Hanok Interventions

Abstract

The hanok (한옥), or Korean traditional home, stands as a symbol of Korea’s built vernacular heritage. Throughout history, the hanok has been progressively evolving to integrate and accommodate for the changing lifestyles of people. This project involves discovering the appropriate methods to preserve and protect the integrity of hanoks that are transitioning from traditional to contemporary uses. Through the use of interpretive‐historical research and case studies, the study answers questions about the strategies needed when adaptively reusing or renovating an existing hanok. The study also investigates alternate preservation approaches in order to get a better idea of the other measures being taken. As a result of the research and case studies, a set of standards for hanok interventions are proposed. The Principles for Hanok Interventions are recommendations on what to consider when preserving a hanok. The principles can help to create an understanding between architects, preservationists, historians, scholars, and hanok owners. The proposed Principles for Hanok Interventions that are suggested in this project will help to establish standards that will identify the way to preserve the traditional characteristics of hanoks in the modern times, without compromising the integrity and value of the spatial essence.