Find 61+ Charming Korean Traditional House Design Voted By The Construction Association

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Korean culture is deeply rooted in traditions, so it’s no surprise that architecture in the country is mostly rooted in traditional design elements. The traditional house architecture of Korea has been studied, admired and passed down through generations for hundreds of years. In this post, we’ve gathered 10 top Korean traditional house designs any homeowner, architecture enthusiast, or traveler should know. From well-preserved folk villages to modern, energy-efficient designs, you’ll be truly inspired by the beauty of the Korean architecture and craftsmanship.

Hanok: Traditional Korean House Designs

Hanok, also known as gung or wung, is one of the oldest and most traditional Korean house designs. It is a kind of wooden structure with large, sweeping roofs and short, evenly-spaced columns. Hanok houses typically feature clay ondol floor heating, a distinctively Korean system that keeps the ground warm in winter.

The main characteristics of hanok house designs include curved roofs, latticed bay windows, and long, slightly curving walls. The roof is typically front-facing, allowing through natural light. The walls are made of wood, usually cedar or cypress. Other decorative elements include wooden lattice window screens, stone entryways, and tiled roofs.

Due to their beauty and timelessness, hanok houses have stayed popular for centuries. Even today, couples may spend considerable sums to purchase a house with a traditional hanok layout.

Hanok: Traditional Korean House Designs

Modernized Korean House Designs with Hanok Elements

Many of today's modern Korean house designs feature a hanok-style structure. As the country has industrialized, increasing amounts of the population have moved into cities, and more modern structures have replaced traditional hanok houses. These modern constructions still often incorporate hanok-style elements, such as iconic curved roofs, latticed windows, and natural light.

The modern hanoks generally have a few key features that separate them from more traditional houses. These include reinforced walls made of steel or concrete, the use of glass, and openings in the walls to provide natural light and ventilation. Interior features may include items such as bidets and Western-style kitchens that were unavailable in older hanoks.

Modernized Korean House Designs with Hanok Elements

Ondol: Traditional Korean Heating System in Houses

Ondol, sometimes called ondul, refers to a type of floor heating that was historically used in Korean hanok houses. Generally, it is a floor that is sunken below ground level and filled with stones. Hot air from a stove or furnace is then blown through the stones, heating them up in the process. The heat from the stones radiates through the entire floor, providing warmth to the house.

Ondol is one of the oldest forms of heating and is still widely used in many parts of Korea. In modern homes, air conditioning is the preferred method, but some still use ondol. Many Korean families also enjoy the unique atmosphere created by ondol heat in their homes.

Ondol: Traditional Korean Heating System in Houses

Gwageo: Korean Traditional House Design

Gwageo is a traditional Korean house design that originated in the 16th century. It is characterized by a large, sweeping roof and sturdy wooden columns, as well as a floor that is often sunken. It is often used to house large families, with sleeping quarters in the main roof and several smaller rooms surrounding it.

The gwageo style of house often features several large rooms and courtyards. Inside the house, the kitchen and the storeroom are distinct areas, while there is also often a “resting room” that is divided from the main living space. This room is often used for family meetings and social gatherings. Furthermore, the main section of the house is heated by a type of floor-heating system known as ondol.

Gwageo: Korean Traditional House Design

Pungsu-jiri: Korean House Design Philosophy

Pungsu-jiri is a design philosophy that originated in the Korean peninsula. It is based on the idea that the physical structure of a house is closely linked to the health and well-being of its occupants. According to this belief, the correct placement of individual elements within a house will bring health, luck, and success to the inhabitants.

Pungsu-jiri is based on the five elements: earth, wood, water, fire, and metal. Each of these elements has its own characteristics, and the idea is that they can be used to design a house in harmony with its surroundings and with its inhabitants. In practice, this involves designing the house in alignment with the features of the landscape, as well as creating the correct balance between different rooms or other features.

Pungsu-jiri: Korean House Design Philosophy

Modern Korean House Design

Modern Korean house designs are characterized by their strong emphasis on functionality. This often translates to an open plan, where interior spaces are connected through large common areas. Other features commonly used in modern Korean house designs include open kitchens, storage spaces, and natural materials such as stone, wood, and metal.

