Cheongguwon, the house of Sin Seokjeong's clear soul
Cheongguwon is the name of the house that the poet Sin Seokjeong lived in. Built when he was 26, Cheongguwon is said to have served as Sin's house until he moved to Jeonju. Originally a 3-kan thatched house, it was expanded to a 4-kan house in the course of its repairs. Like many rural thatched houses, it has an unassuming and humble appearance unlike the forceful and outspoken air of the tiled roof houses. Cheongguwon is designated as the Monument 84 of Jeollabuk-do Province. Perhaps it is because of Sin Seokjeong's history with the house, but walking the serene grounds of Cheongguwon feels as if one could come up with a beautiful lyric. Even the description of the house is reminiscent of the poet's writings: "The garden of this house is hemmed in with arborvitae trees and fences, and therein rests the gingko trees, paulowina, Mokryeon magnolia, cornelian cherries, royal azalea, bamboo, and wisteria trees. This was the place where Sin Seokjeong composed his pastoral poetry, such as Candlelight and A Sad Pastoral." Cheongguwon, the house of poet Sin Seokjeong, is designated as the Monument 84 of Jeollabuk-do Province. Even though Sin Seokjeong is no longer with us, his footsteps still remain throughout the house. Sin's lyrics still brim with his soul and care. Many of Sin's famous lyrics and poems are displayed throughout the house, inviting the visitors to stop for a moment.
