Baek il heon Head House (논산 백일헌 종택)

The Baegilheon Head House (National Folklore Cultural Heritage No. 273) is the house that was bestowed upon General Yi Sam by King Yeongjo in recognition of his achievement in suppressing the Yi In-jwa Rebellion in 1728. King Yeongjo also granted Yi Sam the posthumous name ‘Baegilheon’. The house is composed of the munganchae (gate quarters) situated next to a tall gate, the ‘ㄷ’-shaped anchae (women’s quarters), and the ‘ㄱ’-shaped sarangchae (men’s quarters), which are configured in an overall square layout. The accommodation includes the munganchae, the araet sarang with a numaru (upper floor), and the wit sarang and the geonneotbang, each of which has a large toenmaru (a narrow wooden porch running along the outside of the building). Notably, the geonneotbang, which is connected with the daecheong (wooden floor) and has a cozy courtyard surrounded by a mud wall, was the living space for the eldest son of the family and his wife for many generations. As the house has been designated as a National Folklore Cultural Heritage, cooking in the guestrooms is strictly prohibited. However, the house provides breakfast prepared by the daughter-in-law of the head house free of charge. The toilets and shower room are situated in the back yard.