GEOLOGICAL

The land surface of Korean peninsula is mountainous where

the archeologists discovered the rocks that originate in
KOREAN ARCHITECTURE Precambrian era, wherein the other rocks can specifically
identify in Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic era. It is
Korean traditional architecture exists within the context of
indicated that the volcanoes in the peninsula were not active.
Asian traditional architecture. Nonetheless, it has developed
On the contrary, in northern and southern part have crater
according to its own particular set of characteristics - its
lakes and states that these two were active - North Baekdu
flexible responses to topography and surrounding mountains,
Mountain and South Hallasan. Furthermore, natural
the organic layout of its buildings, its reiteration and
resources of Korean peninsula are gold, iron, graphite,
metastasis of space - that distinguish it from the architecture
limestones, zinc, magnesite, and anthracite.
of China and Japan.
TOPOGRAPHY
GEOGRAPHICAL
Korea is located on the Korean Peninsula in North-East
The landmass of early Korea were erected on Northeast Asia Asia. To the northwest, the Amnok River (Yalu River)
of Korean peninsula where the Yalu river in the northwest separates Korea from China and to the northeast, the
divides their territory to the land of China, in the northeast Duman River (Tumen River) separates Korea from China
of Tumen river also separated them form China as well as and Russia. The Yellow Sea is to the west, the East China
the Russia. In the west side is the Yellow Sea, in the South of Sea and Korea Strait is to the south, and the Japan Sea
Korea is the East China Sea, and in the East side is the Sea (EastSea of Korea) is to the east. Notable islands include
of Japan. The plains of Korean were mostly located in Jeju Island (Jejudo), Ulleung Island (Ulleungdo), and
Southern and Western part. On the other hand, the Eastern Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo).
and Northern part of Korea are mostly covered with
The Korean peninsula is approximately 1200kmsin length
mountains, wherein the highest mountain of Korea called
with 75% of its landscape being mountainous. The South is
Mount Paektu segregates the area between Korea and China.
the most heavily populated with 50 million people living in
about 30% of hospitable landscape. About 25 million people
KOREA live in North Korea occupying 20% of hospitable landscape.
This means that wherever you travel in Korea you are
Korea, a nation about the size of the state of Utah, is located
always surrounded by mountain scape. The peninsula does
on a peninsula jutting southward from the east coast of Asia.
not have exceptionally high mountains like what we see in
This map shows some of the principal cities, rivers, and
the Himalaya, but there abundance gives them a large sense
mountains of Korea.
of presence when standing beneath them. They are also steep
sharp sided mountains with pointed peaks that add to the
To see a full-scale version, click on the image. The land is
illusion of their immense presence. However, this presence is
inhabited by the Korean People, almost unmixed with any
no bluff and Korean mountains because of this shape are
other ethnic groups. Long unified and peaceful, Korea today
indeed tough features to climb, particularly if there are many
is a divided land, its people split between antagonistic
in a day that you wish to pass. However with mountains
governments: the communist North and the capitalist South.
come spurs and ridges and Korea has a rather unique
Even the flags of the respective countries show their
mountain system, perhaps unique to the world.
differences. The flag of the North features the Red Star of
Communism, while the flag of the South features ancient
philosophical symbols. The circular "TaeGuk" symbolizes
the harmonious state of yin and yang, and the four "Kwe"
symbols represent heaven, fire, water and earth.

LAND BOUNDARIES Mt. Kumgang Baekdu Mountain

NORTH KOREA TOPOGRAPHY

Land boundaries: total: 1,671.5 km
The two-opposing side of Korea - the north and the south
Border countries: China 1,416 km,
are dissimilar to each other's climate wherein the south area
South Korea 238 km
of Koreans can experience warm and partly wet weather that
Russia 17.5 km
is equivalent to the climate of Japan where it is heated by the
current ocean water appending the Korean's east side. On
SOUTH KOREA the other hand, the northern part was mostly cold. On the
Land boundaries: total: total: 238 km open surface land of Korea can experience the patterns of
Border countries: North Korea 238 km climate's characteristic, in midsummer season can
experienced the East Asian monsoon wind flow, and strong
typhoons in autumn season. .
 Jinju geommu

Unlike other countries, the summer season in Korea

experienced mostly rainfalls during the mid-monsoon alone.
As for the January month, cold temperature aroused ard in
Jeju island wherein the winter precipitation is low that
embodies a small amount of snow outside the Mountainous
part of Korea.
PAINTING

The earliest paintings found on the Korean peninsula are

Part of the East Asian Monsoon region, South Korea has a
petroglyphs of prehistoric times. With the arrival of
temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The movement of
Buddhism from India via China, different techniques were
air masses from the Asian continent exerts greater influence
introduced. These techniques quickly established themselves
on South Korea's weather than does air movement from the
as the mainstream techniques, but indigenous techniques still
Pacific Ocean. Winters are usually long, cold, and dry,
survived. There is a tendency towards naturalism with
whereas summers are short, hot, and humid. Spring and
subjects such as realistic landscapes, flowers and birds being
autumn are pleasant but short in duration. Seoul's mean
particularly popular. Ink is the most common material used,
temperature in January is -5 to-2.5 C (23 to 28° F); in July the
and it is painted on mulberry paper or silk.
mean temp is about 22.5 to 25° C (73 to 77 F). Because of its
southern and seagirt location, Jeju Island has warmer and
milder weather than other parts of So temperatures on Jeju
range from 2.5° C (36.5 F) in Januar July.

