Detail

The architecture of the Joseon Dynasty is characterized by its harmony with natural landscapes, reflecting the spiritual world of Neo-Confucianism. The Korea Post introduces four serene pavilions harmonizing with nature in the commemorative stamps of The Historic Architecture in Korea (Jeongja, Pavilion). Br br Cheongamjeong Pavilion in Bonghwa, located west of the head house of Kwon Beol, a political figure during the mid-Joseon period, stands atop a wide turtle-shaped rock in the middle of a pond. In the 16th century, retired gentries built private retreats resembling pavilions around their homes or scenic spots for training their minds and bodies, known as ga-geo (staying at one`s home without holding an official position). Cheongamjeong represents a typical example of ga-geo culture among retired gentries. br bR Dongnakdang House Gyejeong in Gyeongju, built by the Neo-Confucian scholar Lee Unjeok after retiring from official position, is a detached building nestled deep inside the compound of Dongnakdang, in Oksan-ri, Angang-eup, Gyeongju-si. Dongnakdang house Gyejeong features a veranda facing the valley and a gyeja-nangan (wooden railing) that harmonizes with the surrounding water, rocks, and trees to offer a picturesque view. Lee Unjeok dedicated himself to Neo-Confucian studies here, using the natural surroundings as his garden for training his mind and body until his return to the royal court. Br br Songgangjeong Pavilion in Damyang was where Jeong Cheol, a scholar and politician during the mid-Joseon period, resided after retiring to his hometown of Seongsan in Changpyeong-myeon, Damyang-gun. He originally lived in a thatched hut called Juknokjeong. Later, his descendants built a pavilion in his honor, naming it Songgangjeong. With its eight-sided roof, Songgangjeong offers a panoramic view of the natural landscape from a wooden floor. Surrounded by dense old pine trees and timber bamboo, with the Juknokcheon stream flowing in front, this was where Jeong Cheol composed Samiin-gok and Sokmiin-gok. br br Samgaheon Hayeopjeong Pavilion in Dalseong was built in 1769 by Park Seongsu, the 11th-generation descendant of Park Paengnyeon, one of the six martyred ministers, under his pen name. His descendants later expanded it and became a separate building. At the time of its construction, Samgaheon was in the form of a thatched-roof house. However, in 1826, the thatched roof house was removed, and main and detached houses were built. A pond was created in the area where soil was removed, and lotus flowers were planted there. It was then named Hayeopjeong, which means pavilion with lotus leaves. Hayeopjeong was originally used as a village school. Therefore, it has a plaque with the word Pasanseodang. Hayeopjeong is a place that is harmonious between nature and human-made structures. br br The Seongyojang House Hwallaejeong Pavilion in Gangneung, selected as one of the top traditional houses of the 20th century in Korea, is available on the background image of the sheet. The sheet depicts the view looking from inside the Hwallaejeong Pavilion, while the small sheet portrays the exterior view of the Hwallaejeong Pavilion. If you have the opportunity to visit the pavilions featured in this commemorative stamp collection, we kindly request that you demonstrate mature viewing etiquette, as they are privately owned cultural assets. br