Series

Defining ‘hanok’ right opens up possibilities

Koreans have long taken pride in the traditional Korean house, “hanok,” for its embrace of a lifestyle seeking harmony with nature. However, what truly makes hanok the kind of house that embodies such ideals is still debated — a discussion now in need of a conclusion, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s director of hanok preservation. “Hanok has survived generations, meaning its adaptations today are varied, catering to the needs of many contemporary architects and homeowners,” said

Pursuing living tradition: Architect Daniel Tandler on reimagining hanok tradition

For Korean German architect Daniel Tandler, understanding the essence of "hanok" is conducive not only to good design, but also to grasping the broader values embedded in Korean life. Over the past decade, Tandler has immersed himself in studying, designing and living with hanok — traditional Korean houses known for their harmony with nature, wooden joinery, "ondol" underfloor heating and open spatial flow. Through his Seoul-based practice, the Urbandetail Architecture co-founder and principal a

Designing contemporary hanok inspired by 'madangjip'

From the street level, the building looks like one of many cafes in the city with glass walls on three sides. Perhaps its pillars hint at an unusual structure. It is only once more of the building comes into view as you approach it, that you are struck by its unique appearance. Jinkwansa Korean Cultural Experience Center is a contemporary hanok building located at the entrance of Jinkwansa, a Buddhist temple nestled in the foot of Bukhansan. Its traditional tiled roof and wooden lattice windows

Can multistory hanok be defined as traditional Korean housing?

Hanok, the architectural style of traditional Korean homes, is of a premodern time since when the way people live has changed drastically, which means hanok must evolve to continue to house those living in the 21st century. Hwang Doo-jin, the director of Doojin Hwang Architects who has won two grand prizes in the National Hanok Competition held by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, for Mokgyeongheon and the L residence, told The Korea Herald that he believes that hanok's evoluti

K-pop, K-drama ― and K-housing?

Hanok, Korea's traditional architectural style deeply influenced by Joseon-era (1392-1910) Confucianism and geomancy, may have the potential to become a competitive cultural asset akin to K-pop and Korean drama series, hanok experts contend. However, in order to fully harness hanok's potential, those building hanoks must modernize their approach — not by merely replicating traditional designs or rigidly following old construction methods, but by flexibly incorporating modern construction procedu

Hanok at crossroads: Embracing changes or staying true to traditions?

Traditions evolve over time, adapting to changing culture and new technologies. Such evolution can be subtle with gradual changes or, at times, dramatic. And hanok, Korean traditional housing, has likewise been evolving. The term hanok, literally meaning “Korean house,” emerged in the late 19th century to distinguish the existing houses from other buildings in western styles that began to proliferate following the opening of the ports and the steady influx of western influences in diverse aspect