Korea is less vulnerable to typhoons than Japan, Taiwan, the

east coast of China, or the Philippines. From one to three
typhoons can be expected per year. Typhoons usually pass
over South Korea in late summer, especially in August, and
bring torrential rains. Flooding occasionally causes Hyewon-Dano
considerable damage. In September 1984, record floods
caused the deaths of 190 people and left 200,000 homeless.
This disaster prompted the North Korean government to
make an unprecedented offer of humanitarian aid in the form HISTORY OF KOREA
of rice, medicine, clothes, and building materials. South
The Koreans, descended from Tungusic tribal peoples, are a
Korea accepted these items and distributed them to flood
distinct racial and cultural group. According to Korean
victims.
legend, Tangun established Old Choson in NW Korea in 2333
B.C., and the Korean calendar enumerates the years from this
CULTURE date. Chinese sources assert that Ki-tze (Kija), a Shang
DANCE dynasty refugee, founded a colony at Pyongyang in 1122
As with music, there is a distinction between court dance and B.C., but the first Korean ruler recorded in contemporaneous
folk dance. Common court dances are jeongjaemu (정재무) records is Wiman, possibly a Chinese invader who overthrew
performed at banquets, and ilmu (일무), performed at Korean Old Choson and established his rule in N Korea in 194 B.C.
Confucian rituals. Jeongjaemu is divided into native dances Chinese forces subsequently conquered (c.100 B.C.) the
(향 악정재, hyangak jeongjae) and forms imported from eastern half of the peninsula. Lolang, near modern
Central Asia and China (당악정 재, dangak jeongjae). Ilmu are Pyongyang, was the chief center of Chinese rule.
divided into civil dance (문무, munmu) and military dance (무
무, mumu). Many mask dramas and mask dances are perform
in many regional areas of Korea. The traditional clothing is In 1948 two separate regimes were formally established, the
the genja, it is a special kind of dress that women wear on Republic of Korea in the South, and the Democratic People's
festivals. It is pink with multiple symbols around the neck Republic under Communist rule in the North. By mid-1949
area. Traditional choreography of court dances is reflected in all Soviet and American troops were withdrawn, and two
many contemporary production. Taekkyeon the traditional rival Korean governments were in operation, each eager to
martial art is central to the classic Korean dance. Taekkyeon unify the country under its own rule. In June, 1950, the North
being a complete system of integrated movement found its Korean army launched a surprise attack against South
core techniques adaptable to mask, dance and other Korea, initiating the Korean War, and with it, severe
traditional artforms of Korea hardship, loss of life, and enormous devastation.
 Historically, Koreans lived under the influences of
Shamanism, Buddhism, Taoism or Confucianism, and in
PEOPLE OF KOREA modern times, the Christian faith has made strong inroads
into the country, bringing forth yet another important
Korea has one of the highest average population densities in factor that may change the spiritual landscape of the people.
the world, comparable to the most heavily populated areas in The rapid pace of industrialization which occurred within a
the United States and Europe. However, as may be seen in couple of decades compared to a couple of centuries in the
the population map, the population distribution uneven. The West, has brought about considerable anxiety and
mountain highlands in the northeast and south are generally alienation while disrupting the peace of mind of Koreans,
less populated than the coastal plains in the west. The map encouraging their pursuit of solace in religious activities. As
doesn't accurately convey one of the most important a result, the population of religious believers has expanded
population phenomena in Korea since the Korean War: the markedly with religious institutions emerging as influential
shift of population from rural to urban settings. More than social organizations. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by
three-fourths of all Koreans lived in the countryside in 1950, the Constitution in Korea. According to a 2005 social
but now more than two-thirds of the North Koreans, and statistics survey, 53.1% of Koreans follow a specific
more than four-fifths of the South Koreans live in cities. religious faith. Buddhists account for some 43% of the
religious population, followed by Protestants at 34.5% and
Indeed, even though the population of both nations has more Catholics at 20.6%.
than doubled since the Korean War, the rural population of
North Korea has stayed about the same, while the rural
population of South Korea has decreased by more than half. At the closing period of the 7th century of Silla Dynasty
introduced the religion of Buddhism in the country of
Korea which influence most of the Korean Peninsula. The
KOREAN CUISINE
Silla Dynasty relationship with the Chinese T'ang court was
Korean cuisine as a national cuisine known today has evolved strong and dependent to each other where both groups
through centuries of social and political change. Originating succeeded in conquering the kingdoms of Paekche and
from ancient agricultural and nomadic traditions in southern Koguryo in 660s CE. The relationship between the two
Manchuria and the Korean peninsula, Korean cuisine has unifies them in trade and diplomatic exchange. Hence, the
evolved through a complex interaction of the natural Silla Dynasty made Buddhism as a state religion in Korea
environment and different cultural trends. Korean cuisine is and rapidly spread across in Japan.
largely based upon rice, vegetables, and meats. Traditional
Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes that Furthermore, the launch of Buddhism in Korea as a state
accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Kimchi is served religion has encounter an opposition but later give
often, sometimes at every meal. Commonly used ingredients settlement to the opposed when the native gods seen the
include sesame oil, doenjang (fermented bean paste), salt, presence that is same with the Buddhist god. Nonetheless,
garlic, ginger, pepper flakes and gochujang (fermented red the religions in the early period of Korea were Shamanism,
chili paste). Ingredients and dishes vary by province. Many Confucianism, Deism, and Buddhism.
regional dishes have become national, and dishes that were
once regional have proliferated in different variations across
the country. The Korean royal court cuisine once brought all
of the unique regional specialties together for the royal
family. Meals are regulated by Korean cultural etiquette.

Kimchi
Kimbap

OVERVIEW AND HISTORY

Korea is an East Asian geographic region that is currently

RELIGION
divided into two separate sovereign states-North Korea and
South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is
Unlike some cultures where a single religion is dominant,
bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest,
Korean culture includes a wide variety of religious elements
Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the
that have shaped the people's way of thinking and behavior.
east by the Korea Strait and the Sea of Japan and separated
In the early stages of history in Korea, religious and political
from the Taiwan to the south by the East China Sea.
functions were combined but they later became distinct.
 Mapping the history of the Korean peninsula

