Seokcheon Village, Ulju, Ulsan
A Quiet Riverside Village of Seokgye Seowon & the Geunjae Historic House
#UljuAttractions #SeokcheonVillage #SeokgyeSeowon #GeunjaeHistoricHouse #UlsanCulturalHeritage #UngchonMyeon #UlsanTravel #KoreanHanok
Hello, this is Hidori 😊
Today, I’d like to introduce Seokcheon Village, tucked away in Ungchon-myeon, Ulju-gun.
It’s not a flashy tourist hotspot—but once you look closer, it’s a place filled with stories, history, and beautiful scenery.
📍 What Kind of Place Is Seokcheon Village?
Seokcheon Village is located in Seokcheon-ri, Ungchon-myeon, Ulju-gun.
In front flows the Hoeya River, and behind it rises a mountain range forming a protective backdrop—what Koreans call a classic baesanimsu (mountain-behind, water-in-front) layout.
✔ A river gently embracing the village
✔ Mountains shielding it like a folding screen
✔ A peaceful, unhurried atmosphere
For generations, it has been a clan village of the Hakseong Yi family, where traditional houses and cultural heritage sites blend naturally into everyday life.
As you walk slowly through the village, you’ll notice:
- Old stone walls
- Low tiled rooftops
- Ancient trees
It genuinely feels like stepping back in time.
📌 Tip: A special concert will be held at Seokgye Seowon on March 29, so if you’re visiting around that time, it might be worth checking out!
🏛️ Seokgye Seowon — A Riverside Confucian Academy
Located in Ungchon-myeon, Seokgye Seowon is designated as Ulsan Cultural Heritage Material No. 17.
The academy was established to honor Yi Ye, a diplomat active during the turbulent transition from the late Goryeo to early Joseon Dynasty.
Yi Ye traveled to Japan over 40 times, negotiating the repatriation of prisoners and handling diplomatic missions. He wasn’t just a diplomat—he was a man of action who dedicated himself to the people.
Even the “Iye-ro” road in Ulsan is named in his honor.
📜 A Brief History of Seokgye Seowon
- 1737 – Founded at Yongyeonsa under Eunwolbong in present-day Nam-gu
- 1782 – Relocated to Seokcheon Village and renamed Seokgyesa
- 1860 – Elevated to Seokgye Seowon
- 1868 – Demolished under the Seowon Abolition Decree
- 2002–2004 – Restored to its present form
Destroyed once, rebuilt by descendants—every structure feels thoughtfully restored.
🚪 Through Pildongmun to Gyeongsudang
Passing through the main gate, Pildongmun, you’ll see the lecture hall Gyeongsudang (敬守堂).
✔ Five bays wide, two bays deep
✔ Traditional paljak (hip-and-gable) roof
✔ “Front lecture hall, rear shrine” layout
“Gyeong” (敬) means devotion and focus.
“Su” (守) means to uphold one’s principles.
Sitting on the wooden floor and gazing at the Hoeya River, you understand why this became a place of study.
The elevated structure allows a sweeping river view, built atop high foundation stones—both practical and poetic.
🌊 Jaecheonjeong Pavilion — Study Without Ceasing
Next to the academy stands Jaecheonjeong Pavilion, named after a line from the Analects of Confucius:
“Like the flowing water, it never ceases, day or night.”
With the Hoeya River right in front, the name feels especially fitting.
Although access may sometimes be restricted, it’s beautiful even from a distance.
🛕 Sangchungsa Shrine
Behind Gyeongsudang lies Sangchungsa Shrine, where memorial rites are still performed today.
It’s well maintained, reminding visitors that a seowon is not merely an old building—but a living tradition.
🏠 Geunjae Historic House of the Hakseong Yi Clan
Just a 5-minute walk from Seokgye Seowon stands Geunjae Historic House, designated as Ulsan Cultural Heritage Material No. 3.
This house is known as the birthplace of independence activist Lee Jae-rak.
Architectural Features
✔ Raised main gate (Sotdae-style entrance)
✔ Separate men’s and women’s quarters
✔ Long wooden veranda
✔ Spacious courtyard
✔ Stable, harmonious layout
The moment you step inside, the air feels different.
Not flashy—but solid and dignified. Clearly more than a simple farmhouse.
🌿 A Geomantically Favorable Site
Like the village itself, the house follows the baesanimsu principle:
✔ Mountain behind
✔ River in front
✔ Balanced left (Blue Dragon) and right (White Tiger) terrain
Sitting on the wooden floor, you naturally feel at ease.
It’s meaningful to think that someone raised in such surroundings later became an independence activist.
🌸 Best Time to Visit
Spring truly brings Seokcheon Village to life.
✔ Cherry blossoms around Seokgye Seowon
✔ Magnolia blooms behind Geunjae House
✔ Hoeya River flowing gently
✔ Fragrant red plum blossoms in early spring
Late March to early April offers the most harmonious combination of hanok architecture, flowers, and river scenery.
✨ Final Thoughts
Seokcheon Village is
“Not heavily decorated—and that’s exactly why it’s beautiful.”
Walk quietly.
Look at the river.
Sit for a moment on a hanok veranda.
It’s a gentle reminder that Ulsan also holds spaces like this—calm, historical, and quietly meaningful.
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