Modern Korean house designs are also often characterized by their use of natural materials and light. Instead of relying on air conditioning, design elements such as louvered windows and perforated screens are used to let in natural light and air while providing privacy. Other energy-saving features, such as solar panels and green roofs, have also become increasingly popular.

Modern Korean House Design

Traditional Hanok Guest House Design

Hanok guest house designs are characterized by a simple and traditional aesthetic. Unlike the modern, urbanized look of many modern houses, hanok guest house designs often try to adhere to the traditional aesthetics of hanok houses. This means features such as large, sweeping roofs, wooden columns, and clay floor heating are often included.

Hanok guest houses are often designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. This often means features such as Korean-style furniture, a courtyard, a kitchenette, and a tansu-style room divider. Furthermore, natural materials such as wood, stone, and clay are often used to create a more traditional atmosphere.

Traditional Hanok Guest House Design

Korean Palace House Design

Korean palace house designs are inspired by the structures used by the Korean royal family in times past. These structures often contained several unique features such as large, sweeping roofs, courtyards, and a distinct style of interior layout. Even today, Korean palace house designs are often inspired by these traditional aesthetics.

In modern times, Korean palace house designs often feature an open layout with plenty of space for entertaining. Many of the furniture and decorations used are also inspired by traditional Korean art. Other features include large courtyards, private gardens, heated floors, and Korean-style furniture.

Korean Palace House Design

Jeulgwang-dang: Common Areas in Korean Houses

Jeulgwang-dang, also known as an anchae, is a common area found in traditional Korean houses. It is located at the entrance of the house and was traditionally used for both social gatherings and work. It consists of a long table and chairs, as well as a number of shelves that store books, home items, and other items.

In modern times, jeulgwang-dangs are still a common feature in Korean homes. They have been adapted into something more like a living room, where families can meet and relax. These days, they may also include features such as flat-screen TVs, sofas, and a kitchen. As a result, they are often seen as an important gathering place for family gatherings.

Jeulgwang-dang: Common Areas in Korean Houses

Sarangchae: Layout and Design of Traditional Korean Structures

Sarangchae is a traditional Korean structure used for both residential and commercial purposes. It is characterized by a raised, column-supported floor, and is usually surrounded by a veranda. It is generally elevated above the ground in order to protect it from floods, and the foundation and walls are typically made of wood. In traditional Korean architecture, the sarangchae was often used to separate living areas from visitors or outsiders.

In modern times, sarangchae can be found in many types of structures such as houses, offices, and other places of business. Its design is often used as a way to separate different areas within a building, while also creating a sense of privacy. Furthermore, with its aesthetic qualities, sarangchae are often seen as a centerpiece of many traditional Korean structures.

Sarangchae: Layout and Design of Traditional Korean Structures

Exploring the Beauty and Elegance of Korean Traditional House Design

korean traditional house design A Korean traditional house design follows ancient principles of aesthetics and traditional structures that imbue a space with a sense of peace, harmony, and beauty. With its emphasis on natural materials and shapes, a Korean traditional house design encapsulates the Korean notion of 'inYong'—the unity of beauty and utility. Designers draw on traditional ideas to create functional and elegant spaces that incorporate materials like wood, bamboo, stones, and thatch. A Korean traditional house design also involves the usage of simple and elegant wood furnishings, exposed wood beams, and natural color schemes. One can easily observe the influence of feng shui , zen and tatami in these distinctive and elegant Korean house designs.

Understanding the Concept of Korean Traditional House Design

korean traditional house design An integral part of Korean traditional house design is the concept of 'Dancheong', a style of painting seen in palaces and temples. This concept is mainly used to create a sense of balance between dark and light colors. The colors used in this concept also symbolize seasonal changes, such as blue representing east, red representing south, and green representing west. Every part of the house is carefully decorated with white, yellow, and other natural colors to emphasize the harmony and beauty of the space.

Emphasizing Eco-friendly Elements in Korean Traditional House Design

korean traditional house design Korean traditional house designs are often also focused on sustainability. Designers incorporate energy-saving elements such as natural ventilation, taking into account local climate conditions, and using indigenous materials like bamboo fiber and thatch that require very low maintenance. Organic shapes, natural curves, and locally-sourced materials like wood, stone, and clay are also favored, resulting in a beautiful traditional house design that's also eco-friendly. By embracing eco-friendly elements in a traditional design, designers are also able to maintain the essence of Korean culture and architecture.

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