This document discusses how traditional Korean Hanok architecture has adapted to the changing sociocultural context of 21st century urban settings in South Korea. It examines how Hanok spatial typology and hierarchy have been influenced by the evolution from a Confucian-based social system to a more democratic and individualistic society. Specifically, it explores how the roles of spaces like the courtyard have changed from serving occupational needs to accommodating personal preferences as social classes emerged and gender roles became less defined.

1. GA ON JAI
Vernacular Architecture Integrated in
a 21st Century Korean Urban Setting :
Adaptation of Hanok Architecture
Pertaining to the Change in
Sociocultural Context
| SEONGNAM , GYEONGGI PROVINCE, SOUTH KOREA
A Group Research By :
Adriana Chang Wen Qi
Alia Nisa Binti Raflly
Daren Lai Kam Fei
Gavin Tio Kang Hui
I Made Lingga Prayoga
Kahying Cheok
Loi Chi Wun
0332960
0320774
0332570
0333373
0332722
0328560
0328652

2. A B S T R A C TPurpose :
● To examine the process by which traditional Hanoks
and modern architecture can influence each other.
● Summarize the literature of reinterpreting the
traditional Hanok architecture language through the
change of sociocultural context within a Korean Urban
Setting .
Hanok Sociocultural
Context
Urban
Context

3. M E T H O D O L O G I E S :
In order to address our research problem, we have used a qualitative approach to
collect information about the hanok architecture from previous and present situation
through the use of literature review in publications, online journals, book and study
articles.
We analysed how the hanok architecture adapts in korean urban setting through the
social and cultural changes. The research background was filtered to obtain the most
important factors in the resuming, explanation and structuring method.
Online
Journals
Literature
Reviews
Books

4. F O C U S :
● The loss in identifiable Hanok architectural characteristics
due to its contextualization into the concrete jungle and
accustomization to the change in sociocultural context.
● How spatial typology, spatial hierarchy, and courtyard’s
functions change when the social cultural change.
● Comparing the spatial layout from the venicular context and
urban context.

5. I S S U E
Conflict of Traditional Hanok and Modernism
Traditional Hanok
Traditional Value
vs.
Individualistic
Orientation
Modern Hanok
Western Influence
C O N F L I C T
Vernacular
vs.
Modernist
Architecture
?

6. Contemporary
21st Century
20th Century
Spatial Layout
Spatial
Typology
Spatial
Hierarchy
Courtyard
Madang
1 2 3
Past
Occupational
Need
Emergence of
Middle Class
Quality Living
Confucian
Ideology
Sociopolitical
Progression
Individualistic
Orientation
User
Interaction
Adaptation of
Western
Values
Buffer Zone
Hanok
Architectural
Style
Ga On Jai House
Sociocultural
Context
Sociocultural
Change
URBAN CONTEXT
VERNACULAR CONTEXT
C O N C E P T
M A P P I N G

7. 1. How does the social hierarchy affect the Hanok typology that exist in the past?
2. Are the roles once played by the social hierarchy still relevant in shaping the building
typology of a modern hanok?
3. How does the practice of Confucianism applied through the spatial hierarchy of the
traditional Hanok?
4. How does the sociocultural evolution alter the spatial hierarchy in modern hanok?
5. What are the role and characteristic of courtyard in traditional Hanok and how does it
accomodate traditional living?
6. How did the change in social culture affects the use and function of the courtyard in
accomodationg contemporary living?
R E S E A R C H
Q U E S T I O N S

8. Pivotal elements :
Wooden structure
Giwa roof
Ondol ( an underfloor heating system )
Maru ( a wide wooden floor area )
I N T R O -
D U C T I O N
The spaces within the house organise in system
Sarangchae ( Male | Front )
Anchae ( Female | Centre )
Sadang ( Ancestors | Back )
Baesanimsu principle
The ideal Hanok is typically located with mountain
at the back, facing the water and north in direction
Hanok | Chosun house
- Korean traditional house -

