In Andong, Yi Hyeon Bo’s NongamJongtaek (family home/academy) is geographically located in adjacent areas along the upper reaches of the Nakdong River. A historical place, built over 650 years ago, where the flow of Neo-Confucianism, literature in the mid-Joseon Dynasty, and the spirit of life meet.

NongamJongtaek is located on a cliff overlooking the Nakdong River, a geomantic site with mountains behind and the river flowing in front. The name Nongam comes from Yi Hyeon Bo teacher’s pen name, humbly meaning “silent cliff.” The Nakdong River, which flows as if embracing the heritage homes, carries on its gentle waves the quiet breath of learning. The stream reflects the sky like a mirror, and blends with the fog flowing without a clear outline, creating a mysterious atmosphere. As if human intentions were placed on a desk made by nature, the space of learning is completed through harmony with nature, carrying the sentiments behind Yi Hyeon Bo teacher’s pen name. In summer, the Confucian academy is lush green while in fall, the leaves are blazing. The terrain changes its __EXPRESSION__ with the seasons, but at its center, the same tranquility always flows.

Yi Hyeon Bo lived in seclusion with nature as his friend and portrayed the Confucian human image through poetry and lyrics. The scholar, who valued this exact harmony between nature and life, can be seen through how their homes and schools still represent tranquility centuries later. His descendant and now Jongson, eldest son and head of the Yeongcheon Lee clan, Lee Seong Won lives and takes care of the NongamJongtaek.

Mr. Lee now opens the doors of the Jongtaek widely to the public for hanok stays, experiencing the night breeze as you sleep, eat, and embrace nature at the traditional Korean homes. Yi Hyeon Bo teacher quit his government office position at Hanyang, modern day Seoul, and returned to Andong, where he was able to take care of his elderly mother while rekindling his love for literature. Upon returning to the Jongtaek, Yi Hyeon Bo teacher began to build the Aeildang, meaning the ‘Hall of Cherishing the Day,’ for his mother. The sentiment behind constructing the Aeildang goes as far into the reason Yi teacher left office: his Confucian belief of “Hyo,” filial piety, led his heart to come back home and care for his mother. Built on top of a large stone, the building’s scenery deliberately overlooks the Nakdong River while the mountains are spread out vastly, a beautiful sight for his mother to enjoy.

Thus, Mr. Lee operates this hanok stay as he similarly wants to provide the environment where one can embrace the surrounding nature’s energy, rekindle something lost like Yi Hyeon Bo teacher had done, and most importantly, remember the importance of Hyo. Mr. Lee left us with a heartfelt message about what it means to live. “The two experiences everyone should have plenty of are reading and traveling. You need to travel around the world and embrace the natural energy all around the world while reading and obtaining the knowledge of the historical marks of those lands. Yi Hyeon Bo teacher returned back to his hometown and family after spending much time in a political and artificial atmosphere in order to rekindle his connection with nature and literature. You too should focus on developing those connections around the vast world.”