Staying at the Private Residence of Naju-moksa

The private residence of Naju-moksa was where the government officials assigned to the position of Naju-moksa lived. The building had been damaged during the Japanese occupation period, and Naju City demolished and restored the residence under the name, “Geumhakheon,” to turn it into a traditional culture experience site where tourists could stay overnight.

Before visiting this historical site, one should learn three stories associated with it, and they are regarding Yu Seok-jeung and Kim Seong-il, who served as Naju-moksa, and the hackberry in the yard. Yu Seok-jeung and Kim Seong-gil have been widely known for having governed very wisely as Naju-moksa, and this is why their rooms inside the private residence are always occupied by tourists, who hold them in high regard. It may also be because of the fact that those who stay in their rooms strike gold afterwards, getting a job or getting a promotion at work. There is a hackberry in the yard of Geumhakheon. News traveled that sharing one’s wish or concern in front of this sacred tree leads to the wish coming true or the problem being resolved, and this has been attracting more visitors to this site.

Geumhakheon gained national fame after it became the filming location of a hit KBS program, “1 Night 2 Days.” There are now 6 guest rooms where people can stay overnight. You have to book a room at least a couple of months in advance in order to enjoy an overnight stay at this fascinating historical site, designated as Jeollanam-do Cultural Heritage Material No. 132. It is open to the public from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and admission is free-of-charge.