Sangju Suam Jongtaek Designated as National Folk Cultural Property

Ryu Hujo, Famous for Baekbitang at Samsan Isu Myeongdang, Built It
"Simple Like a Cheongbaekri Family... Helps Understand the Social Structure of the Time"

The Suam Jongtaek (修巖宗宅) in Sangju, where the Pungsan Yu clan's Ucheon branch has lived for generations, is now managed as a National Folk Cultural Property. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 22nd that after gathering opinions from various sectors for a month and undergoing a review by the Cultural Heritage Committee, Sangju Suam Jongtaek was designated as a National Folk Cultural Property.

The site was established by Yu Jin (1582?1635), the third son of Ryu Seong-ryong (1542?1607), and the building was constructed by his seventh-generation descendant Yu Hu-jo (1799?1876). The location is a prime site where the ridges of Sogrisan, Palgongsan, and Ilwolsan converge, and where the Nakdong River and Wicheon stream meet, known as Samsan Isu (Three Mountains and Two Waters). It is said that Jeong Gyeong-se (1563?1633), a disciple of Ryu Seong-ryong from Sangju, selected the site. Yu Hu-jo, who built the house, was famous for Baekbitang (白沸湯), a dish boiled without any ingredients. It is said that when his stipend was delayed and guests visited, he would serve the dish in a brass bowl with great sincerity as a gesture of hospitality.

Suam Jongtaek is composed of the main house (Anchae), the Noksa-cheong (錄事廳), and a shrine. The Anchae, connected to the Sarangchae (men’s quarters), features a 'ㅁ'-shaped floor plan reflecting architectural characteristics of northern Gyeongsang Province. Unlike typical traditional houses, the floor on the right side of the main hall (Daecheong) is elevated to form a Numaru (a raised floor similar to an attic). The 'ㄱ'-shaped Noksa-cheong is believed to have been built by Yu Hu-jo to accommodate officials who had retired with the honorary title of Bongjoha (奉朝賀, a special rank granted to second-rank officials upon retirement) and to host them during their visits. The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "It is rare for a private residence to have a Noksa-cheong. True to the integrity of a family known for its clean governance, it is simple without elaborate decorations but holds historical value that helps understand the social structure of the time."

The shrine is enclosed by a stone wall behind the Anchae. Even today, rituals such as Bulcheonwi Jesa (不遷位祭祀, a state-permitted ritual to enshrine a person of great merit permanently in the shrine) and Gije Jesa (忌祭祀, annual memorial rites on the death anniversary) are preserved. The Cultural Heritage Administration evaluated, "The construction date (1858) is clearly confirmed from the beam inscription in the main hall of the Anchae, and historical documents such as the Nokpae (official appointment plaques), literary collections, as well as folk artifacts like kilns and official robes are well preserved, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle culture of upper-class houses in mid to late Joseon." Notably, the bamboo screen (Jukbyeong) is said to have been painted by Heungseon Daewongun during his stay here as he planned for the future. After Heungseon Daewongun came to power, Yu Hu-jo served successively as Vice Minister of Personnel (Ijo Champan), Right State Councillor (Uuijeong), and Left State Councillor (Jwauijeong) under the pro-Namin faction appointments.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.