Axomometric drawing

Axonometric drawing of Hosu clan house. The shrine to Cheong Se-a is located at top, detached from the rest of the house. The front of the house sits above a long retaining wall and consists of a gatehouse connected to the 'sarangchae' (outer quarters, used by men). The remainder of the house, shaped like a "T", is connected to the outer quarters and the gatehouse, creating an "H" shape that allows for two courtyards in an otherwise tight area.
Drawn by the author, Timothy M. Ciccone. Copyright 2003.

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Hosu House - 호수종택 (湖수宗宅) (built 1613 onward)

This stately residence was constructed in 1613 during the reign of King Gwanghaegun--a period of great uncertainty when Korea was still recovering from the Japanese invasions of 1592-98, which had laid the whole country to waste. The house was built by Cheong Ho-rye, the eldest grandson of the patriot Cheong Se-a, who had distinguished himself during the war by raising a volunteer army against the Japanese. Cheong Se-a and his troops clashed with the Japanese in this village during the Battle of Yongcheon. In his memory, a shrine to Cheong Se-a, called Hwan-gosa, was built about 20 meters north of the house on a steep hillside.

The house is unusual in that it is shaped like an "H". The outer quarters face outward on the long side of the "H", shielding the T-shaped inner quarters from public view. This economical plan creates two courtyards open to nature in an otherwise compact space.

Address: 경북 영천시 대전동 52.

(Designated Tangible Cultural Property #90)

Plan view

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