Nestled along the Nakdong River in Andong, South Korea, Nongam Jongtaek preserves more than 600 years of family history, traditional architecture, and Korean cultural heritage. In this exclusive interview with Lee Byunggak, we explore the legacy of Nongam Yi Hyeon-bo, the enduring values of filial piety and respect for nature, and how the traditions of this historic residence continue to inspire younger generations.
What does Nongam Jongtaek mean to you personally?
To me, Nongam Jongtaek is more than just a traditional house; it is a place that deeply engraves my roots and identity. In a modern society where there is barely time to reflect on who we are, the 600-year history and spirit of a family become a steadfast source of strength for living in this era. It is a true spiritual home and a sanctuary that preserves time, showing how humans can find peace of mind by harmonizing with nature amid the busyness of daily life.
What can Nongam Yi Hyeon-bo teach us about Korean values today?
While many people sought higher office and greater power, Nongam Yi Hyeon-bo made the rare decision, for his time, to retire honorably from public service and return to his hometown to devote himself to his parents. His life offers a powerful example of filial piety, humility, and respect for family.
It is said that, at around the age of 90, he hosted a feast for the village’s elders, regardless of their social status. At the age of 70, he also wore colourful patchwork clothing to entertain his living parents, demonstrating his affection and devotion to them.
Nongam also composed Eobuga, a celebrated work in Korean literary history that expresses a deep appreciation for nature. Through this work, he conveyed the ideal of living in harmony with the natural world. Its famous opening sentiment, “Among these, how can one be free from worry? This is the life of a fisherman,” reflects his desire to move beyond worldly struggles, power, and anxiety in search of peace in nature.
Nongam’s life demonstrates how personal values, artistic expression, and everyday actions can become one. His example remains meaningful to modern people weary of endless competition, reminding us of the importance of appreciating nature and our homeland, cherishing our families, and respecting every individual regardless of social status.
How has your family preserved the Nongam legacy across generations?
Despite the risk of flooding from the construction of Andong Dam and the possibility of the ancestral home being lost, the descendants of Nongam have devoted themselves to preserving it intact. In the 1970s, when the construction of the Andong Dam threatened to submerge the ancestral home, the building was relocated to a safer site, and since then, the scattered agricultural rock-related relics (Myeongnongdang, Geunggudang, Bungang Seowon, etc.) have been gathered along the Nakdong River in present-day Gaseong Village, Andong, and restored and preserved as a cohesive historical space.
What is the most meaningful tradition still practiced at Nongam Jongtaek?
The most meaningful traditions are undoubtedly the Bulcheonwi ritual (the ceremony of not relinquishing one’s position) and the culture of warmly welcoming guests, known as the Bongjesa guest reception. The tradition of faithfully honoring the memorial rites for Master Nongam, designated by the state as a ‘Bulcheonwi’ (a spirit tablet granted eternal enshrinement for great merit), with devotion passed down through generations, confirming the roots of the family and warmly welcoming all who visit the ancestral home, continues to this day.
What role does the surrounding Nakdong River and landscape play in the identity of the Jongtaek?
The Nakdong Riverbank of Gasong Village, where Nongam Jongtaek now stands, is a key element in defining the identity of the ancestral home. This is the very setting of the ‘Fisherman’s Song” sung by Master Nongam; the sheer cliffs (the foothills of Cheongnyang Mountain) and the winding Nakdong River visually testify to the “laid-back, nature-friendly life” that scholars sought. A landscape with a mountain at the back and water in front makes a home look like part of nature.
How can traditional Korean houses become more relevant to younger generations?
A strategy of ‘learning from the past to create the new’ is needed—preserving the traditional framework while modernizing the interior amenities. The ultimate value of a traditional hanok lies in its complete harmony with nature. Therefore, it is important to center on the inherent value of hanok as harmony with nature and to adaptively improve the functional inconveniences experienced by modern people to fit the times. Nongam Jongtaek has also been modernly and comfortably renovated with restrooms, showers, and heating facilities to ensure that younger generations have no inconvenience during their stay. Rather than forcing discomfort, it allows guests to enjoy the unique tranquility of a hanok and the charm of a traditional yard in a clean and convenient environment. If we continue to preserve the aesthetics of hanok that embrace nature while adding design and functional enhancements, I am confident that traditional hanok can be reborn as the ultimate ‘wellness architecture’ that heals both body and mind for younger generations.
What stories or artifacts at Nongam Jongtaek do you wish more people knew about?
Among the many legacies of Nongam Jongtaek, I particularly hope that more people will discover the story of Aiedang (愛日堂), a pavilion built by Nongam in 1512 and designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Gyeongsangbuk-do. He built it out of a heartfelt desire to cherish his aging parents and fulfil his filial duties.
The name Aiedang reflects the preciousness of time spent with one’s parents and the longing of a child who understands that the days shared with them are limited. Through this pavilion and the stories associated with it, we can rediscover the enduring importance of family and the value of cherishing our loved ones—especially in modern society, where parent-child relationships can easily become distant.
Another legacy I hope more people will discover is our family’s traditional homemade liquor, which was introduced to the public around five years ago under the name Ilyeop Pyeonju (一葉扁舟, ELLYEOPPYUNJOO). Created for the Bongje family and its guests, this liquor represents more than a traditional drink; it carries approximately 600 years of family heritage and the refined elegance of Joseon scholars.
Its name comes from Nongam’s celebrated work Eobuga and evokes the image of a small boat floating across vast waters, symbolising the freedom to leave behind the worries of the everyday world. According to Nongamjip, in the summer of 1547, Nongam and Toegye Yi Hwang floated boats on the Nakdong River, shared liquor, and composed poetry by lantern light. Their gathering reflects the refined leisure, friendship, and artistic spirit associated with the scholars of the Joseon era.
Through a single cup of Ilyeop Pyeonju, we hope to bring the friendship, romance, and refined sensibility of the scholars who once gathered along the Nakdong River some 500 years ago closer to people today.
How can Korea share its traditional culture with the world without losing its authenticity?
Minimize commercial alteration and convey both the ‘context’ and the ‘story’ of the culture. Authenticity is maintained not by treating a hanok merely as a beautiful lodging facility, but by conveying through experiences—such as tea gatherings and cultural heritage tours—why the house was built and what the people who lived there thought. You must show the ‘spirit’ within, not just replicate the appearance.
What would you like the next generation to carry forward from Nongam Jongtaek?
It is not material property or buildings, but a warm heart for living together and a sense of historical pride. I hope that Mr. Nongam’s scholarly spirit—fearful of nature, respectful of his parents, and generous to neighbors and guests—will continue in the hearts of the next generation, preserving the dignity of humanity that remains unchanged no matter how the world changes.
Through its centuries-old traditions, connection to nature, and enduring spirit of hospitality, Nongam Jongtaek offers a meaningful glimpse into Korea’s living heritage. As Lee Byunggak reflects, preserving such places means safeguarding not only historic buildings but also the values, family stories, and cultural traditions that connect generations.