“An area above a pavilion” That is what the name Nusang-dong means. The name Nusang-dong itself hints at its history. Today we will explore this fascinating neighborhood.
Nusang-dong is a dong in Jongno District Seoul. Specifically, it is a legal dong administered under Hyoja-dong. This area is also known as Seocheon. It is located in the western part of Gyeongbokgung Palace built during the Joseon Dynasty.
The thick rocks of Inwang Mountain provide backdrop. They support the village. This creates a unique atmosphere.
Once, famous figures resided here. Poet Yoon Dong-ju and painter Lee Jung-seop both lived in Nusang-dong. Though their time here may have been brief, their presence adds to the area’s historical significance. The Jongno-gu Office actively promotes this connection to the past.
Let’s talk a bit about the architecture of Nusang-dong. A young couple approached architects to build a house here. The grandmother was helping raise their child. This is common in Korea. Three generations often live together. The key design element was to ensure independence for each generation.
Architects separated each generation vertically. They created separate entrances for each. They designed a shared space in between. This design initially caused friction with the administration office. The office wanted the house classified as a multiplex and not a single house.
Like many old northern Seoul towns, Nusang-dong features narrow winding paths. These paths resemble blood vessels. Old-style houses remain among dense multiplexes. One empty lot was cleared. It was devoid of any trace of the old house that once stood there.
The road to the site was too narrow for cars. This complicated construction. Stairs further limited access. Architects decided to extend the alley into a courtyard. This incorporated issues of coexisting generations and geographical constraints.
The alley was always quiet. A large mountain stood behind the site. However, surrounding buildings blocked the view. The nearby multiplex houses had plain facades. Red bricks and granite were common.
Colorless materials became essential. They are moderately intense and emulsifying. They possess an inert power. The architects created a gray space with concrete tiles. Gray space signifies material and the nature of space itself. It represents an intermediate zone.
The architects designed a ㄱ-shaped plan. This created space for a small courtyard. Residential functions are located in the east and south wings. This maximizes natural light. Service functions like kitchens and toilets are in the west wing. The courtyard connects seamlessly to the alley.
Each unit space is designed to fit its function perfectly. The mother’s quarter is on the first floor. The couple’s bedroom is on the second floor. The living room and kitchen are on the third floor. The courtyard is on the ground floor with terraces on the second and third floors. The third-floor terrace offers a view of the cityscape. Inwangsan Mountain is visible from here.
Nusang-dong blends history, art, and innovative architecture. It creates a unique environment. The layers of time and creativity are all around us. It’s a place where the past and present merge.