Artist/Designer: Vernacular
Project Location: South Korea
Style/Period(s):
Traditional
Primary Material(s):
Wood, Clay, Stone
Function(s):
Residential Structure
Related Website(s):
Significant Date(s):
1566, 1864, 1892
Additional Information:
The Ssangbyeokdang residence, located in Geochon Village, Bonghwa, is a historic home of the Yangban, the scholarly nobility of the Joseon Dynasty. The name "Geochon" is derived from the area's ancient towering trees, which reflect its rich history. At the heart of this serene setting is Ssangbyeokdang, the ancestral home of the Gwangsan Kim clan.
This house was built by Kim Gyu, the father of Kim Eon-gu (Ssangbyeokdang Kim Eon-gu), after relocating from Gudam in Pungsan. According to the Ssangbyeokdang Jungsubi (Record of Reconstruction), the main quarters, or Anchae, were constructed in 1566 during King Myeongjong’s reign. Renovations occurred in 1864 for the southern wing and in 1892 for the annex, now called "Ssangbyeokdang." Despite these updates, the house maintains key elements of its original Joseon-era design.
The house's layout harmonizes with its natural surroundings on a gentle hillside, utilizing the sloping terrain. The Haengrangchae (servants' quarters) sits lower, while the Anchae (main structure) is elevated. Facing south, the property overlooks the village and features a traditional "ㅁ"-shaped design typical of noble residences. Visitors enter through a grand main gate into the Haengrangchae, which includes storage rooms and a stable. A three-tiered stone staircase leads to the Sarang courtyard, where the Jeongchim (main quarters) and Sarangchae (men’s quarters) are located. The Sarangchae is slightly east of the Anchae, allowing the Ssangbyeokdang name plaque to be seen at an angle. The layout is thoughtfully designed, balancing functionality and aesthetics. A discreet toilet is tucked beneath the wall on the eastern side of the courtyard, while a simple two-room Haengrangchae on the western side features a wooden floor and unadorned roof, adding rustic charm.
The house's interior emphasizes practicality and efficiency, reflecting Confucian values. The central hall, or daecheong, is flanked by the anbang (master bedroom) and a small workroom on the left, while the right side contains storage rooms and another living area.
Characteristic of the mid-Joseon period, the daecheong features baraji windows. The kitchens are in the wings, serving as attics and passageways to the backyard and family shrine. The rear wall consists of wooden panels and baraji windows below, with white plaster above, allowing sunlight to create dramatic light beams inside.
Slightly east of the main quarters is the annex, Ssangbyeokdang, beyond which lies the family shrine. Enclosed by a square wall and elevated on a stone platform, the shrine features a three-room structure with an il-gak gate and roof tiles decorated with playful goblin depictions, reflecting traditional Korean craftsmanship.
Overall, the Ssangbyeokdang residence exemplifies late-Joseon yangban architecture, offering insight into the noble class's lives through its practical design and distinctive features, such as the "Yukgan Daecheong" (Six-Bay Hall).
Address: 17, Geosu 1-gil, Bonghwa-eup, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Tags: Korea, Historic House, Hanok
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