Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A HOUSING TRADITION
entrance to a traditional
hanok
home
Traditional-style Korean homes, or
hanok,
were once viewed as a somewhat back-
ward reminder of South Korea's poverty-stricken past and were regularly leveled to
make way for the generic-looking but convenient apartment blocks that most city-
dwellers still aspire to. Fortunately, in the last few years there has been a renewal of
interest in traditional architecture and more emphasis placed on preserving the few
clusters of
hanok
that remain.
This is a welcome development because there's a lot to appreciate. Though most
hanok
are far from palatial, with their graceful tile roofs and warm earthy colors
they possess an understated beauty that's a welcome contrast to the country's neon-
drenched cityscapes. Anyone who spends time in a
hanok
will quickly appreciate
how much thought has gone into the deceptively simple-looking design of these
homes. Traditionally, every square centimeter of the house is made of natural materi-
als such as wood and earth and is designed to harmonize with the surrounding envir-
onment. From the
ondol
under-floor heating system to wide
daechong
porches that