Namwon has “10 hidden gems,” one of which is Namwon Mongsimjae Historic House. It was selected by the city of Namwon that wanted to promote its special cultural heritage to the rest of the country. Mongsimjae Historic House still preserves the typical look and shape of a traditional hanok of a noble family. This is why it was designated as National Folklore Cultural Heritage No. 149.

Mongsimjae Historic House was built by Mr. Bak Dong-sik who lived from 1753 to 1830 in the late Joseon Dynasty. The historic house has a mountain to its back and there is a low hill in front. Several buildings of different heights are established on steep slopes of the hillside. Each of these buildings stands tall and they form harmony with the surroundings to exude vintage chic styling and excellent aesthetic beauty.

Sarangchae is built in an extravagant manner. The house is erected on top of a tall platform and it is built this way to have a wide open view that is not blocked by the mountain in front. It uniquely uses octagonal columns in all seven of the rooms. Not only that, a separate daecheongexists next to munganchaeto allow lower-class folks a place to rest, and this is something that cannot be found in a noble family house during the Joseon Dynasty. This historic house is the only one in Korea that features such a space installed in consideration of servants.