Bukchondaek House

With 200 years of Hahoe history, Bukchondaek House is a historic heritage home. When it was first built during the Joseon era, the residence was known as "Hwakyeondang," which means "the house of peace and respect." It has been recognized as No. 84 of the Important Folklore Cultural Heritage. Bukchondaek House, which is situated in Hahoe-ri (Andong), was first constructed in 1797 by a civil servant by the name of Ryu Sa-Chun (the 21st year of the reign of King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty). It is made up of a small sarangchae (men's quarters) and two wing structures on either side. The house displays the typical characteristics of a Joseon nobleman's house and is the largest house in Hahoe. The anchae (women's quarters), kkeunsarang, daemungan (gate building), and shrine were built by Ryu's great-grandson, Ryu Do-Seong (who served as a governor of Gyeongsang-do), in 1862 (the 13th year of King Cheoljong's reign).

Within the grounds of the home are the Muganchae (gate building) and shrine in addition to a 300-year-old pine tree whose curving shape is thought to reflect the Nakdonggang River as it flows through the village of Hahoe. The residence is home to priceless cultural treasures like the Doseongpaldojido (Map of the Eight Provinces of Korea), a document thought to be from the seventeenth century, is believed to have been given to Ryu Yi-Jwa (also known by the pen name Hakseo, 1763–1837) as a New Year's gift by the king and is regarded as an invaluable historical document because it shows Dokdo Island and Jiandao as part of Korean territory. A painting called “Sehwa” is another example of an irreplaceable historic piece that is in the house. One of Hahoe's wealthiest families, noted for their kindness since they have frequently aided locals throughout history, built Bukchondaek House. Up till this day, Bukchondaek House has maintained the Susinwa spirit (to be modest and think about one's neighbors in need). Bukchondaek House was rebuilt, given its present form, and elevated to Hahoe's pride in 1862. Bukchondaek is still the same way it was 160 years ago and is now open for visitors to stay.

The heat source in the house comes from a unique way of wood-burning that was used since the Joseon dynasty era called Ondol. It is believed that this method of under-the-floor, wood-burning heating system has numerous health benefits. One example of these benefits is that it increases blood circulation and that it might be as beneficial as saunas and hot spring because people sleep on the floor.

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