| Title |
Spatial Reconfiguration in Contemporary Hanok Residences |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.8.255 |
| Keywords |
Hanok; Modern Hanok; Contemporary Hanok; Layout Type; Spatial Grammar; Housing Reform Theory |
| Abstract |
Hanok, the traditional Korean house, evolved from its Joseon-era form to the modern hanok under 20th century, and later to the
contemporary hanok shaped by a wave of revivalism in the 21st century. Yet, the visual continuity of traditional styles often makes these
types hard to tell apart. To clarify this shift, this study examines changes in the spatial grammar of hanok. The traditional hanok, developed
with the introduction of the ondol heating system, reflected Confucian values and local customs through a sequence of spaces: kitchen, master
room, main hall, and opposite room. Early 20th-century reformers criticized this layout, but their efforts failed, and the modern hanok largely
retained its traditional structure. In the 21st century, rising public interest and government support renewed the popularity of hanok. Newly
built hanok introduced modified floor plans, notably switching the positions of the master room and kitchen. In urban areas like Seoul, where
preservation and renovation took precedence over new builds, spatial innovation was initially limited. Gradually, however, new configurations
emerged. As a result, the spatial grammar of contemporary hanok often follows a layout consisting of a bedroom, kitchen, living room, and
additional bedroom, aligning more closely with modern housing patterns. This shift suggests that the contemporary hanok is not merely a
continuation of tradition, but an evolving form of architecture shaped by present-day lifestyles and values. |