Traditional Korean
Architecture
In-Souk CHO
Architect and Principal of DaaRee Architect & Associates
Seoul, Korea
Prepared for presentation at
the 15th HMS Colloquium on “Korean Architecture: Past and Present”
November 3, 2007 George
Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
Abstract:
In a time of diverse
and rapid changing environment in Korea, which lies at the crossroads
of development and conservation, we need a new approach for understanding
the quality of our own traditional architecture. With escalating problems
for the historical townscape and cultural landscape - such as a lack
of continuity and loss of identity - the question arises as to whether
an educational approach for the future protection of historical townscape
and cultural landscape can lead to new ways to improve the quality of
life in every corner of cities.
The main objective of
this study is to review the notions of spatial awareness of the Traditional
Korean Architecture. It is an approach which is more oriented towards
factual analysis and focused more on spatial organizations on the basis
of historic remains in Korea. Structural system, including the material
and techniques applied in the traditional architecture, is analyzed
as well. The influences of the architectural space to literature and
film, and further suggestions are discussed.
A case study of diverse
building complex (e.g., administrative buildings, residential architecture,
and educational-cultural-ritual architecture) is documented focusing
chiefly on the values of the space, and secondly considering the issues
of various concepts including Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian. The passageways
to these specific realms are reviewed and the characteristics of the
Korean wooden structure are dealt with as well.
By focusing on the historic, social, technological, and aesthetic values of the spatial hierarchy, the main contribution to solving future issues through case studies is to educate the people living in the historical city or villages. The basic argument for this approach to education for both local residents and government is to increase community awareness and to encourage the local residents’ confidence and pride, while conserving the historical townscape and cultural landscape.
Contents:
1. Passageways: the way to the sacred world or private realm
1) Bridges and stairways
2) Gates and doors
2. Spatial organisations: space in traditional Korean architecture:
1) Space: Administrative buildings, residential architecture,
educational-cultural-ritual spaces
2) Value: Historic, social, technological and aesthetic values
3) Issue: Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian concepts
3.
A look at the Korean wooden structure
Until recently many cities and villages in Korea have singularly pursued material growth and economic development. Sustainability has now become the central concern of both the local government and the general public. A wide spectrum of campaigns has been initiated to overhaul the local administration and its policies towards a consciousness of natural environment and historic conservation. Historic conservation and sustainability are an integral part of architecture and urban development in Korea, providing a vital link to the past.
A new approach for understanding
the quality of Korean traditional architecture, which is more oriented
towards factual analysis and focused more on spatial organisations on
the basis of historic remains in Korea will be dealt with in this study.
-ten years- 1[1]
It took ten years to build
my little thatched hut.
One part is for me, the moon fills the second,
the third is reserved for the clear wind.
Rivers and mountains: There is no room to invite you in!
Stay where you are, I’ll gaze at you surrounding me.
Song Sun (1493-1383) Translated by Young-Key Kim-Renaud