Archaeological and linguistic evidence suggest the origins of

the Korean People might have been Altaic Language-speaking
people from south-central Siberia, who populated ancient
Korean successive waves from the Neolithic age to the Bronze
Age. The adoption of the Chinese writing system ("HANJA"
in Korean) in the 2nd century BC, and Buddhism in the 4th
century AD, had profound effects on the Three kingdoms of
Korea.
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL
Korea was united by Emperor Taejo of
the Goryeo Dynasty in 936. Goryeo The society of Korea was entirely based on the Neo-
was a highly cultural state and created Confucianist concept on the Joseon Dynasty. Where this
the Jikji in the 14th century, using the partially includes 3 basic and 5 moral parts. There are 4
world's first movable metal type level of social classes, Yangban as the officers of civil and
printing press. The Mongol invasions military servants, Chungin as the upper class, Sangmin as
in the 13th century, however, greatly the commoners and Cheomin as the vulgar commoners. It is
weakened the nation which was forced said that 10 percent of the populace in Korea were the
to become a tributary state. After the Yangban where in this class can give various access in
Mongol's Empire collapse, severe society.
political strife followed and Goryeo
was replaced by the Joseon Dynasty Moreover, the formation of the clan system in this period
in 1388. were extremely strict and became even more firm where the
law governs in forming a family and even enforced the
The first 200 years of Joseon rituals of Confucianism. This proves that the Three
were marked by relative peace Kingdoms period where the government officials of the
and saw the creation of the Korea were practiced to the Chinese style of Confucian
Korean alphabet HANGUL by examination system where only in the aristocratic upper
King Sejong the Great in the 14th class were allowed.
century and the rise in influence
of Confucianism in the country.
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
During the latter part of the
dynasty, however, Korea's Korean architecture were mostly erected in vertical and
isolationist policy earned it the horizontal form wherein the stone of a structure are
Western nickname the "Hermit connected with a tiled curved roof that are entirely
Kingdom". By the late 19th supported by a posts, their walls are made out of adobe
century, the country became the bricks or mud walls or rarely construct in movable wooden
object of the colonial designs of doors.
Japan. In 1910, Korea was
annexed by Japan and remained Korean measurement or also knowns as the "kan" unit were
so until the end of World War II used to measure the distance between two post which is
in August 1945. about 3.7 meters thick that is designed to have a transitional
space between the two sectors of the gate - the inside and the
In 1945, the Soviet Union and the United States agreed on the outside and the bracket structure or the consoles of the
surrender of Japanese forces in Korea and Soviet troops Korean architecture are situated in a across the horizontal
occupied north of the 38th parallel while U.S. troops took beams.
surrender south of it. This decision by allied armies soon became
the basis for the division of Korea by the two superpowers Korean architecture, the built structures of Korea and their
exacerbated by their inability to agree on the terms of Korean context. Like the other arts of Korea, architecture is
independence. The two Cold War rivals then established characterized by naturalistic tendencies, simplicity, economy
governments sympathetic to their own ideologies, leading to of shape, and the avoidance of extremes. What was a
Korea's current division into two political entities: North Korea sharply curving Chinese roof was modified in Korea into a
and South Korea. The ensuing conflict between the two was gently sloping roof.
largely a proxy war. North Korea, officially the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea, is a single-party state with a Sharp angles, strong lines, steep planes, and garish colours
centrally planned industrial economy. South Korea, officially the are all avoided. It typically exhibits a quiet inner harmony.
Republic of Korea, is a free market, democratic and developed
country with membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD) and the Group of Twenty.
 PERIODS OF KOREAN ARCHITECTURE

Ancient Architecture

Three Kingdom Period

Dolmens, which were primitive tombs of important
United (Unified) Silla Architecture persons, have been found all over the Korean peninsula.
There are two types of dolmens: the southern type, which
Goryeo Architecture
is rather low, often a simple slab without supporting
Joseon Architecture stones; and the southern type, which is larger and more
definite in shape. The distribution of the dolmens would
imply some relation to the megalithic cultures of the
Ancient Korean Period (Neolithic - 7th Century A.D.) Western world. In the development of Korean architecture
dolmen, primitive tombs, primitive houses.
Three Kingdoms Period ancient Korea kingdoms of
Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla, (57 AD - 667 AD)
United Silla Period (7th-10th Century A.D.) Unification
of the Korean peninsula into the kingdom of United
Silla, Buddhism introduced to Korea from China during Gochang Dolmen, a UNESCO
Pit house
the T'ang Dynasty in China. Developed into unique World Heritage Site.
cultural identity. Buddhist temples and Pagoda
Goryeo Period (10th-14th Century A.D.) Inspired by
Reconstructed Neolithic-period
Buddhism. Magnificent temples and pagoda. most of the
huts in Amsa-dong, Gangdong-
architecture of this time was built of wood, little has
gu, Seoul
survived to the present day
Joseon Period (14th Century - 1910) Neo-Confucianism
inspired new architectural paradigms. Jaesil, or clan
memorial halls, became common in many villages, where
extended families erected facilities for common In the Paleolithic the first inhabitants of the Korean peninsula
veneration of a distant ancestor. Jongryo, or memorial used caves, rockshelters, and portable shelters. The remains of
shrines, were established by the government to a portable shelter dating to c. 30,000 BC were excavated at the
commemorate exceptional acts of filial piety or devotion. Seokjang-ri site in South Chungcheong Province. The earliest
Even beyond these archetypes, the aesthetics of Neo- examples of pit-house architecture are from the Jeulmun
Confucianism, which favored practicality, frugality, and Pottery Period. Early pit-houses contained basic features such
harmony with nature, forged a consistent architectural as hearths, storage pits, and space for working and sleeping.
style throughout Korean society

ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE PROTO THREE KINGDOM

Neolithic remains are relatively Archaeological evidence of ondol(온

abundant in Korea and some remains 돌), the Korean floor panel heating
can be traced back to the fifth system, was found in the architectural
millennium B, C. according to remains of early Protohistoric period.
archaeological verification. Korean
neolithic culture is classified into two According to Chinese text Sanguo
different kinds in terms of the Zhi, it recorded the existence of three
potteries which are found with types of prehistoric dwellings in
artifacts at remain sites. Korea: pit houses, log houses and
elevated houses. Only the remains of
The early culture is characterized by the comb-pattem pit houses have been identified,
pottery and then the later culture is by the burrlished plain however. Pit houses consisted of a 20-
pottery with bronze making techniques which started 150 cm deep pit and a superstructure
around the seventh century B. C. of grass and clay supported by a
tripod-like frame made of timber to
provide protection from the wind and
rain.

Pit houses of the Neolithic period had circular or oval pits

about 5-6 meters in diameter with a hearth at the center.
 Three Kingdoms
COMMON ARCHITECTURE

it can be said that the building technique of houses evolved

from a pit dwelling to that of a earthen wall with thatched
roof, and finally, to a raised floor construction

Pottery shaped in the form of a house from Gaya.

FORTRESS ARCHITECTURE

Ruins of Hwando Mountain Fortress, a major Goguryeo

fortification, Ji'an, China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site
THREE KINGDOM PERIOD dated to c. 5th century
The Three Kingdoms of Korea refer to the ancient Korea
kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla, which dominated the
Korean paeninsula and parts of Manchuria for much of the Ist
millenium. The Three Kingdoms period ran from 57 AD until
Silla's triumph over Goguryeo in 668, which marked the
beginning of the North and South states period (남북국시대) of
Hwando Mountain Fortress ruins
Unified silla in the South and Balhae in the North.

RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
Log houses were built by laying logs horizontally one on top of
one another. The interstices between the logs were filled with Reconstruction of the The western stone pagoda
clay to keep the wind out. Similar houses are still found in eastern stone pagoda of that was built during the
mountainous areas as like Gangwon-do province. Mireuksa Temple Baekje Kingdom era in the
Temple, Mireuksa
Elevated houses, which probably originated in the southern
regions, are believed to have first been built as storage houses
to store grains out of the reach of animals and to keep them
cool. This style still survives in the two-story pavilions and
lookout stands erected in melon patches and orchards around
the countryside. In the Mumun period buildings were pit
dwellings with walls of wattle-and-daub and thatched roofs.
Raised-floor architecture first appeared in the Korean
peninsula in the Middle Mumun, c. 850-550 BC.
Miniature reconstruction of Miniature reconstruction
Wattle and daub is a composite building material used for Mireuk Temple, Iksan, South of Hwangnyong Temple,
making walls, in which a woven lattice of wooden strips called Korea. 7th Century. 6th Century
wattle is daubed with a sticky material usually made of some
combination of wet soil, clay, sand, animal dung and straw.

