• Journal of architectural history
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.31-44
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• 2016

Imcheong-gak[臨淸閣] was a familial residence constructed in the early half of the Joseon dynasty period. It was partially destroyed by a fire during the 1590s war[壬辰倭亂] with the Japanese, and another fire that was caused between 1631 and 1634. The inner chamber[An-chae] and the Sarang section[Sarang-chae] today is the result of a partial reconstruction that took place back in 1626 and again around 1634. The residence also went through some changes because the new Ondol[溫突] heating system had to be applied to the structure. Based upon sections that remain in their original forms, we can presume that the Imcheong-gak residence originally had an inner chamber which was composed of the following elements: A main structure which was built upon a foundation featuring a Matbae[맞배] roof, two "Ik'rang[翼廊, flank]" sections on the East and West sides of the inner chamber, and a "Haeng'rang[行廊, passage]" structure on the opposite side of the main structure. Unlike the main structure, other portions of the inner chamber were all built directly upon the ground, and showed multiple stories, with Matbae roofs of their own. We can also assume that the Sarang section in the south would have been a pre-Ondol[溫突] bedroom, with a Board platform[板房] and a Gomi-ceiling[Gomi-banza] fashion.

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.10 no.3 s.27
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• pp.25-43
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• 2001

The purpose of this study is to investigate the meaning of letter-shaped house plan of the Imchongak in Andong and to Analyze its housing principles. The letter-shaped house plan of the Imchongak lays its root in the traditional Eastern thoughts, showing feature of Taolsm. The Imchongak applied the principles of a good land and a good house, which are originated from the Yonyang theory, Five elements theory, Poongsochiri, housing principles and letter shapes of good fortune. The letter shape of the Imchongak is 用(as below), and 日, 月, and 明 are contained in it. The lette 明means brightening the mind and life of human being by himself. The letter 用 is shaped to express the idea of Cheayong Theory of Confucianism, which refer to everlasting interaction of all thing in the universe. In applying the housing principles, Potaebob was used for the orientation of the house. Samhabbob, Jungeomjungyangbob and Dongsusataecbob were utilized to locate the gate. In addition, Dongsusataecbob was used for the positioning of rooms in most cases. The Imchongak succeeded traditional Eastern thoughts and it realized the concept and philosophical idea of Confucianism as a house. What is importan in the house plan of the Imchongak is that it repesents the ideal of Confucians in Chosun Dyansty that the man, house, nature, and universe are one. It also advocates ideology of Confucianism which emphasizes that a human life can be completed when man live together with the nature and harmonize themselves with it.