By Greg Curley
Nestled amidst the northern part of Namsan in the heart of Seoul, five historic buildings blend beautifully together with the surrounding nature.
Intricate in detail and richly abundant in traditional offerings, they make up what is collectively known as The Korea House.
Once referred to during the Joseon period as Cheonghak-dong Seonbi-chon (Confucian Scholar’s Village in the Blue Crane District), a careful journey through its tranquil grounds and one will find it to be disarmingly peaceful, rightfully living up to its name. With the lushly decorated setting, it makes for a truly harmonious cultural experience.
Restored in 1980 as a means of preserving Korean culture, it continues to remain a very popular introduction to performing arts for foreign visitors.
A regular series of folk art performances and traditional wedding ceremonies are still staged everyday.
Anyone wanting to savor the delicacies of Korean court cuisine will not be disappointed either. Traditional foods are faithfully cooked and prepared based on ancestral records that date all the way back to the Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910) Kingdoms. Visitors not only get to experience the cooking methods involved but also the etiquette, kitchen utensils and ancestral rites table setting methods used during those times.
The Korea House was once the private residence of Park Paeng-nyeon, a scholar and politician who was one of six royal subjects during the Joseon Kingdom to be executed for his continued loyalty towards the ill-fated young King Danjong and for scheming his return to the throne in 1456.
Built in traditional Joseon architectural style, the buildings are reminiscent in design to that of Jagyeongjeon, the royal palace on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung.
Consisting of tall gates, a detached house, main building, servant’s quarters and a backyard, the complex has all the trappings of traditional Korean style. There truly is a sense of cyclical harmony to be found here.
What I have always particularly loved most about my many visits throughout Korea is the way in which Koreans incorporate natural elements into nearly every facet of their lifestyle.
Bordered by yew, maple, and pine trees, the peaceful premises is a fine example of this, offering some of the finest combinations of natural elements to be found anywhere in Seoul.
Narrow stone paved walkways flowered with azaleas lead the visitor to the detached houses of Munhyangru, Nokeumjeong and Cheongujeong _ all of which rest solemnly in a cozy, idyllic grove.
Both spiritual and charming, it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque setting, and surprisingly one that is so closely situated, in such sharp contrast, to the relentless pulse of the city that exists from just beyond its gates. But such diversity never ceases to materialize when one ventures out in pursuit of cultural signposts here in Seoul.
Though commercially on the cusp of globalization, such treasures are fortunately still to be found and an absolute must for those who wish to quiet their spells of curiosity for a country with an amazingly preserved history.