Siwon/ 시원

Situated within Jeonju Hanok Village, Siwon is a hanok experience hall designated by the local government. The names of its individual rooms carry such meanings as “a wish for a life full of love, health and joy”. Each room (except the Gadeukbang) has a small attic where guests can have fun climbing up and down a ladder. The clay structure with a wood shingle roof is the source of many fond memories for the owner, a permanent fixture of the village, who was born and grew up in the house. The house was once called “the house of persimmon trees in Ssangsiam alley”. Although the framework of the house was completed in 1954, it has only been open to tourists since it was repaired and renovated in 2014. The house has been fully insulated against draughts and sound-proofed, transforming into a comfortable, cozy guest house that retains the unique beauty of a traditional Korean hanok. The house’s yard contains a small flower garden and a swing, as well as a space where guests can play tuho, a traditional game in which the players try to throw sticks into a canister, jaegichagi, and other traditional games. In addition, guests can try their hand at woodcraft by cutting and carving pieces of wood into artworks of their own making. A number of attractions are within walking distance of Siwon, including Gyeonggijeon Shrine, which contains the portrait of King Taejo Seong-gye Yi, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty; Jeondong Cathedral, which features a European architectural design; Omokdae, where King Taejo defeated the Japanese army and held a banquet; Jeonjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School; Namcheon Bridge and Cheonyeonru Pavilion; Nambu Market, a foodies’ paradise; and the Youth Mall