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
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