In traditional Korean homes, people believed that 'House guardian spirits' called 'Gataek-sin' stayed throughout different parts of the house, protecting the family and watching over the household. Each spirit was connected to a specific space in the home and had its own name and role.

Explore Honggeonik House with the Gataek-sin stamp tour postcard and collect stamps from five different locations around the house.

① 터주신 | Teoju-sin | Land Guardian Spirit

The Teoju-sin is a spirit that protects the land and the house.

People placed newly harvested rice in a small jar and kept it in the backyard or near the Jangdokdae(Terrace for korean traditional jar) area.

② 용왕신 | Yongwang-sin | Well Guardian Spirit

The Yongwang-sin is a spirit connected to wells and water, providing clean water for the household. Because of this, people tried to speak and behave carefully near the well.

③ 성주신 | Seongju-sin | House Guardian Spirit

The Seongju-sin is the main guardian spirit of the house.

It stays near the main wooden beam and watches over the family and home. People prayed to this spirit when building or moving into a house, wishing for peace, safety, and prosperity.

④ 조왕신 | Jowang-sin | Kitchen Guardian Spirit

The Jowang-sin is the spirit of the kitchen and fire(stove).

People placed fresh water every morning and prayed for the health and safety of the family. Since the kitchen was an important place in daily life, this spirit was also seen as a spirit of wealth.

⑤ 문간신 | Mungan-sin | Main Gate Guardian Spirit

The Mungan-sin is the spirit that guards the main gate.

The gate was seen as the boundary between the house and the outside, where both good and bad fortune could pass through. This spirit protected the house and kept bad luck away.