9. Ga On Jai
Reinterpreting the traditional Hanok elements
Modern urban setting
Corresponding to the social cultural changes
=
Modern Hanok house
Living Culture :
Chosun Dynasty - valued idea, philosophy and
social status
Modern Society - individual respect, perception and
habit
Intangible social cultural factors
+
Rapid urban development
=
Modern housing
BUT
Korean relatively lost its traditional housing identity
I N T R O D U C T I O N

10. S P A T I A L
T Y P O L O G Y

11. URBAN CONTEXT
VERNACULAR CONTEXT
- Prioritizes work
- Spaces of the room is based on
their occupational needs
- Individual respect and value
- Based on occupant’s personal
preference
- Importance of the space is decided
by the user
Occupational Needs
Quality Living
Emergences of
Middle Class
Spatial
Typology
1
T O P I C
O V E R V I E W

12. Traditional Korea Social Status
Upper Class
Yangban
Scholar-officials who serve
duty as politician and
government officials
Earliest photography depicting
Yangban, taken in 1863
Middle Class
Chungin
Lower Class
Sangmin
Lowest Class
Cheonmin
Highly skilled workers who
are competent in certain
techniques
Farmer, craftsmen and
merchants
‘Unclean’ professions such
as slaves, prostitutes,
shamans, magician, etc
Calligraphers Sangmin tiger hunters with matchlocks and
pipes
A group of slaves hired by a
Yangban

13. The Hanok size for upper class occupants was larger due to the
supplementary spaces needed in order to fulfil the formal custom
Upper Class
Yangban
Complex spatial typology
Yangban Hanok
Supplementary
Space Male study room owned only by
Yangban
Sadang (Ancestral Shrine)

14. The lower class dwellings lived in smaller Hanoks where the spaces
are mostly arranged in I-shape or in L-shape
Middle to Lowest Class
Chungin, Sangmin, Cheonmin
Shingled Roof Hanok
Simple spatial organization resulting in I-shaped
farmhouse
Spaces cater to user’s
occupational need
Farmhouse foyer to place dry hay
The Hanok for horse husbandry

15. In the early 1960’s, South
Korea achieved a
breakthrough in its
economy.
A farmer hauls rice on his back in Pong Hwang,
Naju, South Korea
Agrarian Economy
‘Miracle of the Han River’
Cow plowing on a rice field
Referring to the rapid
economic growth of South
Korea even though the
country was devoid of
capital, natural resources
and industrial facilities
after three-year-long
Korean War.
Comparing Exports from Two Koreas
An increase in GDP per Capita alongside with the country
economy advancement
Export-oriented Economy

16. The emergence of Middle Class, Chungin
Expose the society to the opportunities of
alternative occupations
This has resulted in a change in their demand, from ‘What they need to do’ to ‘What they want to do’.
The social practice was gradually adjusted to quality living whereby personal desire and preferences were prioritised.
Labour
Yangban
Artist Singer Chef
Chungin
Sangmin
Cheonmin

17. The traditional Hanok spatial organisation is being accustomed into the modern Hanok of brand new social dimension
based on occupant’s personal preference.
Functional and
Occupational
Needs
Hanok-style Apartment in an urban context
Personal Desire
and Preference

18. Vernacular Hanok
Daechung is meant to be an opened-air living
room connecting secondary spaces
Personal Preference
Contemporary Hanok
Daechung (living room) is
designed to be an enclosed space
that provides certain extent of
privacy for the occupant

19. Home Theatre
Case Study Building : Ga On Jai
Tea Room

20. All in all, these clusters of traditional low-rise family houses have evolved over centuries by introducing new social practices
into them, making way into urban context. Even though the spatial typology of Ga On Jai complies to the traditional Hanok
architecture conventions, the change in usage and function of the spaces draws a distinctive line between them.

