History
- In Goryeo Dynasty, the Yun family of this village gave birth to a queen, and her heritage remains today as Gongsubaem. This village also gave birth to Kang Hui-baek (pen-name: Tongjeong), the financial minister during late Goryeo Dynasty, and Ha Yeon (pen-name: Munhyogong), who was the prime minister under King Sejong of Joseon Dynasty. Since the establishment of Joseon Dynasty, many noble families resided in this historical town including Seongju Yi clan, Miryang Bak clan, and Jinyang Ha clan. Inside the village, there remain many luxury farm houses that were constructed in early 20th century. The oldest house in this village is the house of Yi Sang-taek, the head family of Seongju Yi clan. Anchae (women’s quarters) was constructed in early 18th century while sarangchae (men's quarters) was built in early 20th century.
- Namsa Village was home of scholars who honored their families by passing the state examination. It was for long renowned as a scholarly village, and was often compared to Nigusan and Sasu, the birthplace of Confucius. These village histories can be viewed in Sayangjeongsa House, Yisajae House, and moving village school within this village.
- Namsa Village originally called Sawol, Jinju, but its name changed when the village was integrated to Danseong-gun. Since Danseong-gun borough already had a town named Sawol, the name was changed to Namsa, which means Sawol of the south. The mountain behind the village is named Nigusan Mountain, which comes from the mountain in Shandong, China where Confucius was born. Stream water surrounds and flows around the village.
Cultural assets of Namsa Village
-The village houses 1 national treasure and 4 Gyeongsangnam-do cultural data. To the east of the village, there remains a moving village school, in which Gwak Jong-seok (pen-name: Myeonu) used to teach. Gwak was the prominent figure who submitted the Petition for Independence to the International Peace Conference. On the mountaintop behind Nigusan Mountain, there remains the site of Sogoesa Temple, an ancient temple from Silla Dynasty. Here, the Seated Stone Buddha was discovered and became Korea’s national treasure No. 374.
To the east of the village, there is a highway that connects Daejeon-Tongyeong and makes this village very accessible. A driver can enter Namsa Village upon taking exit through Danseong IC and driving 10 minutes on the National Road No. 20. The traditional Korean-style Houses in the village are used to provide accommodation service to the tourists. The villagers strive to increase their income through tourism business that stresses the characteristics of traditional village under the name ‘Namsa Yaedamchon.’