The Beauty of Korea’s Hanok

Imagine sitting on the porch of a house — the gentle breeze passes through a sea of bamboo trees and caresses your checks on a blistering summer day. In the winter, the familiar sound of crackling fire amongst the bed of rocks beneath you brings joy to your ears — and the warmth from their combination embraces and protects you from the harsh cold outside. How could such a versatile house exist? Does such a house even exist in the first place? The answer is yes! Korea’s Hanok provides this type of versatility in everyday life.

 

Now what exactly is a Hanok? Hanok (韓屋) is literally translated as “Korean House.” Throughout history, there have been many instances in which experts have tried to streamline the definition of a Hanok but because of many clashes of opinions between experts, as such, for quite a while, there has not been an exact definition for Hanok. However, experts today stick to the definition that a Hanok is a wooden architectural structure that is constructed using the basis of traditional Korean framework consisting of, but is not limited to columns, purlins, and a roof reflecting the Korean traditional shape and style.

 

But what exactly does it mean to embody the Korean traditional shape and style? Well, the Hanok’s architecture is streamlined between houses and has certain defining features with different symbolic meanings that come together to make a Hanok.

 

Starting from the most distinguishable feature, Hanok is topped with a Giwa — a roof adorned with tile made from baked tile, which curves at the base and at the ends. Within the roof, one will be able to find a distinguishable skeleton that supports the roof called the Seokkarae — a structure which is reminiscent of a spider’s delicately woven web.

 

Moving on to the living portion of the Hanok, it is divided into three distinct sections with specific purposes. The front portion of the house called the Sarangchae, was commonly used by the men of the house to host guests. Oppositely, the center, Anchae, is considered the most private section of the house, as it was a space that wives, and landladies used to care for their children. It was also the space in which family events were held. As such, it is commonly protected by a gate. Lastly, many Hanoks had a Sadang — the back portion of the house, which was used to enshrine each family’s ancestral tablets, and hold rituals to pay respects to their ancestors.

 

Each Hanok is also equipped with an Ondol, a heating system beneath the stone floor of the house in which heat is delivered from the kitchen. Many people cite that this is a great way to stay warm in the winter! While in the summer, people are able to retreat to the Maru, the epicenter of the Hanok, which is exposed to nature and lets the optimal amount of cool air to circulate through and within the entire house.

 

All of these unique features that make Hanok are enveloped with the eye-catching traditional Obang coloring, a combination of red, blue, yellow, black, and white. With such a distinct meaning-filled architecture, it is no wonder that it had taken so long to reach a consensus regarding the exact definition of a Hanok!

 

For a long time, Hanoks were only known to the niche of people who had dedicated their lives to learning about Korean traditional culture, and/or traveling to unique places all around the world. However, thanks to the spread of Hallyu, many people all around the world are flocking to South Korea to see Hanok — many even booking months in advance in order to experience a Hanok Stay.

 

In 2019, the sensational Korean Group BTS promoted a summer package which provided fans with goods of the group and promoted the Awon Museum and Hotel — a two in one Hanok stay which provides lodging in the 250+ year old architecture, access to the museum annex and all surrounded by nature!

 

Recently, Youn’s Stay, a spin-off of the famous Youn’s Kitchen series directed by Producer Na also filmed at a 200-year-old Hanok Village in Ssangsanje, Gurye. The series was created with the intention of giving foreigners a traditional Korean Hanok experience, all the while allowing viewers to experience all the events of the show vicariously through carefully filmed and sometimes-unedited filmography. It’s worthy to note that all crew and visitors had followed COVID-19 prevention protocol and as a bonus, all houses in the establishment are placed a great distance apart to allow for social distancing. However, the slots for the experience are currently limited as to maintain safety in light of COVID-19 spread.

 

However, as much sensation as hanok’s have garnered due to this newfound attention, Hanok villages such as Bukchon Hanok Village have been overridden by tourists, making it hard to maintain a peaceful daily life. It has also faced threats of city reconstruction and redevelopment — all but too many times almost losing the decades of traditional value.

 

Thankfully, those interested in visiting Hanok or Hanok Villages have a wide variety of locations to choose from. In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and for the sake of residents it is recommended to seek out areas that are not frequented by large tourist groups. However, in the case that a famous tourist site is chosen, it is best to observe peacefully and respectively to both show appreciation and respect for both residents and the decades of tradition the houses hold!

 

 

Written by: Romeo Celes Jr.

Originally from Waipahu, Hawaii, Current 5th year university student, Candidate for a Bachelor of Arts in Korean Language Flagship, Molecular & Cell Biology, and minor in Music at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Exchange student at Korea University and Intern at VANK (Voluntary Agency Network of Korea)”