21. S P A T I A L
H I E R A R C H Y

22. URBAN CONTEXT
VERNACULAR CONTEXT
Social system:
- Family spatial order outlining
gender roles and social status
- Spaces of the room is based on
their occupational needs
Social Behavior:
- Individual respect and value
- Importance of the space is
decided by the user
Confucian Ideology
Individualistic Orientation
Sociopolitical Progression
Spatial
Hierarchy
2
T O P I C
O V E R V I E W

23. Sociopolitical Progression
SOCIAL CULTURAL CHANGE : SOCIAL POLITICAL PROGRESSION
(i) Social System
It is the formal structure of role and status.
Include nuclear family units, communities,
cities, nations
Confucian Ideas Democratic System Social Class & Gender
Distinguishment
Individual Respect
& Value
(ii) Social Behaviour
Interactions among individuals, usually beneficial to
one or more of the individuals. Evolved because it was
beneficial to those who engaged in it

24. SOCIAL CULTURAL CHANGE : SOCIAL POLITICAL PROGRESSION
Sociopolitical Progression
(i) Social System (ii) Social Behaviour

25. CONFUCIAN IDEOLOGY
Focuses on family spatial order ,
Filial Piety willingness to sacrifice
for family and clearly outlining
Gender Roles and Social
Statuses
Sarangchae
Anchae
Courtyard
Sadang
i ii iii
Hanok house is divided into
three areas, the center Anchae,
the front Sarangchae, and
Sadang in the back. Smaller
units of houses and rooms
construct the complete the
hanok complex.
Traditional hanok spatial
hierarchy are, east and west
ends occupied by the younger
generation. Men would
frequently use the sarangchae
to host guests, while the anchae
was used by women and family
members only.
SOCIAL POLITICAL PROGRESSION : SOCIAL SYSTEM

26. CONFUCIAN IDEOLOGY
Sarangchae
Male members of the family
Father teach son study
Receive Guest & Social Exchange
Anchae
Private, Restricted and gated
Wives and daughters
Family events
Sadang
Ancestral tables
Separated by walls and gate
SOCIAL POLITICAL PROGRESSION : SOCIAL SYSTEM

27. DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM
However, due to the effects of
social system at korea ;
Democracy. Legal equality and
political freedom have been
identified as important
characteristics.
i ii iii
These principles were reflected in
all eligible citizens being equal
before the law and having equal
access to legislative processes.
Therefore, the change of social
system have transformed the
idea of Confucian to Democratic
thoughts.
SOCIAL POLITICAL PROGRESSION : SOCIAL SYSTEM

28. Ga On Jai HouseTraditional Hanok House
DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM
SOCIAL POLITICAL PROGRESSION : SOCIAL SYSTEM

29. SOCIAL CULTURAL CHANGE : SOCIAL POLITICAL PROGRESSION
Sociopolitical Progression
(i) Social System (ii) Social Behaviour

30. SOCIAL CLASS AND GENDER DISTINGUISHMENT
Influence the structure and role of the living
spaces
i ii
Formal social class and
gender distinguishment
Personal respect
and values
Housing began to be regarded as a private
place for a family ( living room , bedroom and
home office for the head of a family)
SOCIAL POLITICAL PROGRESSION : SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

31. INDIVIDUAL RESPECT AND VALUE
Different priorities and self-oriented. Value
and prioritize things other than family, it is
simply a progression in cultural evolution
iii iv
Therefore, Intangible culture as value,
perception and habit acts were considered as
major factors to choose the living spaces
SOCIAL POLITICAL PROGRESSION : SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

32. The spatial hierarchy is affected and transformed through the socio political progression change of social systems then social
behaviour. The study of progression indicates the traditional hanok architecture spatial hierarchy of Chosun Dynasty was
decided by Confucian Ideology whereas that of the present stress on the Individualistic Orientation. In the future, the korean
culture is expected to get focused more on intangible factors such as individual value, perception and lifestyle.
FEMALE MALE
CONCLUSION : SPATIAL HIERARCHY

33. M A D A N G
- courtyard -

34. URBAN CONTEXT
VERNACULAR CONTEXT
- Lifestyle heavily influenced by
Confucianism
- Family oriented religion and practices
- Courtyard function benefiting family
activities
- Legalization of New Civil Code
- Influenced of Western Culture
- Courtyard function are more towards
conventional use
User Interaction
Buffer Zone
Adaptation of Western Values
Madang
Courtyard
3
T O P I C
O V E R V I E W

