Collection
A venue in beautiful nature
Nujeong is a house constructed with the ground floor raised above the land by a single story and without walls in order to have clear view of the surrounding areas, and is the term used to refer to Nugak and Jeongja collectively. Among the existing ancient wooden buildings in Korea, Nujeong is found most frequently with majority of these being Jeongja. Nujeong is a traditional cultural venue of Korea constructed with the natural environment including mountains and waters. It has both the private functions for appreciation for arts and relaxation, and public functions for cultivation of junior scholars and academic interactions.
Recordings on Nujeong in Korea began from the Era of the Three States. Literary works created in Nujeong including poetry and prose, lyrics and stories as well as works related to Nujeong life and Nujeong itself are collectively referred to as Nujeong literature. Nujeong literatures illustrated in the old documents held by the National Library of Korea will be examined through this exhibition.
Throughout the Joseon Dynasty, countless numbers of Nujeong were constructed in the vicinity of palaces, Han Riverside and picturesque spots in Seoul, which was the capital city over a period of 600 years. However, many of these no longer exist with the old original appearances with the exception of those in the palaces. Many of the Nujeongs in Seoul were constructed by kings, royal families and aristocrats, particularly those with high ranked positions in the central government. The ancient Nujeong constructed in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province can be encountered through the records of the highly reputed scholars of the past held by the National Library of Korea.
The majority of Nujeong in Korea is characterized by their locations with outstanding natural scenery. Anchuk of Goryeo Dynasty pointed out beautiful scenery with the mountains and waters in the backgrounds as the ideal location for Nujeong since all the Nudae and Jeongsa in Gwandong region (Gangwon Province) are situated in highly elevated, handsome, peaceful and secluded locations. Not only in the Gwandong region but also throughout the country, there still remains numerous Nujeong situated in locations with mountains at their back and waters in the front. You can encounter the original appearances of the ancient Nujeong throughout the country through the recordings of reputed scholars held by the National Library of Korea.
The world of literature and writers will be examined with a focus on the beautiful Han River and famous Nujeong drawn by Gyeomjae Jeongseon (1676~1759) who completed characteristic realistic landscape paintings of Korea around the 1740’s when he was posted as the governor of Yangcheon. Moreover, Gyeomjae Jeongseon Art Museum that enables visitors to explore the works and life story of Gyeomjae Jeongseon, and Yongbongjeong, Mangyangjeong and Haengju Mountain Fortress situated by the Han Riverside that provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the mood of the old days will be examined.