Nagan Folk Village | |
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Nagan Folk Village (Historic Site #302) remains the best preserved of
the walled fortress towns of the Chosun period (1392 - 1910). The town was often plundered by Japanese
pirates during the late Koryo period, so an earthen wall was constructed in 1397. According to records,
villagers replaced the earthen wall with a stone one in 1424. The walls are 1.4 meters high and gates
offer entry on the east, west, and south sides. Four protruding battlements offer defense against
invaders.
Inside the walls are many well-preserved houses and other buildings. Most houses consist of two or
three grass-thatched buildings, a yard, and a vegetable garden. The buildings represent living quarters
or storage facilities that can serve as a place for animals, storage of ash, and toilet facilities.
Although the tops of the surrounding walls have deteriorated with time, they have been restored and
the whole village and its walls have been collectively designated as an Historic Site. Many of the
buildings once housed in the village are being rebuilt. One unusual aspect of the town is that it was
inhabited by a number of different clans rather than having one dominant one.
Along with the protective walls, the entrance gates have been excavated and restored. Nine private
houses have been designated Important Folklore Materials. A Choson period office, gate, stone
stairs, and the stone wall of a government guest house for traveling officials have also been restored
to their original condition. Near the East gate stands the Nagan
Hyanggyo, the Confucian Academy and Shrine.
At the center of town is a monument to General Lim Kyong-op (1594-1646),
constructed in recognition of his outstanding service as county chief. Villagers believe that
his spirit continues to protect the town. Every 15th lunar day of the New Year, villagers
perform a ceremony to worship General Lim's spirit and ask for his continued vigilance over
the town. In addition, the area is used for the annual Sunch'eon Food Festival.
The village has about 280 residents. Unlike other folk villages in Korea, the residents actually own
their land and houses. Because of the town's designation as an Historical Site, the residents must
constantly maintain the condition of the buildings. The straw roofs need to be replaced on an
annual basis and cannot be modernized with tiles. Although tourism has been rising, the residents
continue to maintain a haven of Korea's past within their walls.
Nagan Guest House 
In ancient times, villagers built a guest house in the center of town or near a scenic site. A royal
tablet was placed in the center hall while flanking rooms were used to lodge visiting court officials.
The structure (designated South Jeolla Province Tangible Cultural Property #170) is said to have been
first built by Oh Song, a magistrate in 1547. After it was destroyed in a fire during a Japanese
invasion in 1597, Magistrate Ki Hyo-bok restored it. The present structure was repaired by Nakan
County Commissoner Yi Myong-ch'il in 1857. After 1909, the guest house was used as a local school room,
causing many changes in both the interior and exterior parts of the building. In 1983, the the
structure was restored to its original form. It has seven bays on the front and three on the side.
The central three bays are wooden-floored hall with rooms on both flanks. The structure displays a
unique style for Choson period guest houses.Kaeksa (Official Guest House) 
Although the original construction date of this guest house remains unknown, in 1450, the Nagan County
magistrate rebuilt the original structure. In 1857, the magistrate Lee Myongchil repaired it to its
current state. It has been designated as South Jeolla Province Tangible Cultural Property #94. A
Kaeksa was an official guest house in which the King's envoys or special guests were received.
Enshrined inside was a wooden tablet symbolizing the King's portrait. On the 1st and 15th day of each
lunar month, all the officials, including the magistrate, came here to bow in front of the symbol and
pay respects to the King.Dong-hon (Administrative Building) 
The Dong-hon was the main office in which governors, magistrates, and military commanding
officers conducted their respective local administrative and judiciary affairs. The room on the left
side of the office was used by the magistrate while the one on the right room was used by his
assistant officials. The building to the left side was the official residence for the magistrate,
also called Naedong-hon, or inner Dong-hon. No documents remain about the exact date
of the construction of the buildings. In 1984, they were restored through consultation of related
documents.
Hours: Summer - 09:00 ~ 18:00 / Winter - 09:00 ~ 17:00 Admission: Adults: 2,000 won (Groups: 1,500 won) Students and Soldiers: 1,500 won (Groups: 1,000 won) Children: 1,000 won (Groups: 500 won) Group: 30 people or more Directions: Seungju Interchange -> Seungju-eup towards Seonam-sa -> turn left at Jukhak three-way junction -> Nagan-eup | |
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