Sabrina Gradolf editor（Switzerland）
Right after our exam at school we went to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. We both had our vaccination certificates with us because this is stated on the website. However, it turned out that only Korean certificates are allowed. So, what now? We looked for an alternative and found one: The National Folk Museum of Korea.
The grounds were beautiful with trees around the perimeter and smaller plants trapped in the courtyard.
Small garden cottages with benches completed the picture. A small house from the 19th century allowed us to take a small step back in time. We can only imagine the living conditions at that time. It was probably not easy for lower- and middle-class families. However, the sight of this architectural art was breathtaking. We saved the jewel for last. The majestic palace at the head of the endless steps towered over the whole area. We were speechless.
(Rotary Grinding Mill)
The sky was bright blue, the sun was shining and it was pleasantly warm for this time of year. There is no better weather to explore an outdoor museum. But make your own impression of our trip - check out our pictures and our Youtube-Video. We make Seoul unsafe for you!
Rotary grinding mills were driven by an ox or horse and used to mill grain. Rotary mills, where the upper millstone ran horizontally on the base stone through the power of work animals, were much more efficient than hand mills with mortars and pestles, which utilized pressing and rotating motions. During the grinding, one person held reins of the ox or horse pulling the mill stone, and another person fed and turned the crops with wooden shovel. Building a rotary grinding mill required much money so villagers usually built a d used them collectively. Such mills almost completely disappeared with the introduction of mechanical mills.
Ochon House
1848
Donated by Nam Byeong-hyeok
Original Location: Wongu-1-ri, Yeonghae-myeong, Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
It demonstrates typical features of a house belonging to a local family with medium income during the late Joseon period. “Ochon” in the building’s name comes from Ochon-ri, the name of the birth village of a woman who married into the Nam family.
When the house was dismantled for relocation, an inscription indicating the year of the construction, 1848, was discovered. The house was built in a square shape with a yard in the center. All roof ridges were connected and the women’s quarter was smoothly linked to the men’s space. There are four rooms 9for the male owner, his wife, guests, and servants), two open floor spaces, and two spaces for storage. There are entrances on all sides except the back of the house. A jar stand is located in the back of the house, and a mill, well, and outhouse are on the right.
Sabrina Gradolf editor（Switzerland）
acopia.news@gmail.com