Spring 2024 SDLC112
Cultural Post #3
한옥 “Hanok”
David Kim
30262888
david.kim123@richmond.edu
한옥 “Hanok” refers to traditional Korean houses, known for their unique architectural style and cultural significance. These houses have been a staple of Korean architecture for centuries, embodying the principles of harmony with nature, functional efficiency, and social hierarchy.
Hanok houses are typically single-story structures with a floor plan that follows the natural contours of the land. They are often L-shaped or square, with rooms arranged around a central courtyard called a madang. The layout is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation while providing privacy and security. 마루 “Maru” is an architectural element of Hanok that was developed to adapt to the heat. Maru is a space on the floor made of wood that allows a pleasant summer by allowing the air to pass through without the moisture from the floor. In addition, the floor is used as a place to connect multiple rooms or store things.
The roof of a Hanok determines the impression of a Hanok, whose beauty comes from its sleek curves. The
naturally raised curves of Hanoks preserve their classical beauty compared to the straight roof shapes found in traditional Chinese and Japanese architecture. Gently curved Hanok roofs are made of traditional materials such as 한지 hanji (Korean paper) or clay tiles. The eaves of the roof extend outward to provide shade and protection from the elements, creating a distinctive silhouette.
One important feature of Hanok houses is the 온돌 ondol, a traditional Korean underfloor heating system. Heated by a wood-burning stove, the ondol system circulates hot air through channels under the floor, providing warmth during the cold Korean winters. The ondol system is still used even today in apartments. It was a very efficient and effective system because it could solve heating and cooking at the same time. Traditional ondol was changed to boiling water with the boilers.
Hanok houses reflect traditional Korean beliefs and values. For example, the layout of the house often reflects Confucian ideals of social hierarchy, with the most important rooms located closer to the main entrance. Also, people believed that harmony with nature was important. Hanok houses are typically constructed using wood and earth materials such as clay, straw, and stone from the surrounding environment. These natural materials help regulate indoor temperature and humidity, contributing to a comfortable living environment.
While traditional Hanok houses have been preserved in some parts of Korea, many have been adapted to modern living standards. The main problems with Hanok houses were uncomfortable facilities, challenging maintenance, and high costs for building. Modern Hanok houses may incorporate contemporary amenities such as electricity, plumbing, and insulation while preserving the traditional architectural elements and aesthetics. Recently, Hanok houses are used for different purposes rather than to live. Main purposes are using them as places for restaurants, cafes, museums, and more. There are also hotels and accommodations that offer the concept of Hanok. If you have a chance to visit Korea, I recommend you to visit Hanok Village in Bukchon, Seoul or Gyeongju.
Hanok houses are not just architectural structures but living representations of Korean culture and history. They continue to be cherished and preserved as valuable cultural heritage sites, providing a glimpse into Korea's traditional way of life.
Korean Sources
https://hanok.seoul.go.kr/front/kor/info/infoHanok.do?tab=1
English Sources
Comments
Thanks for explaining the style of houses in Korea. When I went abroad in Seoul, I was shocked to find out that the floor had heating, which is something that is not seen a lot in American houses. So it was cool to know a bit more on the system.
I really like the fact that you incorporate pictures on your posts so that people can have a better understanding of Korean culture. My parents had shown me a picture of their hanoks that they lived in when they were little. They used to live in countryside, so it wasn't as developed as the cities.
I remember when I studied abroad in Yonsei, I went to the Bukchon Hanok Village and was amazed at the unique architectural style. When I went, I did not learn about its cultural significance or how it reflects the Confucian ideals of social hierarchy. It’s so interesting that social hierarchy can also apply in architecture and not just in social settings.
I had no idea the houses themselves reflected Korean beliefs and values, Its cool to think that architecture can really represent its society. I never knew the history or the traditional layouts of these hanoks, it was very informative to read about
I remember when I went to Korea in the winter the floors of the houses were always very warm. It's especially useful because of how cold it can get there from all the wind and pressure changes. It's always also very nice since many Korean households still choose to sleep the floor which honestly made it warmer and more comfortable to sleep compared to a bed, blanket, and heater.