Donggye Jongtaek House

The birthplace of Jeong On, a statesman of the mid-Joseon era — this is Donggye Jongtaek House.

His descendants rebuilt it in 1820, and his ancestral tablet is still enshrined in the family shrine today. Set in a basin ringed by tall mountains, winters here are harsh despite being in the south, so the house uses the northern-style double-room layout that stacks rooms for warmth.

Being also close to rain-prone areas, the men's quarters were given a distinctive double-layered 'eyebrow roof' over its raised veranda. At the same time, it keeps the southern habit of a low foundation with a raised wooden floor — so northern and southern building wisdom coexist in a single house.

This unusual hybrid structure is exactly why it's valued as important research material on late-Joseon noble houses.

Honestly, though, while it's open to the public as a National Folklore Heritage site, it's also a lived-in family home, so viewing can be restricted depending on the owner's circumstances.

It's safer to call ahead to confirm you can visit, and it pairs well with nearby Suseungdae and Galgye Forest for a half-day loop around Wicheon-myeon.

Admission is free, open year-round, but call ahead for exact viewing hours.