Thatching is the craft of building a roof with dry vegetation

such as straw, water reed, sedge (Cladium mariscus), rushes, A reconstruction of the great
orheather, layering the vegetation so as to shed water away pagoda at Hwangyong
from the inner roof. Temple.
 Hwangnam Great Tomb, a Royal tombs of Bihwa Gaya.
double-mounded tomb for a
king and queen of Silla.

Faint outline of a hip- Bunhwang Temple pagaoda. It is

and-gabled building, thought this pagoda once stood seven
perhaps a temple or or nine stories based on historical
hermitage in the records.
foreground of a brick
excavated from a
Baekje temple.
Three kingdom period were renowned for its mountain fortresses
built horizontally and vertically along the incline of slopes.

Chongnim Temple
Pagoda, one of the Ruins of Hwando Mountain Tomb of the general, presumed
oldest surviving Fortress, a major Goguryeo to be tomb of great goguryeon
pagodas in Korea. fortification king-northeastern korea
Baekje period, Buyeo,
South Korea Goguryeo architecture show vigor, boldness and rusticity, with a
hint of nomadic quality.

The plans of Buddhist temples were characterized by one

centrally located pagoda, entrance gate, main hall, lecture hall
ROYAL ARCHITECTURE and rectangular cloister enclosure, all were arranged in a
Cheomseongdae, royal Poseokjeong (Pavilion of Stone symmetrical layout along the north-south axis.
observatory. Abalone) used to be a grand royal
garden Chongnim Temple Pagoda,
one of the oldest surviving
pagodas in Korea. Baekje
period, Buyeo, South Korea.

Baekje Architecture had a touch of elegance, refinement and

warmth

TOMB ARCHITECTURE
Tomb of the General,
presumed to be the tomb of a
great Goguryeo king or
military official. Located in KINGDOM OF SILLA
Ji'an, China Silla differed from the
other two kingdoms in its
frequent use of brick-like
patterns in the
construction of pagodas.
The pagoda at
Bunhwangsa Temple, for
example, consists of stone
Goguryeo tombs, 5th century, Baekje royal tomb complex, cut into the shapes of
Jian, China. Buyeo, South Korea. bricks and was built using
a bricklaying technique.
 RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE

Bulguksa Temple, built on a stone platform at the foothill of

Mt. Toham near Gyeongju, is the oldest existing temple in
Silla architecture was well developed in the Kingdom and was Korea. The temple was first founded early in the 6th century
evident in the remains of Hwangnyong Temple, built in the and was entirely rebuilt and enlarged in 752. The original
sixth century as the national temple. It was constructed in a platform and foundations have remained intact to the present,
curious manner using stone cut into the shape of bricks and but the existing wooden buildings were reconstructed during
hence it was named "Mock-brick pagoda." the Joseon dynasty.

Bulguk Temple, a UNESCO

World Heritage Site.

Dabo Pagoda, a national Roof end tile shaped like an

treasure of South Korea. owl's tail, chimi in Korean.

Silla architecture was apparently much more conservative

than the other two kingdoms, and preserved its customs, ideas
and cultural identity longer than the others.

UNIFIED SILLA PERIOD

Architecture flourished in the royal capital of Gyeongju,
though almost all traces of the former glory have vanished at
the present time. The city with nearly a million inhabitants at
Gameunsa granite pagoda in Foundation stones of
her peak was strategically located at the junction of two rivers
typical Sillan style. It is the Gameunsa.
and three mountains encircling a fertile basin of about five by
largest example of its kind
seven miles in area.

Buddhist temples were characterized by two pagodas in front

of the central main hall in a symrnetrical layout on the north- Granite memorial stupa
south axis with other buildings. The stone work of the two carved in the shape of an
story platform exhibits a superb sense of architectural eight-sided roof, National
organization and advanced building methods. Two stone Museum of Korea.
pagodas stand in front of the main hall of the temple. The
simpler Sokka-top located to the left of the court represents
Buddha's manifestation in a transcendent calm. It has three ROYAL ARCHITECTURE
stories with two pedestal layers and a total height reaching
Details of wooden
about twenty-five feet. The pagoda consists of simple
construction reconstructed
undecorated pedestal slabs and three story stupa each of
from archaeological remains
which has five stepped eaves and truncated roofs. These
recovered from a dredging of
characteristics constitute a typical form of the Korean stone
Anapji pond. Gyeongju
pagodas
National Museum.

The design motif of the lotus

flower is apparent in
mouldings and other details
of the pagoda.
Anapji pond in Gyeongju
 Roof System:
Matbae-Gable
Ujingak - Hipped
GORYEO PERIOD Paljak - Hip and Gabled

Intercolumnar bracket system were adopted to make buildings WOODEN ARCHITECTURE: TYPES OF BRACKETS
more stable.
jusimpo (column-head
dapo (multi-bracket)
bracket)

The construction of stone pagodas and stupas continued in

the Goryeo period. The number of stone pagodas greatly
increased, with strong expressions of regional character. This Ikgong Style. The ikgong is a
led to a diversification of forms and heights, with some simplified version of the bracket
pagodas reaching 11 stories. found in column-head and multi-
bracket designs, featuring a bird
Goryeo (Koryo) architecture is defined as the period between beak-like protrusion as its main
the 10th century and the 14th century. Much of the decorative element.
architecture in this period was related to religion and
influenced by political power/kingdom. Many buildings such Entasis. In architecture, entasis is the application of a convex
as magnificent Buddhist temples and pagodas were curve to a surface for aesthetic and technical purposes. Their
developed based on religious needs, as Buddhism played an diameter is decreased from the bottom upwards and one-third
important role in the culture and society at the time. It is from the bottom is the thickest point.
unfortunate that little has survived to the present day, since Make the beam the same width as
most of the architecture from this period was built of wood. the column diameter.
Also, the capital of the Goryeo dynasty was based in
The capital projects past the
Gaesong, a city in modern-day North Korea. Its location has
beam face on each side.
made it difficult for many historians in South Korea to study
and analyze the architecture of this era.
The top two-thirds of the shaft
taper inward a small amount
Few remaining wooden structures from the late Goryeo
based on the column's height,
period in South Korea show us significantly simpler size, and historical style.
bracketing than those from the Joseon 'Choson' period
architecture. Bright and soft coloring of these structures had
been further developed since the Three Kingdoms era The bottom hind s a straight
cylinder.

