A space layered with time, the mysterious charm of Jeong Siyoung Old House in Hwaseong
What if you could encounter forgotten stories in a serene space where time seems to stand still? In Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, there is Hwaseong Jeong Siyoung Gotaek, where the spirit of a Joseon literati family remains intact. This place, holding deep stories and unique architectural beauty that cannot be fully grasped by its outward appearance, is like a gate to the past.
This auspicious site, embraced by a low hill and stretching long from north to south, bears an inscription on its sseosuldaemun (main gate) stating ‘Built in the 24th year of Gojong (1887)’ You know?, but the actual Anchae (women’s quarters) and Sarangchae (men’s quarters) carry a history of being built 50 years earlier. Although the main gate is located on the north side rather than the front, making it appear modest at first glance, it actually boasts a grand scale of over 50 ‘kan’.
Architectural Wisdom Hidden in the Old House: Why is the Main Gate Facing Sideways?
The first impression of Hwaseong Jeong Siyoung Gotaek sparks curiosity. The main gate, situated on the north side rather than the front, is a wise architectural method of the Joseon literati family, intended to protect the household from external gazes and maximize the sense of space in harmony with the long haengnangchae (servants’ quarters). Upon entering through the main gate, the Sarangmadang (outer courtyard) immediately unfolds, naturally drawing you into a tranquil landscape.
Chronology of the Old House’s Construction
- Sseosuldaemun (Main Gate) Built in the 24th year of Gojong (1887).
- Anchae (Women’s Quarters) & Sarangchae (Men’s Quarters) Construction approximately 50 years prior to the main gate (estimated 1830s).
- Scale of the Old House A magnificent Joseon-era residence exceeding 50 ‘kan’.
A Space Embodying a Philosophy of Life: Arrangement of Anchae and Sarangchae
The layout and structure of the old house vividly illustrate the lifestyle and Confucian values of the Joseon literati family of that time. Passing through the Sarangmadang and entering via the Jungdaemun (middle gate), one arrives at the Anchae, which was the primary living space for the women of the household and a place filled with family warmth.
D-shaped Anchae: Women’s Domain and Living Flow
The open D-shaped Anchae is divided into spaces on the left and right, centered around the daecheong (main hall). On the left are the kitchen, anbang (master bedroom), and chatbang (tea room), while on the right are the kitchen, geonnonbang (across-the-hall room), and maru (wooden floor), offering a glimpse into daily life that considered efficient movement and privacy.
Sarangchae: Men’s Dignity and Secret Communication
The Sarangchae to the right of the main gate was the space for the male head of the household, as well as a venue for entertaining guests and scholarly discussions. Particularly interesting is how the golbang (small room) behind the ansarangbang (inner Sarangchae room) secretly connects to the Anchae daecheong via the back maru (back wooden floor). This was a common method in Joseon literati homes to enable communication while avoiding external gazes, showcasing the wisdom of their ancestors.
Haengnangchae: Boundary of Space and Functional Utilization
The long, extended Haengnangchae blocks the front of the Anchae and Sarangchae, separating the Anmadang (inner courtyard) and Sarangmadang, thereby forming a spatial hierarchy. It was used for various storage and living spaces, enriching the functional aspects of the old house. Hwaseong Jeong Siyoung Gotaek embodies a complete philosophy within its architecture itself.
Hwaseong Jeong Siyoung Gotaek, How to Visit?
If you wish to directly feel the breath of history, take a step towards Hwaseong Jeong Siyoung Gotaek, located on Dokjeong-gil, Jangan-myeon, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. It will be a special time to reflect on the lives of ancestors amidst tranquility.
When Visiting the Old House, Remember These Points!
- Check for Opening Status and Hours As the old house is a private property, it is advisable to check its opening status and hours before visiting.
- Observe Quiet Visiting Etiquette As it is a space of significant historical value, please observe with a quiet demeanor and take care not to cause damage.
- Connect with Nearby Attractions Hwaseong has many beautiful West Coast attractions like Gungpyeong Port and Jebudo Island, so create a rich travel plan by combining them with your visit to the old house.
Inspiration Gained from a Space of History
Hwaseong Jeong Siyoung Gotaek is not just an old house. It is like a living textbook, fully imbued with the hidden wisdom and lifestyle of a Joseon literati family. We hope you have a special experience here, walking through it and connecting the past with the present. The tranquil inspiration offered by the old house will surely bring small comfort and realization to the busy daily lives of modern people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is there a special reason why the main gate of Hwaseong Jeong Siyoung Gotaek is on the side rather than the front?
This is a result of the architectural wisdom of the Joseon literati family at the time, aimed at protecting the private spaces of the household from external views and, at the same time, maximizing the sense of space by harmonizing with the long haengnangchae.
Q2. Why were the Anchae and Sarangchae built approximately 50 years before the sseosuldaemun?
Although the sseosuldaemun was erected in 1887, the Anchae and Sarangchae are presumed to have been built much earlier, in the 1830s. This shows that the old house is a living historical site that has been expanded and changed over several generations.
Q3. Are there any special precautions when visiting Hwaseong Jeong Siyoung Gotaek?
As it is a private property, it is important to check its opening status and hours before visiting. Furthermore, as it is a space of significant historical value, quiet observation and etiquette to prevent damage to the facilities are required.
Q4. Are there other attractions worth visiting around the old house?
Yes, Hwaseong has many beautiful West Coast attractions such as Gungpyeong Port and Jebudo Island. By including these attractions in your travel plan in conjunction with your visit to Hwaseong Jeong Siyoung Gotaek, you can have an even richer experience.
Q5. There’s a secret passage connecting the Sarangchae and Anchae of the old house. What does that mean?
There is a passage where the golbang behind the Sarangchae ansarangbang connects to the Anchae daecheong via the back maru. This was a common method in Joseon literati homes to enable communication while avoiding external gazes, a feature that allows a glimpse into the wisdom of the people of that time.
