A grand gate stands tall. It’s the entrance to Myoungwon Folk House. This isn’t just any house. It’s Seoul Cultural Asset No 7.
Myoungwon Folk House once belonged to aristocrat Han Gyuseoul. It was a typical Joseon dynasty upper-class home. Imagine the palanquin passing through that impressive gate. The height is no accident. It symbolized Han Gyuseoul’s high status. The walls and buildings offered defense too.
Step inside. Two inner gates await. One leads to the sarangchae the detached house. Men lived here. They entertained guests. The sarangchae also served a cultural purpose. Elders educated children here. Noblemen discussed scholarly matters.
The other gate leads to the anchae the main building. This was the largest most central part of the house. The anchae’s main room was home to the lady of the house. It was a private space. Its northern location reflected the restrictions women faced. Births and deaths occurred here. Today tea ceremonies and events take place in the anchae.
Beyond the anchae lie other structures. There’s the haenrangchae for servants and grain storage. The byulchae housed daughters before marriage. Young boys also studied here. The gwang the shed stored household goods. An ancestral shrine a pond pavilion and a chodang a resting place are also preserved.
Myoungwon Folk House beautifully blends with nature. Seasons change. The house’s surroundings change too. This serene setting is rare in Seoul. Traditional tea ceremonies called darye further enhance this experience.
The darye course has a rich history. It began in 1982 as a Kookmin University liberal arts class. Students learn about traditional Korean tea. They also learn etiquette and find harmony with tea. One student described it as an unforgettable college experience.
Myoungwon Folk House is open from 9 am to 5 pm. You can explore its grounds freely. With a reservation you can even see the inside of the sarangchae. It’s closed on Sundays and holidays. Best of all admission is free. So don’t miss a chance to experience this piece of Seoul’s history. The Myoungwon Folk House awaits.