'Namwon Gwanghallu, the "First Pavilion of Honam," to Be Elevated to National Treasure Status'

Originated from Gwangtongru Built by Hwang Hui... Reconstructed to Present Scale in 1626
Stage of "Chunhyangjeon" with 400 Years of History
Composed of Three Structures: Main Pavilion, Auxiliary Pavilion, and Wolrang Corridor

Namnwan Gwanghanru

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 24th that it will designate 'Namwon Gwanghallu Pavilion,' a government-run pavilion representing the Honam region in the late Joseon period, as a National Treasure.

Known as the "First Pavilion of Honam," Gwanghallu traces its origins to Gwangtongru, which was built in Namwon by the renowned statesman Hwang Hui (1363–1452) during his exile in the early Joseon period. It mainly served as a venue for officials’ banquets and poetry gatherings.

The surrounding lake, three islands (Bongrae, Bangjang, and Yeongju), and the Ojakgyo Bridge were constructed by Songgang Jeong Cheol (1536–1593), the Governor of Jeolla-do, and Namwon Magistrate Jang Uiguk.

This site was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of 1597 (Jeongyujaeran), but was rebuilt to its present scale in the fourth year of King Injo’s reign (1626) by Namwon Magistrate Shin Gam (1570–1631). It underwent several subsequent renovations. Related records are clearly preserved in ridge beam inscriptions, commemorative writings, county chronicles, and modern newspaper articles.

Gwanghallu and its surrounding scenery inspired many literary figures. It is also widely known as the setting for pansori performances and the novel "Chunhyangjeon."

Gwanghallu is a large pavilion composed of the main pavilion (Bonru), the auxiliary pavilion (Yoseonggak), and the Wolrang corridor. The main pavilion features a five-bay facade and a four-bay depth with a hipped-and-gabled roof (paljakjibung). Its framework consists of three overlapping beams to maximize interior space. The framework refers to structural members that form the interior space of traditional architecture.

The bracket system is of the ikgong style, adorned with elaborate carvings of dragons and turtles. Ikgong refers to structural members that connect the top of columns to beams and support the roof load, crafted to resemble the pointed wings of a bird.

Namwon Gwanghallu

The auxiliary pavilion has a facade of three bays and a depth of two bays, featuring a hipped-and-gabled roof. An ondol-heated room is installed in the center. The bracket system is a single ikgong, called choikgong, with blue dragons and yellow dragons carved both inside and outside.

The Wolrang corridor features a single bay facade and three-bay depth with a hipped-and-gabled roof. Built in the 18th year of King Gojong’s reign (1881) to prevent the main pavilion from tilting backward, it also serves as the staircase leading to the main pavilion. Its bracket system is a double ikgong (iikkong), with a dragon head ornament above the corner pillar. When there is a single ikgong, it is called choikgong; when doubled, it is iikkong. The corner pillar is a sturdy column located at the corner of the wooden structural frame.

The Cultural Heritage Administration evaluated, "This wooden architectural heritage combines the splendid decoration characteristic of late Joseon wooden architecture with practical elements such as the ondol in the auxiliary pavilion and the staircase of the Wolrang corridor. Integrated with the garden site of Gwanghallu Garden, which is designated as a Scenic Site, it possesses outstanding artistic value."

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