Namwon Gwanghanru, Setting of 'The Tale of Chunhyang,' Designated National Treasure

Gwanghanru Pavilion in Namwon, a place steeped in the love story of Chunhyang and Mongryong from the classic novel 'The Tale of Chunhyang,' has been elevated to the status of National Treasure. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced the promotion from its previous designation as a Treasure in 1963.

Known as the 'Number One Pavilion of Honam,' Gwanghanru is a grand structure from the late Joseon Dynasty. It features a main hall with five bays and four bays deep, an attached wing (Yoseon Pavilion) with three bays and two bays deep, and connecting corridors, all under a hip-and-gable roof. A distinctive architectural element is the use of three overlapping beams to create a spacious interior, adorned with carvings of mythical creatures like dragons and turtles on the bracket system.

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Gwanghanru Pavilion, which combines the characteristics of late Joseon woodworking with practical elements such as the ondol in the wing and stairs in the corridors, has outstanding artistic value in harmony with the surrounding garden of Gwanghanru, a scenic site.

The pavilion's origins trace back to Gwangtong Pavilion, built by the renowned statesman Hwang Hui during his exile in Namwon during the Joseon Sejong era. It later served as a venue for banquets and poetry gatherings for officials. The surrounding lake, three artificial islands named 'Bongrae,' 'Bangjang,' and 'Yeongju,' and the Ojakgyo Bridge were added by Namwon Magistrate Jang Uiguk and Jeollado Provincial Governor Songgang Jeong Cheol in the 15th and 16th centuries. Although the original pavilion was destroyed in the 1597 Japanese invasions, it was rebuilt to its current scale in 1626 by Namwon Magistrate Shin Gam and has undergone several renovations since.

The Cultural Heritage Administration highlighted Gwanghanru's unique blend of elaborate late Joseon woodworking with practical features like ondol heating in the wing and stairs in the corridors. Its artistic value is further enhanced by its harmonious integration with the surrounding Gwanghanru Garden, a designated scenic site. The administration also noted its significant historical meaning, preserved for approximately 400 years through the continuous efforts of the local community, with numerous historical records detailing its existence.

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It has a great historical meaning, as its history of about 400 years has been preserved without major changes through the continuous efforts of the local community, and numerous related records are passed down through Sangyangmun, Eupji, and modern newspaper articles.