Base molding
Plinth

Buseok-sa, Hōryū-ji, Japan Basilica, Paestum

Korea
Bracket System:
TYPES OF ROOFS:
Jusimpo (Column Head Bracket) + Baeheullim (Entasis)
§ Muryangsujeon Hall at Buseoksa Temple - Zenith of
Jusimpo
Dapo (Multi Bracket) + Chunyeo (Lever-form) matbae (gable)
lkgong (Simplified Bracket) roof
 Donggwoldo, a landscape
of the once extensive
grounds of
Changdeokgung Palace,
a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, and
ujingak (hipped) roof Changgyeonggung
Palace. Painted c. 1830.

The most important and formal buildings in royal palaces and

Buddhist temples used multi-bracket designs. Other important
buildings of lower status, featured columnhead bracket
paljak (hip-and-gable) roof
designs. Normal houses were usually built without the use of
brackets, which is called mindori style.

The architecture developed as a succession from the cultural

inheritance of the previous dynasty with the new political
GORYEO (KORYO) DYNASTY
guiding principles of Confucianism, that took the place of
A Goryeo painting Buddhism. Through the influence of Confucianism, a refined
depicting a royal aristocratic taste of the previous era was replaced by the
palace. characteristics of unsophisticated, simple and humble beauty
with the qualities of commonness and steadiness. The
intercolumnar bracket set system was used in building the most
important edifice on the premises.

Woljeong Temple
pagoda.

Muryangsujeon, a Daeungjeon Hall of KOREAN ARCHITECTURAL TERMS

national treasure of Sudeoksa Temple.
Korea. HANOK. is a term to describe
Korean traditional houses.
Korean architecture lends
JOSEON PERIOD consideration to the
positioning of the house in
The Joseon Dynasty was founded by an ambitious general, Yi- relation to its surroundings,
Songge, in 1392, and continued until 1910, The history of with thought given to the land
Choson architecture would be described in three periods of the and seasons.
early, the middle, and the late period, in accordance with the
cultural and architectural development.
Hanok (Korean: 한옥, 韓屋) is a traditional Korean house.
Joseon architecture is defined as from the 14th century to the Hanoks were first designed and built in the 14th century
beginning of 20th century. The founding of the Joseon during the Joseon Dynasty.
Dynasty in 1392 brought to power like-minded men steeped in
the doctrines of Neo-Confucianism, which had slowly Korean architecture considers the positioning of the house in
percolated into Korea from China in the 14th century. This relation to its surroundings, with thought given to the land and
ushered in a new environment that was relatively hostile to seasons. The interior of the house is also planned accordingly.
Buddhism, causing the state to gradually shift its patronage This principle is called baesanimsu (Hangul: 배산임수; Hanja:
from Buddhist temples to Confucian institutions. Throughout 背山臨水), meaning that the ideal house is built with a
the early dynasty, the impetus to reform society along Neo- mountain in the back and a river in the front. Hanok shapes
Confucian lines led to the construction of hyanggyo (local differ by region. In the cold northern regions of Korea, hanoks
schools) in Seoul and numerous provincial cities. Here, sons of are built in a square with a courtyard in the middle in order to
the aristocracy prepared for civil service careers in an retain heat better. In the south, hanoks are more open and L-
atmosphere of Confucian learning. shaped.
 TRADITIONAL KOREAN HOUSES
consist of several stand-alone buildings.

To separate
servants from owners
men from women
adults from children

Jeonju Hanok Village STRUCTURE OF A HANOK

Bukchon Hanok village
and modern building in Platform
to avoid water
the background. Hanok are
splashing into
built on a
the house on
raised
CHARACTERISTIC OF HANOK rainy days
platform,
The environment-friendly aspects of traditional Korean usually made
houses range from the structure's inner layout to the by piling rocks
building materials which were used. Another unique feature
of traditional houses is their special design for cooling the
Cornerstones
interior in summer and heating the interior in winter.
natural stone Gilung (pillars)
Panchuk
blocks with
(method of
pillars hewn Juchublol
piling dirt tiles)
to fit them. Cornerstone
to block the
humidity Grimdol
from the (wedging
ground stone)
Since Korea has hot summers and cold winters, the 'Ondol
(Gudeul), a floor-based heating system, and 'Daecheong, a
cool wooden-floor style hall were devised long ago to help MATERIALS
Koreans survive the frigid winters and to block sunlight
during summer. These primitive types of heating and air- Hanok have their own tile roofs called (Giwa)
conditioning were so effective that they are still in use in wooden beams and stone-block construction
many homes today. The posts, or 'Daedulbo' are not inserted Lengths of the Cheoma can be adjusted to control the
into the ground, but are fitted into the cornerstones to keep amount of sunlight that enters the house.
Hanok safe from earthquakes.

Cheoma is the edge

THE LAYOUT OF HANOK
of Hanok's curvy
Northern Region (square layout) roofs.
To enclose the central living Hanji is lubricated with bean oil
space making it waterproof and polished.
Preventing the cold wind from Windows and doors made with Hanji
entering the house are beautiful and breathable.

Southern Region (straight-line DOORS & WINDOWS

layout)
Doors high roof, made with thick
To optimize airflow
wood board.
Many windows to let in natural
main gate was used only on
air
special occasions
Central Region (L layout) narrow side gate was used on
everyday basis
combine the northern and
southern styles Windows generally rectangular, made
of wooden frame lined with a
traditional paper lining.
natural air penetrate through the
windows
natural light to enter the room
 CHOGAJIP. (houses with
straw-thatched roofs) Hanok
inhabited by the peasantry.
PAPER (made from natural wood pulp) is glued to the
frame of the sliding doors and the cross ribs of the windows

MARU. The wooden floor was

made to store grains and link
rooms. It was also used as a place
of sacrificial ancestral worship. To
avoid the humidity and heat
during the summer, the wooden
MARU & ONDOL: THE PERFECTION OF KOREAN
floor is made so it doesnt touch
TRADITIONAL HOUSE
the ground.
So it helps ventilation in the house. It is not known exactly
why and how the "maru" came to be, but scholars say it was
to prevent the heat in southern areas of Korea. Its key use
was to help ventilate the house.

