Hanok

Hanok refers to traditional Korean houses that emphasize harmony with the surrounding landscape, natural materials, and careful adaptation to climate. Typical hanoks are built around a central courtyard or madang and use a wooden frame with mud or clay walls, a stone or earthen foundation, and a tiled roof. Interiors commonly feature sliding wooden doors and lattice windows covered with hanji, a handmade paper. A hallmark of hanok is the ondol system, a radiant underfloor heating method that warms the living spaces from the floor up, contributing to comfort in Korea’s winter.

The interior layout of a hanok often separates public and private spaces. A common arrangement includes a men’s study or sarangbang and a private family room, along with guest rooms and sleeping areas that can be reconfigured seasonally. Floors such as maru (main wooden floor) and insulated sleeping areas, as well as wooden pillars and beams, are arranged to provide ventilation and shade. The design also emphasizes natural light, cross-ventilation, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Historically, hanok architecture developed during the Joseon Dynasty and reflects traditional Korean aesthetics and social norms, including privacy and hierarchy. Regional variations exist, with northern homes tending to be more compact and insulated, while southern houses are often more open and sun-oriented to suit warmer climates. In contemporary Korea, hanoks are preserved as cultural heritage and are actively used as residences, guesthouses, cafes, and museums, illustrating a continuing appreciation for traditional building practices and sustainable design.