KHS – Kim Myeong-gwan’s House, Jeongeup

KHS – Kim Myeong-gwan’s House, Jeongeup

This house was built by Kim Myeong-gwan, Kim Dong-su's great-great-grandfather, in the 8th year of King Jeongjo's reign in the Joseon Dynasty (1784). It is located in an area with Changhasan Mountain behind it and the upper reaches of the Dongjin River flowing in front, forming a typical "baesanimsu" (背山臨水) layout, which is considered a geomantic site.

The buildings consist of servants' quarters (haengnangchae), sarangchae (men's quarters), inner haengnangchae (inner haengnangchae), anchae (main building), and a separate building. Entering the main gate leads to the servants' quarters courtyard and outer haengnangchae, while entering the gate on the southeastern side of the outer haengnang leads to the sarangchae and munganchae (gateway). To the west of the sarangchae is the "ㄱ"-shaped inner haengnangchae, and in front of it is the anchae, with its "ㄱ"-shaped floor plan. The main building, built symmetrically, boasts a unique floor plan with the kitchen positioned on the left and right protruding sections. Located to the southwest of the main building is the Ansarangchae, where Kim Myeong-gwan's workers lived while building the main building.

It is evaluated as a good research material in various fields including architecture because it largely preserves the simple structure, the architect's originality, and the dignified appearance of a nobleman's house in the late Joseon Dynasty.