Interesting... the Yangban family was comprised of two types of noblemen: the warrior and the scholar --the man of action and the man of thought.

Shakespeare's tragic heroes usually fell into one of these two types - there is Othello, the warrior, or Hamlet, the thinker. Some of the deepest tragedies, however, involve scholars--men of thought.

Once again, we see the yin-yang tension in the two types of human temperament, and in the traditional house versus the modern apartments.

From that basic duality all the variety of human life can be represented, but I think it's interesting that over time the authority of the scholar is held in high regard.

The simplicity of the humble Confucian way of life contrasts with the large estate -- the inner rooms being small and sparsely ornamented.

There were many beautiful photos here, @slowwalker, but my favourite was the portrait of Kim Jang Saeng looking peaceful and wise in his long white beard and wearing the traditional Gat hat.

Once again, @slowwalker, you bring Korean culture and history to life. An excellent post!