▲ This photo of Gwanghallu Pavilion in Namwon, newly designated as a national treasure, is provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, July 1 (Yonhap) -- Gwanghallu Pavilion in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, best known as the setting of the classic pansori and novel "The Tale of Chunhyang," has been designated as a national treasure.

 

The Korea Heritage Service announced Wednesday that it has designated Namwon Gwanghallu as a national treasure.

 

The designation comes about 63 years after the pavilion was listed as a treasure in 1963.

 

Regarded as the finest pavilion in the Honam region during the late Joseon Dynasty, Gwanghallu was renowned for its scenic beauty in harmony with the surrounding natural landscape and earned the nickname "the finest pavilion of Honam."

 

▲ This photo of Gwanghallu Pavilion in Namwon, newly designated as a national treasure, is provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

The complex consists of the main pavilion, an auxiliary pavilion known as Yosunggak, and a connecting corridor called Wollang.

 

The main pavilion spans five bays across the front and four on the side under a hipped-and-gabled roof. It is distinguished by its use of three overlapping beams to create a spacious interior.

 

Gwanghallu is believed to have originated from Gwangtongnu, a pavilion built by renowned early Joseon statesman Hwang Hui (1363-1452) while he was in exile in Namwon.

 

The surrounding pond, three symbolic islands representing Bongnae, Bangjang and Yeongju, and Ojakgyo Bridge were constructed under the leadership of Jeong Cheol (1536-1593), who served as governor of Jeolla Province, and Namwon Magistrate Jang Uiguk.

 

With a history spanning some 400 years, the site holds significant historical value.

 

▲ This photo of the signboard of Gwanghallu Pavilion is provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

According to the Korea Heritage Service, the pavilion was destroyed during the Jeongyu War in 1597 but was rebuilt in its current scale in 1626. It has since undergone several rounds of repairs and restoration.

 

Historical records documenting the reconstruction, including a ridge beam inscription, have been well preserved.

 

The pavilion also served as a gathering place where scholars and government officials composed poetry, exchanged ideas and socialized. It is also the iconic setting for the love story between Chunhyang and Yi Mong-ryong in "The Tale of Chunhyang."

 

"The site possesses outstanding artistic value as it harmonizes with Gwanghalluwon Garden, which is also designated as a scenic site, in addition to its architectural significance," the agency said.

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