Chungcheongnam-do

▲ Alongside the old house stands the memorial hall, which hold the prime minister Maeng Sa-seong's artifacts. Looking around the old house, you can feel the importance of history once again.

Built in 1330, the house gives out a very antique aura with two ginkgo trees aged 600 years standing in the big yard. All it has is a shrine and pavilion, being too humble to be regarded as a house possessed by one of Chosun Dynasty? prime minister. The master of the house was Maeng Sa-seong (1360~1438), who was renowned for his integrity in Chosun. The title literally means “the place where Mr. Maeng studied with ginkgo trees.” At the entrance to the house stands his exhibition hall, which houses his books, portrait, letters, and favorite pipe. Stepping up the stairs past the exhibition hall, one is faced with the very tall ginkgo trees, which are 611 years old now since Mr. Maeng first planted them around the year 1400. Today the 21st eldest grandson of the family manages the old house. After leaving public service, Mr. Maeng spent the rest of his life here until he passed away at the age of 79. All he left was his favorite pipe. Maintaining his style of abstinence and frugality, he never wore the official costume or rode the official horse to move between the capital and his hometown. Like common old countrymen, he would ride a cow, and no one would notice him. Though a senior minister of the nation, he was so poor that his house leaked.
Behind the house are two chimneys made of tiles at both corners. They look very warm and are unique with a small tiled roof covering the top in case of rain. Even though the house is located not far from downtown, the path toward it rather feels like a deep valley. With the famous mountains in the front and the rear and small ones right and left, the house feels even cozier.
Alongside the old house stands the memorial hall, which holds the prime minister Maeng Sa-seong's artifacts. Looking around the old house, you can feel the importance of history once again.