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The name of the place Cheongsong (靑松 - literally meaning green pine) of Gyeongsangbuk-do fits in with the impression the place gives. Cheong (靑) symbolizes the nice natural scenery of Jusan Pond and Juwangsan Mountain that cannot be seen elsewhere. And Song (松) indicates that this area promotes the scholarly culture and Confusion tradition of the Joseon Period just like its neighboring city Andong.
In Deokcheon Village of Cheongsong is the noteworthy old hanok named Songso gotaek. It is said that the house was built by Sim Ho-taek (Penname: Songso), a 7th generation descendant of Sim Cheo-dae, a famed millionaire under the reign of King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty when he moved from hobakgol to Deokcheon, the home of his ancestors.
- It has a soseul daemun (lofty main gate) with vertical red bars. And the large sarangchae (an outer wing of the house for receiving visiting guests) looks grand(approximately 5kan x 2kan(about 12m x 5m), with a paljak (hipped-and-gable) roof). There is a small sarangchae to the right and an inner wing behind it. The most conspicuous feature of the house is the comb-patterned gyochang (natural light window) above the sesalmun (a crude window with a small frame) in the daecheongmaru (main hall with wooden floors).
- The house, which displays various features of an upper class family’s house in the Joseon Period, is currently used as a tourist attraction, where visitors can stay overnight. It is said that more than 4,000 people visit the house every year and that it is crowded with tourists during the weekends. In the fall, when there are many tourists visiting to see the colored tree leaves of Juwangsan Mountain and Jusan Pond, reservations are a must for a room in the house.
The house is particularly popular among foreigners. And there are even foreign visitors who regularly come and visit this house from abroad. They say that they are attracted by the conventional ondol heating system. Most old houses have gas heating systems and sinks in the kitchen so as to follow the modern life. However, this house still keeps a conventional kitchen where cooking and heating is done by placing firewood in the fire hole. But it has modern showers and toilet facilities installed for the visitors’ convenience.
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It is recommended that you stay at the house for at least a night to best understand what is so special about it as it is difficult to do so in one quick visit. Sitting on the daecheongmaru (wooden floor of the hall) of the sarangchae enjoying a cup of tea (in the summer) will leave a memorable impression. In an ondol bedroom, you will feel the pleasant warmth on your back as if you are in a jjimjilbang even if you lie down on a thick mattress (in the winter). The following morning, you will hear the rooster’s “cock-a-doodle-doo”. In Korea, the cock’s crow was regarded as the sound of starting a new morning and driving away evil. Hanji-pasted doors reflect the morning sunlight. And stepping forth to the wooden-floored hall, you will feel the refreshing wind on your cheeks, while the entire place remains quiet. Walking in the rear garden, which used to be the space for the women of the family, you will find the roof tiles placed on the low wall and wild grass growing in between the tiles. The morning scenery promotes the frailty of human life and strong willingness for life.
The house is particularly special, as it has well-preserved the olden-day features of the hanok. Visitors who wish to understand and experience the true Korean traditions will find this his/her visit to this house worthy.
For inquiries and reservations, please contact 82-54-873-0234 or visit http://www.songso.co.kr
