Myeonangjeong

Myeonangjeong (俛仰亭) is a Joseon period structure located in Jewol-ri, Bongsan-myeon, Damyang County, South Jeolla Province, South Korea. It was designated as Monument No. 6 of South Jeolla Province on August 7, 1972.

Overview

Myeonangjeong was a pavilion built in 1533 (the 28th year of King Jungjong's reign) by Song Sun (1493–1582), who spent his later years teaching scholars after leaving public office. It was a place where he discussed scholarship with prominent figures, including Yi Hwang of Toegye.

Song Sun, a civil official of the mid-Joseon period, held various government posts after passing the civil service examination, and in his later years devoted himself to scholarship and wrote many books. The original pavilion was destroyed during the Imjin War in 1597 (the 30th year of King Seonjo's reign), and it was rebuilt by his descendants in 1654 (the 5th year of King Hyojong's reign).

The pavilion measures three bays across the front and two bays along the side. Its roof is a hipped-and-gabled roof (팔작지붕), which, when viewed from the side, has the shape of the Chinese character for eight (八).

Although Myeonangjeong is a building of simple style, it has great historical value and serves as an important source.

On-site Notice

This pavilion was built by Song Sun (宋純, 1493–1582) after he resigned from public office and returned to his hometown. Song Sun discussed scholarship and affairs of state with Yi Hwang of Toegye and other respected scholars of the region, and it is a historic place that nurtured later disciples such as Gi Daeseung, Go Gyeong-myeong, Im Je, and Jeong Cheol.¹

The building is three bays across the front and two bays along the side, with wooden floors at the front and on both sides and a room placed in the center. It is a building with a hipped-and-gabled roof covered with heavy tiles,² and at each corner of the eaves a support column (활주, hwaju) is placed. The current building has been repaired several times; its roof was re-laid in 1979 and 2004, and the surrounding bamboo and brush were cleared to open up the view.