Bukchon was traditionally a residential area of the nobility during the Joseon period, and did not undergo any significant changes until the 1920s. However, in the 1930s, Seoul’s administrative districts were expanded and its urban structure was transformed into its modern appearance. Housing management companies purchased large plots of land, woods and fields and built a group of medium-sized hanok (traditional Korean house) on them.
Bukchon’s hanok were renovated with new materials, such as by attaching a glass door to the daecheong (wood-floored hall) and extending the roof eaves with galvanized iron sheets. Without losing their typical characteristics, the hanok evolved into a new type of urban housing so as to adapt to the modern urban structure.
In general, Bukchon’s hanok were built efficiently with standardized wooden materials provided by a timber mill as a large number of homes was required. On the whole the hanok were established as a new housing type within a new urban environment while maintaining their traditional features.
Bukchon hanok’s characteristics can be defined into two elements – an evolved ancient method and a more decorative tendency. Although they don’t have the same qualities as traditional hanok, as they feature a low roof inclination, a round beam, double eaves and too many kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) within the narrow column spacing, the composition and beauty of traditional hanok are condensed into Bukchon’s hanok. As the sales advertisement for hanok produced at that time show, a new type of urban residence was established by reflecting the need for urban housing to mitigate the density and anonymity of the city.
Bukchon was traditionally a residential area of the nobility during the Joseon period, and did not undergo any significant changes until the 1920s. However, in the 1930s, Seoul’s administrative districts were expanded and its urban structure was transformed into its modern appearance. Housing management companies purchased large plots of land, woods and fields and built a group of medium-sized hanok (traditional Korean house) on them.
Bukchon’s hanok were renovated with new materials, such as by attaching a glass door to the daecheong (wood-floored hall) and extending the roof eaves with galvanized iron sheets. Without losing their typical characteristics, the hanok evolved into a new type of urban housing so as to adapt to the modern urban structure.
In general, Bukchon’s hanok were built efficiently with standardized wooden materials provided by a timber mill as a large number of homes was required. On the whole the hanok were established as a new housing type within a new urban environment while maintaining their traditional features.
Bukchon hanok’s characteristics can be defined into two elements – an evolved ancient method and a more decorative tendency. Although they don’t have the same qualities as traditional hanok, as they feature a low roof inclination, a round beam, double eaves and too many kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) within the narrow column spacing, the composition and beauty of traditional hanok are condensed into Bukchon’s hanok. As the sales advertisement for hanok produced at that time show, a new type of urban residence was established by reflecting the need for urban housing to mitigate the density and anonymity of the city.
Located in the center of Seoul, Insa-dong was named after two Joseon towns whose names included the syllables ‘In’ from Gwaninbang of Hanseongbu (present-day Seoul) and ‘Sa’ from Daesadong. As the Dohwaseo (Painting Bureau) was established in the area in the early Joseon period, it became the heart of Korea’s arts activities.
In the 1930s, many antique shops were established in the area, followed years later by numerous ateliers, antique furniture shops and Korean folk crafts shops in the 1980s, transforming it into a famous byword for Korean traditions and cultures. Nowadays, traditional craft shops and tea shops exist alongside modern-style buildings in Insa-dong, which still preserves some historic traces of the old Korea.
Namsangol Hanok Village is located in Bi-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, where the valley and Quanyu Pavilion of the Joseon Dynasty are still preserved, and it is a summer resort. In 1989, the restoration work of the South Valley was promoted, and it was officially opened to the public in 1998.
Ikseon-dong is a key area in the four main gates, surrounded by Jongmyo Shrine and Unhyeon Palace, which have been used as the royal palace of Joseon for 261 years, and is geographically located in the center of Jongno-gu. If you come out of Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station and go north along the alleyway, you can see Hanok Island and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, which is located in the city where there are many Korean-style houses on the street. Ikseon-dong is a key area in the four main gates, surrounded by Jongmyo Shrine and Unhyeon Palace, which have been used as the royal palace of Joseon for 261 years, and is geographically located in the center of Jongno-gu. If you come out of Exit 6 of Jongno 3-ga Station and go north along the alleyway, you can see Hanok Island and Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, which is located in the city where there are many Korean-style houses on the street.
