Beautiful Hanok (traditional Korean house) on the Countryside full of Stars Gwiae Traditional House in Yeongcheon

Yeongcheon, famous for its Bohyeonsan Optical Astronomy Observatory, is a beautiful city with twinkling stars. According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the Bohyeonsan Optical Astronomy Observatory in Yeongcheon shows the clearest view of stars. Among the 13 stars discovered in Korea, 12 were observed in Yeongcheon, and this beautiful place boasts of zero “photo pollution,” taking away sleep problems. So, finish the day observing stars at a cozy Hanok during a trip in Yeongcheon, which is also perfect for complying with quarantine regulations.

Located in Gwiho-ri, Hwanam-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gwiae Traditional House presents a peaceful countryside scenery with low fence. However, it was not born this way. Mukheungong Jomyeongjik transferred to Gwiho-ri in the 43rd year of the reign of Joseon's King Seongjo (1767) and arranged the village foundation, while his descendants built 47 rooms in the house. However, a fire destroyed some parts in 1988, so the house was reborn after the restoration of the guesthouse and construction of the tall gate.

The Gwiae Traditional House arranges its guesthouse, main building, and guest room in ㄷ structure centering on the yard. The main building consists of 7.5 rooms in the front and 1 room on the side. The spacious main-floor room is sandwiched between the large room and the small room. The large room is as big as two rooms put together with an old-fashioned ondol (Korean floor heating system) floor, which sparkles with gold, having been applied with smooth bean oil. Hanji (traditional Korean paper) sliding doors are attached to both sides of the wall. Once you open the left sliding door, gently glowing with sunlight, a full view of the yard comes into view, and the right sliding door is a built-in closet storing blankets. The large room also features a cozy attic. The small room is half as large as the large room, only large enough for two people to lie down, but cozy and comfortable. The main building boasts of its old-fashioned kitchen, which is like a traditional cafe, with large iron pot, furnace, and tables for guests to enjoy tea time.

The large room and small room sandwich the main-floor room in the guesthouse, just like the main building. The rooms are like identical twins in size and atmosphere, but one room is called the large room because the eldest of the family uses it. A fancy mattress covers the yellowish hanji floors. The old-fashioned decoration cabinet, used since King Seongjo’s reign, and pottery mark the walls, and checkered hanji sliding doors add an antique vibe. The guesthouse includes an expansive modern kitchen. Furnished with sink, table, and refrigerator, making meals is a piece of cake. The guest room consists of one room and a bathroom, which is perfect for groups of two. Beyond the low walls of the main building, guesthouse, and guest room, you can have a clear view of mountains and hills.

Behind the guesthouse is Gwiaejeong Pavilion. Gyuseung established Gwiaejeong Pavilion in honor of his brother Gwiae Jo Geuk-seung, a late Joseon scholar. Jo Geuk-seung was Jo Myungjik’s great-grandson who served in the 3rd highest government post of Saganweon and as magistrate of Saheon-bu. Gwiaejeong Pavilion was designated as one of the Folklore Cultural Materials of Gyeongsangbuk-do in 2013.

Gwiaejeong Pavilion, a detached house, consists of two ondol-floor rooms, one wooden-floor room, and an upper-floor room. Gwiaejeong Pavilion is a traditional ondol-floor room that requires setting fire in the furnace. A sliding door connects two square-shaped rooms, so it forms one spacious room once you slide the doors. The wooden-floor room is equipped with an old-fashioned lift-up type door, which transforms into a room when slid down and presents an expansive view when slid up. The upper-floor room is near the pond, offering a full view of the ponds and a sexangle pavilion so that you can go back in time peacefully and serenely. The pond has no walls and surrounds a round island with a sexangle pavilion on top and a viaduct, enhancing elegance. Take pictures at any angle to have a masterpiece artwork showing a vast and expansive view of Gwiaejeong Pavilion.

The Gwiae Traditional House holds various cultural events, such as concerts, cooking classes, photo exhibitions, and traditional experience programs including tea ceremonies, archery, and yut games. You can also enjoy the serene walking course on the gently rolling hills at the back.