Photo Gallery

Jukseo-ru Pavilion - 죽서루 (竹西樓) (built c. 13th century onward)

Jukseo-ru pavilion was first constructed in 1275 by the scholar Yi Seunghyu. It was repaired during the early Joseon era in 1403 by Kim Hyoson, the mayor of Samcheok city. The pavilion was called Jukseo-ru after the names of several sites in the local area, including a temple to the east called Jukjang temple and the house of a famous gisaeng (professional female entertainer) called Jukjukseonnye. It has long been considered one of the eight most scenic places in the northeast.

The pavilion has seven bays in the front and two on the side, but there were probably only five bays when it was initally built. Gongpos (pieces of wood inserted between a rafter and a column) are used for both decorating the top of the pillars and supporting the eaves in the jusimpo style (in which roof brackets rest on columns but not on intercolumnar beams).

Signboards from many famous scholars hang from the rafters of the pavilion, including one written by the Yi Yi (Yi Yulguk), a great Neo-confucian scholar. A signboard inscribed with the words "Jeilgyejeong" (literally, the 'best riverside pavilion') was written by Heomok in 1662. Another reading "Gwandong Jeilru" (the 'best pavilion in the eastern area') was written by Yi Seongjo in 1711. One with the phrase "Haeseon Yuheui Jiso" (the place that marine gods enjoy) was penned by Yi Gyuheon in 1837.

According to GPS readings taken by the author, the site is at 37 26.44991' N, 129 09.65998' E (WGS84 map datum). Address: 강원 삼척시 성내동 9-3.

(Designated Treasure #213.)