Dongnakdang House, Gyeongju

Dongnakdang House was the residence of Yi Eon-jeok (1491-1553), a civil official and one of the most prominent Confucian scholars of the Joseon period. Yi passed the state examination in 1514 and served in various government posts. In 1532, he was temporarily removed from office, after being involved in a political dispute, and returned to his hometown in Gyeongju to stay in this house.

Dongnakdang consists of a women’s quarters, men’s quarters, servants’ quarters, shrine, and two ancillary buildings. A pavilion named Gyejeong is also located in the rear garden. The women’s quarters was built in 1516, and the other buildings, including the men’s quarters, were built after 1532.

The buildings of this house harmonize well with the surrounding natural environment. The picturesque view of Jagyecheon Stream from Gyejeong Pavilion is especially breathtaking. In addition, the wall in front of the men’s quarters has the unique feature of a wooden window with vertical lattices, so that the stream can be viewed from the wooden-floored hall of the men’s quarters.

The wooden-floored hall of the men’s quarters features a plaque with the residence’s name, “Dongnakdang (獨樂堂),” which means “a hall for solitary enjoyment.” This name symbolizes Yi Eon-jeok’s wish to leave the complicated secular world and enjoy studying in nature.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08