Examples of maru (left) and ondol (right)

Interior of a traditional Interior of a traditional ONDOL. Made by putting mud over under-floor heating
house at Jeongseon County, house at the National Folk stones, "ondol" is a main feature of traditional Korean
Gangwon Province Museum of Korea houses. If lighted on the morning and evening, it witheld a
pleasant 15 degree Celcius. This shows that the "ondol"
JOINING AND CONNECTING METHODS system is quite based on scientific terms. These days steam
heating is used more than 'ondol'.
Adjoining Connecting
GIWA. If you look closely at
Korea's roofs, you'll see the no
roofs are flat. Almost all are in
shapes of curved lines and
surfaces. The curves of the roof
shows the originality of Korean
TONGUE-AND-GROOVE architecture. It is not known when
DOVETAIL JOINT
JOINT tiles were first used.
consists of a series of
formed by the insertion of
trapezoidal pins Before using tiles (giwa) people had used plates of wood
the tongue of one
interlocking with similarly- and bark but most were covered with bundles of grass. The
intersecting wood piece into
shaped tails. tiles were made so the roofs could be slanted and was
the groove of the other
useless in making flat roofs. If the angle of the roof was
exact, it was easier to drain away rain water. The size and
shape of the tiles affected the angle of the roof and the
angle is determined by the weather conditions of a certain
GIWAJIP. (houses with tiled region. The giwas or tiles, were made of clay from the rice
roofs) Hanok occupied by the paddy fields. Different shapes and sizes were used for each
nobility different places of the roof.

HANJI. (traditional Korean paper

made from bark of mulberry tree)
is pasted on the wooden window
frames and doorframes.
 MADANG. A place or area
inside hanok for socializing.
Commonly an inner
courtyard with landscaping.
A JJIMJILBANG (찜질방)
is a large, gender-segregated
public bathhouse in Korea.
Jjimjil is derived from the
words meaning heated bath.
DAEMOKJANG. traditional
wooden architecture
specifically to the
woodworkers who employ the
MUNGAN CHAE.
traditional carpentry
Traditional Korean entrance
techniques.
gate
The activities of these practitioners also extend to the
maintenance, repair and reconstruction of historic buildings,
ranging from traditional Korean houses to monumental
wooden palaces and temples. Structures are smooth, simple
PAGODA. Generic term for and unadorned --distinctive features of traditional Korean
their place of worship architecture.

SARANGBANG. Male
quarters inside a hanok

KKOTDAM. Korean
traditional fence or gate,
designed with flowers

ANBANG. female quarters

inside a hanok
MUNSAL. Traditional
Korean woodframe

TYPICAL HANOK FLOOR PLAN

YONGMARU. Ridge of the
roof that separates its left and
19 14
right parts 10

9
4 20
CHEOMA (eaves). Part of
13
the roof protruding outside. 11
21
11 12
8
11 16
15
CHEOMAKKEUT. Edge of
3
11 the eaves slightly angled up,
5 6 7 11
like a bird's wing ready to
take off. 2
11

1 18 22
 TYPICAL HANOK SECTION

1 8
GROUND FLOOR

1 Entrance gate (Daemun) 2

2 Entrance yard (outdoor) 13 13

10 12
3 Entrance 3 4 5
9 11
6
4 Kitchen

5 Living room 7 7

6 Studio

7 Guest bed
SOUTH-NORTH SECTION
The t'aeguk pattern is the central component in the Korean
8 Guest VVC
national flag. It is also often seen on residential and temple
1 Roof gazebo
gates, memorial red arches at royal tombs and shrines, the
9 Master bed
gates of Confucian academies and schools, and the lattice
2 Sunset bench
doors of Buddhist lecture halls, as well as on handicrafts.
10 Master WC
The basic characteristics of the t'aeguk pattern are the red
3 Kitchen fires with western
comma shape, the male element, and beneath it the blue
11 Closets view
comma shape, the female element, both of which interlock
in a circle to express infinite movement.
12 Laundry 4 Minigarden
As mentioned above, t'aeguk is a
13 minigarden 5 Deck and bench symbol incorporating cosmic
dual entities-that is, heaven and
14 stairs to roof gazebo 6 Basement skylight earth, the positive and the
negative, and the male and the
15 stairs to basement 7 Sliding paintings & female. It is the Great Ultimate,
Traditional tiles roof the law of cause and effect,
16 ladder to penthouse where things begin and end.
9 Master bed
17 ladder to ro of These dual forces of the cosmos, it was believed, were the
10 Master bookshelves fountains of human life. As it circles endlessly, thet'aeguk
18 alley bench-vase was an image of immortality as well.
11 Master WC
19 Spice Garden
12 Master closets Generally speaking Tanch'long connotes the patterns
20 Deck painted on the exposed frames of the eaves or doors of
13 Neighbors homes traditional wooden buildings and is also used on wooden
21 Basement Skylight sculptures and handicrafts. Tanch'long was used not only
for decorative purposes but also for preservation, by
22 Bird House concealing flaws of exposed naked wooden frames. It was
widely used as a decorative motif in palatial and temple
buildings. Lotus, pomegranate, and other floral designs
form the major tanch' long patterns in the extant royal
KOREAN DETAILS, PATTERNS AND MOULDINGS palaces and temples.

Korean lattice patterns, in most

cases, are named after things
they resemble: ttisal-mun is
literally the belted grid and the
up-right diagonal floral design;
and their unlimited variations
and combinations.
 Bat: Good Luck
The Chinese ideogram
for bat is pronounced
Red-crested White Crane: Spiritual, Longevity the same as the
ideogram for good
Although a fairly common bird, people considered white
fortune (pok in Korean).
cranes as holy and spiritual. An old document (sanghak
kyonggi) described cranes as follows: This led to bat images being embroidered on pillow ends and
incorporated into furniture designs and fittings as a symbol of
"Feathers are snow white but it could not be tainted with even good fortune. As bats were supposed to live 1000 years, their
mud. Males and females meet in 160 years, and as soon as they image was also used as a symbol of longevity. A design of 5
look into each other's eyes, they create a baby. They just drink bats, called Obok (5 blessings), represents the five fortunes:
for 1600 years but not eat. It is a king of birds and a wizard- longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue, and natural death.
like unworldly man rides on it."

