오죽헌 Ojukheon House and Museum

Hi! 

We've been doing some sightseeing lately. This time, we went to visit 오죽헌 (Ojukheon). Ojukheon isn't far from Gangneung city at all. You could walk it if you wanted to (it'd take about an hour). David and I took the bikes, it was okay until we had to go uphill. 

Ojukheon House is named after all the black bamboo that surrounds the area. Lady Shin Saimdang lived here and her son Yulgok was born in one of the houses here. Yulgok was a scholar and politition from the Joseon Period. It has one of the oldest wooden houses in Korea. There is also a municipal museum inside where you can see different historical artifacts and books Lady Shim Saimdang wrote. 

Her son was talented too, he passed is civil service exam at the age of 13. 

Around the vicinity there are numerous pear trees! Some had HUGE pears growing on them.  

There are many buildings like this in Korea. Some are designated shrines. 

Entrance to the museum. This building is a newer version of the others I think. 

There were all sorts of things in the museum. These reminded me of the movie "The Indian in the Cupboard".

The main gate. 

Some of the houses still had the old underfloor heating system. I think they light a fire at the base and the heat travels into the house. 

Ojukheon is a nice place. Worth the visit. It's 3000 won per adult to get in. Not very much at all! It's a short ride/walk to Gyongpo too, and it's all flat. No hills! Make a day of it :]! 

'till next time,

Kelly