Seongyojang House

Seongyojang was built from the early eighteenth century by a branch of the Jeonju Yi family and has been occupied by their descendants ever since, which is rare - most Joseon aristocratic houses were lost, and this one survived the twentieth century largely intact, with over a hundred rooms across separate men's and women's quarters, servants' buildings and storehouses arranged along a slope. The layout is worth reading as a diagram of how such a household worked: the sarangchae for receiving guests, the anchae kept private for the women, the long row of servants' rooms across the front. At the entrance is Hwallaejeong, a pavilion standing on pillars over a lotus pond, built in 1816, which is the image the house is known for and which is at its best in July when the lotus is out. The estate offers hanok stays in some of the buildings. The name refers to a boat bridge that once crossed the marsh here.

What you actually see

• Hwallaejeong pavilion - the pillared building over the lotus pond.
• The separated quarters - men's, women's and servants' buildings.
• The July lotus - the pond in flower at the gate.
• The continuous occupation - a family house rather than a museum.

When to go

July for the lotus, which is the set piece; April to June and October otherwise. It is a private property open to visitors, so hours are set and holidays vary.

Honest expectations

Parts remain the family's private residence and are not open. Ticketed. It is a house, not a palace - the interest is in the arrangement and the continuity.

Nearby

Ojukheon is a short ride; Gyeongpo lake and beach are close.