SIGNIFICANT KOREAN STRUCTURES

Temples
Houses (Hanok)
Palaces
Tombs
Gateways /Arches
Dragon
The dragon signifies the Fortresses
virtue of the emperor and
the authority of heaven. KOREAN TEMPLES
Dragon patterns extensively
Pulguksa Temple, South Korea
decorated the clothing and
buildings of the king. The Pulguksa Temple, dating
from AD 751, is one of the
Roof end tile shaped like an most ornate Buddhist temples
Roof end tile detail in South Korea. The stairways
owl's tail, chimi in Korean.
leading to the temple entrances
are symbolic of the Buddhist
journey toward spiritual
enlightenment. They were
constructed without mortar by
placing cut stones in perfect
Details of wooden construction
arrangement
reconstructed from
archaeological remains recoved
from a dredging of Anapji The East pagoda of temple
pond. Gyeongju National Miruksa. Restored at 1993.
Museum 미륵사 (Iksan City North jeolla
province, KOREA, 2001)본일
촬영
Danch'eong: Enlightenment
One of the most recognizable arts
of Korean Buddhism, the brightly
colored patterns of danch'eong Bunhwangsa (literally
adorn the ceilings, eaves, support "Fragrant Emperor Temple")
pillars, and walls of temple is a temple complex from the
buildings. The combination of Old Silla era of Korea. It is
certain colors (blue, red, yellow, located in Gyeongju. The
white, and black, based on the temple is recorded to have
Dual Principle and the Five been built in 634 under the
Elements of Eastern philosophy) auspices of Queen Seondok.
symbolized the bright
enlightenment of the next world. Today the temple is still used by a small group of worshipers
Round patterns meant people's but in its heyday, the temple covered several acres and was one
lives are supposed to transmigrate: of the four main temples of the Silla Kingdom used by the state
when someone reaches Nirvana, he to ask the Buddha to bless the kingdom.
or she can obtain the wisdom of
Buddha.
 Now it is used as a traditional
culture center and hanok
restaurant, allowing visitors
Hwangnyongsa was built to experience the atmosphere
during the Silla period, of the Joseon Dynasty.
under the patronage of the
Silla royal family, on a
HAKINDONG HANOK, Seoul South Korea
plain encircled by
mountains near the royal
palace compound of
Banwolseong (Half-Moon
Palace).
Construction began in 553 under the reign of king jinheung,
and was not fully completed until 644. King Jinheung
originally intended for the temple to be the site of a new
palace but when a dragon was seen on the proposed site, a
temple was commissioned instead.
KOREAN PALACES

Geumsansa (literally Gyeongbokgung, also

"Golden Mountain known as Gyeongbokgung
Temple") is a head temple Palace or Gyeongbok
of the Jogye Order of Palace, is a royal palace
Korean Buddhism. It located in northern Seoul,
stands on the slopes of South Korea. First
Moaksan in Gimje City, constructed in 1394 and
Jeollabukdo, South Korea. reconstructed in 1867, it was
the main and largest palace The name of the palace,
of the Five Grand Palaces translates in English as "Palace
Wongudan Altar, located
built by the Joseon Dynasty. of Shining Happiness."
in Jung gu, Seoul South
Korea was built in 1897 As of 2009, roughly 40 percent
to serve as a site for the of the original number of
performance of the rite palace buildings still stand or
of Heaven. . are reconstructed.

The site was also known by other names, such as

Hwangudan (환구단, 圜丘壇), Jecheondan (제 천단, 祭天壇)
and Wondan (원단, 圜壇) Wongudan was designated South
Korea's Historic Site No. 157 on July 15, 1967

Songgwangsa (Korean: 송
광사/松廣寺; translation: Main gate, Injeongjeon Hall, the throne
Spreading Pine Temple; Changdeokgung Palace, hall of Changdeokgung Palace,
alternates: Songgwang-sa, rebuilt 1609. a UNESCO World Heritage
or Songgwang Sa, or Site
Songkwangsa;

Also known as: Piney Expanse Monastery; originally:

Gilsangsa), one of the three jewels of Korean Buddhism, is
located in Jeollanam-do on theKorean Peninsula.

KOREAN HANOK
Kűnjöng Hall, Kyongbok Jongmyo, a UNESCO
Bukchon Hanok Village is a Korean traditional village with Palace, the throne hall (main World Heritage site. This
a long history located between Gyeongbok Palace, hall) of Kyongbok Palace, Confucian shrine is
Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine. The Seoul; rebuilt 1867, to the dedicated to the ancestors
traditional village is composed of lots of alleys and is specifications of the original of the Joseon Dynasty
preserved to show a 600-year-old urban environment. building (completed 1394, kings.
burned 1592).
 Gyeongju Area, South Korea
The area around Gyeongju is a
UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cheomseongdae is an Architectural evidence reaches
astronomical observatory in back to the Silla kingdom of
Gyeongju, South Korea. the mid-seventh century, and
Cheomseongdae means star- pyramidal tombs from that
gazing tower in Korean. area consisting of a rock
The land around Namsan
chamber in the heart of an
Mountain is particularly rich
earthen superstructure are to
with relics, where mural and
be found in the center of the
Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving observatory in East sculpture art decorate ancient
modern city.
Asia, and one of the oldest scientific installations on Earth. It palaces from as early as the
dates to the 7th century to the time of kingdom of Silla, seventh century.
which had its capital in Gyeongju. Cheomseongdae was
designated as the country's 31st national treasure on
December 20, 1962.
KOREAN TOMBS

Changdeokgung, also The Tomb of the General

known as Changdeokgung (Korean: Janggun-chong,
Palace or Changdeok Hangul: 장규총, Hanja: 將軍
Palace, is set within a large 塚, Chinese: Jiangjun-zhong),
park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, also known as the Pyramid of
South Korea. the East, is thought to be the
The pyramid is located in burial tomb of King
ji'an Jilin province China, a Gwanggaeto or his son King
It is one of the "Five Grand Palaces" built by the kings of the
former capital of Jangsu, both kings of the
Joseon Dynasty. Because of its location east of Gyeongbok
Goguryeo. The pyramid Korean kingdom of Goguryeo.
Palace, Changdeokgung, withChanggyeonggung, is also
was "rediscovered" in 1905.
referred to as the "East Palace" (동궐, 東闕, Donggwol). The
literal meaning of Changdeokgung (창덕궁, 昌德宮) is
"Palace of Prospering Virtue" View from below toward part of
the Bihwa Gaya royal tomb
complex in Changnyeong,
Changgyeong Palace is a
Gyeongsangnam-do, South
palace located in Seoul,
Korea. Note the doorway
South Korea. Originally the
leading into one of the tombs.
Summer Palace of the
Goryeo Emperor, it later
became one of the Five Seolleung & Jeongneung Tombs (built from 1494-1544)
Grand Palaces of the The Seolleung and Jeongneung tombs are the burial grounds
Joseon Dynasty. of two Joseon kings and one Joseon queen. The westernmost
tomb (at far left on the map) belongs to King Seongjong (r.
1469-94), the ninth king of the Joseon dynasty.
Deoksu-gung Palace, South His first wife, Queen Han, died at age 18 and is buried near
Korea Munsan, north of Seoul. Another wife, Queen Yun, is buried
Deoksu-gung is a walled here because she gave birth the the king's second son (the
compound of several royal future King Jungjong) in 1506. Queen Yun outlived her
palaces. The buildings vary husband by 35 years and was buried in a splendid tomb to the
from traditional east of her husband (image 5). Her grave has a stone fence
appearance and wood-and- encircling the mound, whereas her husband's tomb, on the
stucco construction to left, has a retaining wall as well. Statues of civilian and
western style. military officials and their horses stand at attention in front
of the graves. South of the tombs is a single T-shaped shrine
The main property was not originally a palace, but rather the
of the type commonly found at Joseon-era royal tombs.
residence of a prince; it enjoyed a promotion when the actual
There are also several ancillary buildings for storing material
palaces were burned in the Japanese invasion of 1592. By
used in sacrifices.
1618 the main palace had been rebuilt, and Deoksu-gung was
used as an "auxiliary palace" for another 270 years. Of the
original buildings, two thirds were destroyed by the Japanese
during their occupation in the early 1900s. The Deoksu-gung
complex also has forested gardens and an art museum that
are open to the public.
 South Gate of Hwaseong Fortress. It is called Paldalmun (팔달
문). The Paldalmun lies in the city of Suwon (수원). It's located
in the center of a busy road, so it's very visible to passing cars.
The South Gate also contains a bell that is decorated with a
dragon's tail and lotus flower. The inscription on the bell is in
Sanskrit, which indicates that the bell may have been used in
Buddhist ceremonies of the past.

