Samgwijeong

About this place

Samgwijeong is a pavilion built in 1496 (the 2nd year of Yeonsangun) by Kim Yeong-su, a civil official of the Joseon dynasty, and his brothers for their mother, Lady Gwon of Yecheon. Sosan Village, where the pavilion stands, is a single-clan village of the Andong Kim family, and Kim Yeong-su was the grandson of Kim Sam-geun, who first settled in this village. The name Samgwijeong ('Three-Turtle Pavilion') derives from three turtle-shaped rocks, presumed to be dolmens, that lie to the left of the pavilion. Turtles have traditionally symbolized longevity, and the pavilion's name reflects the sons' wish that their mother might live a long and healthy life. The present pavilion was rebuilt in 1947; open on all four sides, it commands a sweeping view of the village and the surrounding scenery. The Samgwijeong signboard hung inside was written by Yi Jong-jun, a civil official and scholar from Andong.