Cheonan Noeunjeong

About this place

Noeunjeong is the oldest pavilion in Cheonan, built in 1689 during the reign of King Sukjong of the Joseon Dynasty by the scholar Kim Sang-gi (whose ancestral seat was Andong, courtesy name Jeongbo, and pen name Noeun). Set in a place of outstanding and beautiful scenery, it was where Kim Sang-gi honed his studies and devoted himself to nurturing younger generations, keeping company through Confucian learning with Gyeonghanjae, the teacher of King Yeongjo, and with the magistrate Kim Gwang-su. It was repaired in 1853 and several times thereafter. Noeunjeong is a precious building that shows the traditional Korean architectural style of 300 years ago; its columns are round and made of oak or bush-clover wood. The floor is laid as a well-plank (umul) floor, and to ensure durability, protrusions were placed on each column to prevent water damage. The pavilion is surrounded by 300-year-old ancient trees. Its base rests on a granite foundation, and on the Doyeongam Sakseongdae below it, the handwriting of Master Song Uam is inscribed.