, separated by a low wall. In front of the anchae lies the gokganchae, a long rectangular storage building, forming a partially enclosed “ㅁ”-shaped courtyard. Visitors enter through the three-room daemoonchae (gatehouse), immediately encountering the sarangchae upon entry. The natural stone foundation gives the buildings a sturdy, durable base. A small gate with a matbae (gable) roof, visible from the side, provides access to the anchae.
Behind the main house is the sadang (family shrine), a four-room structure that creates a solemn atmosphere. This shrine layout is unique, as most family shrines typically have three rooms. The gokganchae (storage building) has a simple rectangular form with a matbae roof, serving as a storage area for grain and agricultural tools.
The estate is surrounded by dense forest, enhancing its scenic beauty. The clean, paved courtyard offers a welcoming atmosphere for visitors, with a small wooden platform (teulmaru) placed in one corner to provide shade and coolness during the summer. The well-maintained lawns and flowerbeds beautifully complement the traditional architecture, creating a serene and aesthetically pleasing setting.
Managed by the Chungbuk Nursing Home, this estate holds great cultural significance as a rare and well-preserved example of Joseon noble housing. The nursing home used it as a social welfare facility from 1944 until 1996, when a new facility was built nearby and the residents were relocated. The estate is no longer in use but remains an essential connection to Korea's historical and architectural heritage, offering valuable insights into the lifestyle and values of noble families from the Joseon period.
Address: 17, Cheongcheon 4-gil, Cheongcheon-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Tags: Korea, Historic House, Hanok

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