Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

Cheongsong-gun in Gyeongsangbuk-do is a small village blessed with a spring flowing with natural mineral water, a beautiful valley with a majestic waterfall, and a mountain densely covered with pine trees. Thanks to this superb natural environment, Cheongsong-gun was designated as a 'Slow City' in 2011. Songjeong gotaek (The Old House of Songjeong) is located in the village of Deokcheon in Cheongsong-gun, which is one of the three richest and most prestigious families in the region. These three wealthy families are said to have produced millionaires for nine generations - from Sim Cheon-dae during the reign of King Yeongjo of Joseon (r. 17224-1776) to the 1960s. In particular, it was a seventh-generation grandson, Sim Ho-taek (pen-name: Songso), famous as one of the richest men in Joseon, who built Songso gotaek (Old House of Songso) along with three houses for his three sons, including Songjeong gotaek for his second son Sim Sang-gwang (pen-name: Songjeong) around 1880. As the Cheongsong Sim Clan has lived in the area for many generations, Cheongsong is known as the village of the Cheongsong Sim family. Covering a total area of about 10,000m2, Songjeong gotaek has a tall and grand front gate that symbolizes the wealth of the family. Upon entering by the gate, the large outer courtyard comes into view, followed by a gate connecting to the Old House of Songso on the right, and a walking path connecting to a well and a pine grove on the left. The square-shaped structure consists of a sarangchae (detached building), chaekbang (library), and daecheongmaru (main floored room). Passing through the entrance, there are the main building and the inner courtyard. Notably, the chaekbang has retained its original appearance from the time when it was used by Sim Sang-gwang. Although the house is very large, its interior is simply and modestly designed according to the virtues favored by classical scholars. The rooms are floor-heated in the traditional way (by ondol) using wood, decorated with traditional hanji (Korean paper), and equipped with traditional bedding. Songjeong gotaek offers visitors a variety of experience programs designed to promote the form of Korean classical music known as Gukak. It holds three major musical events each year including a pansori folksong program and a fusion gukak concert, attracting an audience of anywhere from 200 to 800 people to the courtyard of the house. Sometimes, families hold parties to celebrate their parents’ 60th, 70th, and 80th birthdays. The low hill situated behind the house has a quiet walking path.


Gangwon-do(Hongcheon-gun)

Village 736 is a pension hotel located in Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do with six private guest buildings. With Geumhaksan Mountain in the back and the Hongcheongang River in the front, Village 736 boasts a great view with a glimpse of Soeppulbong Peak of Maebongsan Mountain over the Hongcheongang River. There is also an outdoor swimming pool at the center of the premises, which creates an open atmosphere. The private guest buildings are located around the outdoor swimming pool, and the accommodation has wooden decks that create an overall well-organized vibe. Apart from the family guest building, all guest buildings are three-story buildings with a unique design. Upon opening the front door, guests can see a kitchen where they can cook. The buildings have private outdoor decks where guests can relax in the sun by opening the folding door. The living room is on the second floor. Guests can also enjoy hot baths during their stay inside a Hinoki cypress bathtub by the window. Lastly, the bedroom space is on the third floor. It has a great view overlooking the Hongcheongang River. At night, guests can also enjoy stars glistening in the night sky. The family guest building is a one-story building that can accommodate up to 6 guests. It also has a massage chair for relaxation. Each guest building has a private barbecue area. Guests can also order a barbecue set from the hotelier. Village 736 offers complementary brunch, including sandwiches, fruits, salad and coffee, in the cafe building.