Jwaseungdang, Local Governor's Office

This building was originally built in 1817 by Sim Sang-gyu (1766-1838), then serving as the Yusu of Gwangju, and used as his office. He named it Jwaseung (literally meaning “winning victories even while seated”) as he wanted it to be a center of strategies for beating Joseon’s enemies. The site of the building was prepared by demolishing the wall dividing the Naehaengjeon and the Bukhaenggak, and moving the latter to a separate location. According to a contemporary record, on the western wall there used to be a “moon gate” leading to an observation tower, from which was hung a plaque bearing its name, Yuchasallu.