Tombs in Neungsan-ri, Tumuli Park or called

Buyeo, Korea Daeneungwon in Korean
(literally "Garden of Great
Tombs") at Hwangnam-dong,
Gyeongju is the largest tomb Sungnyemun (숭례문) is also popularly known as
complex in Korea including 23 Namdaemun (남대문) In 2008, the Gate was destroyed by an
Silla tombs in total. It arsonist, but a newly repaired version of the Gate is
contains Cheonmachong scheduled to be revealed sometime next year. The picture on
("Tomb of the Heavenly the left is a picture of Namdaemun before it was destroyed
Horse"), Hwangnam by fire. The reason why there are two names for this Gate is
daechong, King Michu's tomb because Sungnyemun is the official Korean name for the
5th century tombs of rulers
and others. Gate, but when Japanese soldiers invaded the area, they
of an ancient Korean
(Koguryo) kingdom that renamed it to Namdaemun.
lasted from about 37 AD
until the 600s when it was
overthrown by the Tang
Dynasty.

KOREAN GATEWAYS / ARCHES

The Independence Gate (독립문) is

one of those gates that fall into Potong Gate sits at the intersection of Mansudae and Chollima
this category. The Independence Street. It was originally constructed in the Goguryeo period as
Gate is located in Seoul (서울). It the west gate of Pyongyang's chief fortress. It was
commemorates Korea's reconstructed in 1473 and renovated several times thereafter.
independence from China as a Unfortunately, the historic gate was destroyed in the Korean
sovereign nation. war. The rebuilt gate sits about 55 meters from its original
location in order to stand at the intersection of the streets.

The Indpendence Gate is made of granite and was inspired

by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was built in 1897 and
to this day it is a proud reminder of Korea's autonomy
from other nations.

Gwanghwamun (광화문)
is the largest gate of
Gyeongbokgung Palace
(경복궁). The Gate was Heunginjimun (흥인지문), which is also referred to as
partially destroyed and Dongdaemun (동대문). Heungjinjimun means "Gate of Rising
removed from its original Benevolence" which the name Dongdaemun means "East
location by two Japanese Gate". The name 'East Gate' refers to the fact that the Gate
invasions, but it was used to surround the eastern side of Seoul when it was first
repaired in August of last built. The Heungjinjimun is a major tourist attraction in Seoul
year. because it is a famous landmark in Korea.
The Gate is now made of wood, which has to be maintained
on a regular basis. The Gwanghwamun symbolizes one of
the major eras of Korean history, which is the Joseon Era
(조선시대). The Gwanghwamun Gate is located in Seoul and
is there to serve as a reminder of Korea's long history.
 Seoul had survived much of World War II but during the
Korean War (1950-1953), many buildings were destroyed,
with the city changing command between North Korean and
Taedong Gate South Korean powers five times. Street-to-street fighting and
artillery barrages levelled much of the city, as well as the
bridges over the Han River. Important architectural sites were
over-run and burnt by invading armies, looting was extensive,
and the urban landscape suffered with little money for
repairs.

With the armistice, and distinct architectural styles

determined by foreign governments began a long period of
development.

In the north, Stalinist and absolutist, often brutalist

KOREAN FORTRESSES architecture, was championed. North Korean architects
Ruins of Hwando Mountain Fortress, a major Goguryeo studied in Moscow or Soviet satellites, and brought back
fortification, Ji'an, China. A UNESCO World Heritage Site socialist worker styles and huge celebratory people's
dated to circa fifthy century. architecture on a grand and massively impressive scale.
Nomenclatura lived in Soviet-style apartment blocks,
farmers and rural workers lived in traditional houses as
they always had; urbanization did not occur. Grand
buildings and huge public squares were developed in
Pyongyang as architectural showpieces. Formal
processional landscapes accompanied these sites. Nearly all
architecture was government sponsored, and maintained
great homogeneity of function and style.

Haemieupseong - HEIMI Hwa Fortress, a UNESCO Ryugyong Hotel -

FORTRESS World Heritage Site.. Pyongyang, North Korea

In the south, American models defined all new Korean

buildings of any importance, with domestic architecture
both civil and rural keeping to traditional buildings, building
techniques, and using local materials, and local vernacular
Choksuk pavilion, Jinju styles. The pragmatic need to rebuild a country
North Gate of the Dongnae fortress wall. devastated by genocide, then a civil war, led to ad hoc
Eupseong fortress site buildings with no particular styles, extended repeatedly,
and a factory system of simple cheap expendable
buildings. As few Korean. cities had a grid-system, and
CURRENT KOREA
were often given limits by mountains, few if any urban
After the Surrender of Japan in 1945, American architecture landscapes had a sense of distinction; by the mid-1950s,
assumed supremacy. Under Douglas MacArthur, who set rural areas were underfunded, urban areas overfilled, and
Korean domestic and political policy from the Supreme urban sprawl began with little money to build distinctive
Command of the Allied Powers headquarters in Tokyo. important buildings. Buildings tended to be built quickly
Korean architecture by Koreans began once again in domestic with little regard for local identity. traditional hanok
areas, with extensive repair of the missionary churches being villages were razed, hundreds of simple cheap apartments
given priority funding. Essential repair to infrastructure were put up very fast, and bedroom communities on the
followed, more patch-work than new projects, and block-built periphery of the urban centres grew, built and financed as
hospitals, schools, industries began simple construction under company housing.
military supervision.
 Seongnam City Hall

The Juche Tower (officially the Tower of the Juche

Idea) is a monument in Pyongyang, North Korea.
The tower is named after the principle of Juche,
developed by Kim Il Sung as a blend of autarky,
self-reliance, nationalism, isolationism, Korean
traditionalism, and Marxism-Leninism.

Trade Tower, Seoul, South Korea

대단히 감사합니다
daedanhi gamsahabnida-
aj