| Namheung
Jaesa Memorial Hall (early 16th century onward)
other
sites in Andong |
Andong, Korea |
 |
Left: Click to enlarge this axonometric perspective drawing of Namheung Jaesa with portions of the roof peeled away to show internal space. (drawing c. 2004 Tim Ciccone) |
Click on a thumbnail to enlarge, or click
on an arrow below
This house was built in the early 16th century to maintain the graves of Nam Hwiju and Nam Minsaeng, two government officials who served toward the end of the Goryeo period (918-1392). Descendants of the two men, the Yeongyang Nam clan, constructed Namheung Jaesa by remodeling the main prayer hall of Namheungsa Temple, which was at the time a small-scale Buddhist temple. This practice was not uncommon. During the Joseon dynasty, large numbers of Buddhist temples were expropriated by the government and local elites for conversion to other uses. Although not officially proscribed, Buddhism was heavily frowned upon by the Confucian-oriented upper-class in the Joseon dynasty.
From the 16th century onward the Nam clan have returned here each year for ceremonies and graveside memorial services for their esteemed ancestors. Except for these busy occasions, the house is generally empty except for a caretaker and his family.
Namheung
Jaesa has a square layout with a courtyard at the center. The wooden floored
hall at the right side of the house is fashioned in an elevated pavilion
style using sturdy, round pillars which are topped with wing-like brackets.
As evidenced by the ancient truss post on the collar beam and the ancient
style of the panel doors, this part of the house has traces of the architectural
style that prevailed in the early Joseon period.
Bibliography:
All images copyright 2004 Tim Ciccone. Photographed March 2004
Cultural Properties Administration
Kim,
Bong-ryeol. I Ddang-e Saegyeojin Jeongsin (The Spirit Etched
on this Land).
Ju Isang
Geonchuk. Seoul. 1999
Written material edited from signposts on site.