Living in Daejeon

Dongchundang(Traditional Guest House)

Dongchundang, which is National Treasure No.209, isa separate building constructed by Jun Gil Song(1606- 1672), the Minister of War during the reign of King Hyojong in 1643. On the northwest of the Dongchundang, separate structures - including the Sarangchae (residence for the male head of household), the Anchae (the main building of the house,) and Sadnag (ancestral shrine) of the ancient residence of Jun Gil Song—are situated. Dongchundang has a two-dimensional single story Paljak-style roof with three kans in front and two kans on the side. Also, four kans on the right side were built as floors and two kans on the left as the ondol (Korean traditional floor heating system) room. Houses with ondol and flooring are a special feature found in Korean architecture, which aims to overcome the huge temperature difference between the summer and winter months. The building itself is simple and not that big. Also, it demonstrates the typical characteristics of the mid-Joseon architecture.