A village where time stands still, traces of Goryeo intellect found in Yeongdeok Gwoesiri Traditional Village
Walking along winding stone wall paths, you are quietly welcomed by old houses that fully embody over 200 years of history. Here, we experience a special time travel that could never be felt in our busy daily lives. We invite you to Gyesiri Traditional Village, where the spirit of Mok-eun Yi Saek, a great scholar of the late Goryeo Dynasty, resides, and where its beautiful story begins.
Gyesiri Village, located about 800m northeast of the Yeonghae-myeon administrative center in Yeongdeok, is not just a Hanok village. It is a living museum where you can glimpse the life and architectural style of Joseon noble families, transcending time, and the historical significance imbued throughout the village deeply impresses visitors.
Gyesi: The Footprints of Goryeo Intellect in its Name
The original name of this place, now called Gyesiri Traditional Village, was ‘Hojichon’. This village, where Mok-eun Yi Saek, a great scholar of the late Goryeo Dynasty, was born and raised, has since been deeply imprinted with his footsteps. In particular, it is said that after the scholar returned from his diplomatic mission to China, he named his hometown ‘Gyesi’ because it resembled ‘Gwaesi (槐市)’ in China, and this name has stuck. Although some still call it Hojigol, Hojimaeul, or Hojichon, the mere fact that the landscape from Yi Saek’s memory is reflected in the village’s name suggests how special this place is.
400 Years of History: The Story of the Yeongyang Nam Clan Village
Gyesiri Traditional Village has been an ancestral village where the Yeongyang Nam clan has lived for generations for about 400 years. The village’s topography is said to resemble the character for ‘eight’ (八字), and a vast Yeonghae Plain stretches out in front of the village, making it recognized as a good place to live since ancient times. The unique culture and traditions formed by a single clan settling and living here for a long time are deeply ingrained throughout the village, creating an even more antique atmosphere.
The Dignity and Wisdom of Noble Families Flowing Through Old Houses
The greatest charm of Gyesiri Traditional Village is that its old houses, built over 200 years ago, are perfectly preserved. Walking along the village paths where low stone walls are charmingly connected, you can personally witness the essence of Joseon noble family architectural style. In particular, the ‘ㅁ’-shaped layout and the spatial utilization that perfectly separated the inner and outer areas by hiding the anchae (women’s quarters) behind the sarangchae (men’s quarters) provide important clues to the lifestyle and Confucian values of the time.
Hidden Gems of Gyesiri: Exploring Major Cultural Heritage
Gyesiri Village is not just a residential area but also a site for historical education, embracing various cultural heritage properties. A total of over 30 traditional houses and the village landscape are remarkably preserved, including 4 old houses designated as Gyeongsangbuk-do Folk Cultural Heritage and 12 cultural heritage materials. Be sure to look around when exploring the village!
- Gyejeong (槐亭) This pavilion is a symbol of the village and derives its name from Mok-eun Yi Saek.
- Yeonghae Gugyedaek One of the representative old houses with a long history.
- Yeonghae Jugokdaek An important architectural structure where you can glimpse the daily life of noble families.
- Mulsowa Seodang A place for the ancestors to pursue their studies, where you can feel the passion for education.
In addition to these, various other old houses each hold their own stories, so we recommend taking your time to explore them. You can have a more in-depth experience by exploring while listening to explanations about the village’s history and architecture.
Gyesiri Traditional Village: A Journey Guide to Enjoy 100 Times More
Tranquil Village Stroll: Things Not to Miss
- Prepare Comfortable Shoes The village alleys have many stone walls and dirt paths, so it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Utilize Village Guided Tour Programs Participating in guided tour programs provided locally allows you to hear the hidden stories of the village and the history of the old houses more vividly.
- Enjoy at a Relaxed Pace Don’t rush; slowly appreciate the scenery beyond the low walls, and the traces of time flowing along the eaves and roof tiles of the old houses.
- Capture Memories with Photos Trying on Hanbok and taking commemorative photos against the backdrop of the old houses will create special memories. (Availability and fees for experiences to be confirmed on-site)
Around Gyesiri: Yeongdeok Attractions Worth Visiting Together
After visiting Gyesiri Traditional Village, exploring the charms of the surrounding Yeongdeok area together is also a great travel itinerary. The coastal charm and fresh seafood await you.
| Attraction | Feature | Estimated Travel Time from Gyesiri |
|---|---|---|
| Yeonghae Eupseong | Coastal defense stronghold during the Joseon Dynasty, traces of castle walls and watchtowers | Approx. 5 minutes by car |
| Yeongdeok Snow Crab Street | A gourmet spot where you can taste fresh Yeongdeok snow crabs | Approx. 20 minutes by car |
| Samsa Marine Park | A park with panoramic views of the vast East Sea, sculptures | Approx. 25 minutes by car |
| Ganggu Port | Home of Yeongdeok snow crabs, lively fishing port scenery | Approx. 30 minutes by car |
Gyesiri Traditional Village: The Peace of Mind Found There
When you need a momentary pause in your busy daily life, Gyesiri Traditional Village will be the perfect sanctuary. Amidst the wisdom and traces of life of ancestors that have continued through hundreds of years, we discover a tranquil beauty where nature and history blend. What you gain here will not just be scenery, but peace of mind and a quiet resonance. We hope your visit to Gyesiri remains a cherished memory for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where is Gyesiri Traditional Village Where located?
Gyesiri Traditional Village is located in Gyesiri, Yeonghae-myeon, Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, approximately 800m northeast of the Yeonghae-myeon administrative center. You can easily find it by searching for ‘Gyesiri Traditional Village’ on your navigation system.
Q2. Are there good parking facilities within the village?
Parking spaces for visitors are available near the village entrance. It can be somewhat crowded during peak season or weekends, so you might consider using public transportation.
Q3. Is it possible to experience an overnight stay at Gyesiri Traditional Village?
Some old houses offer Hanok accommodation experiences. For detailed information, it is most accurate to inquire at the Yeongdeok-gun Culture and Tourism website or a local tourist information center. It operates for a fee.
Q4. Are there any points to note when exploring the village?
Gyesiri Traditional Village is a living space where residents actually reside. When viewing the inside of old houses, please respect the privacy of residents and observe basic etiquette, such as not littering. Be careful of the low walls.
Q5. Are there places to eat nearby?
There are various restaurants near the Yeonghae-myeon administrative center, and as Yeongdeok is famous for snow crabs, it’s a good idea to look for seafood specialty restaurants. There may be places selling simple drinks or snacks within the village.
