Axonometric section view

Axonometric cutaway of Namheung Jaesa, showing internal space.
Plan copyright 2003 Timothy M. Ciccone

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Namheung Jaesa Memorial Hall - 남흥재사 (南興齋舍) (early 16th century onward)

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.

According to GPS readings collected by the author, the site sits at 36 35.83681' N, 128 46.18523' E (WGS 84 map datum). Address: 경북 안동시 와룡면 중가구리 535.

(Designated Andong City Folk Cultural Property #28).

Location

According to GPS readings collected by the author, the site is at 36 35.83681' N, 128 46.18523' E (WGS 84 map datum). Address: 경북 안동시 와룡면 중가구리 535.