35. 1970s, when the Hanoks started to gain
recognition amongst the public eye
symbol of pre-modern inefficiency traditional urban planning and
architectural structures are
downplayed
Hanok Value with Korea’s Development

36. Ideology of Confucianism in their daily life and
majority of their activities revolves in the heart
of their dwellings.
Harmony and smooth flow of affection
were seen as results of proper patriarchal
regulation of women and children, a
“benevolent monarchy”.

38. Upper-class
Hanok

39. Middle-class
Hanok

40. Middle-class
Hanok

41. Relationship between the courtyard and the surrounding building

42. The traditional Hanok seems unrealistic to accommodate various
user needs.
(1) Conserving them as a sort of cultural assets, maintaining
the principle elements of a Hanok
(2) Modifying them so they fit amongst the contemporary
lifestyles
CHANGES IN THE KOREAN FAMILY STRUCTURE
SINCE 1960
Emphasizes independence, and no specific
obligations from their childrens but decent
respect.
Traditional Korean family has changed,
welcoming a liberating new era
A child’s sense of autonomy is far from
important compared to their family’s values.
Open social family relationship became significant in
World War II, where the American culture had an impact on
their lifestyle.

43. Layout of an upper-class Hanok Layout of a ready-built house Layout of contemporary Hanok, Ga On Jai

44. Brings views inside and out. Coolness in the summer and warmness during
winter.

45. Serves as a buffer zone, providing privacy
and security.
Blocks noises and smoke from outside.

46. The traditional spaces of the courtyards are the core
of Koreans’ everyday lives.
Form and function of the modern courtyard that can accommodate any
scenario.
PAST PRESENT

47. Younger generations will emphasize the use of space Elders tend to emphasize on sociality

48. The courtyard as an intermediate space
that distinguishes between the ‘open
space’ and the ‘entry space’.
Old culture of the outdoor courtyard
space, where all the rooms are
interconnected and linked.
Symbols of the pillars that strengthen
sentiment, culture and social cohesion.

49. C O N C L U S I O N
The Korean communities were made up of Hanoks since the early Korean
settlement ages
New architecture styles
(Urbanization)
Industrial Revolution
Tangible
Contextualization of
Vernacular Hanok Elements
Intangible
Sociocultural Context
Mixed Scale Context
Adapting to the evolving
sociocultural change

50. C O N C L U S I O N
Hanok is not a name referring to the outlook of a particular building, but
is a name given to an architecture that progresses alongside its country’s
development.
?
Modern Hanok

51. R E F E R E N C E S
● Jun, N., & Yoon, C. (2012). A Typological Comparison of Tri-Form Urban Hanok in Modern Housing
Districts in Seoul. Journal Of Asian Architecture And Building Engineering, 11(2), 231-238. doi:
10.3130/jaabe.11.231
● Jieheerah Yun (2014) Rethinking vernacular architecture: the case of Hanoks in South Korea, The
Journal of Architecture, 19:1, 108-127,DOI: 10.1080/13602365.2014.885555
● West, C., West, C., Bitanga, M., Bitanga, M., West, C., & Bitanga, M. (2019). The Ga On Jai Home Was Built
Upon The Traditional Architecture Language Of Korea. Retrieved from
https://hiconsumption.com/2018/12/ga-on-jai-home-by-iroje-khm-architects/?fbclid=IwAR1tiyq1fC0-lzG
uWepY7y-1W6FGFqrx0hoot_7XJXJJbrqGVQq_fktuFFw
● Introverted Ga On Jai Home by IROJE KHM Architects. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.homestratosphere.com/ga-on-jai-home-by-iroje-khm-architects/?fbclid=IwAR0M7Yqy98j
moewmcLfh95r0uEIUAqTBLLTZ-RSpBkeqcgSS_YaseGkdDzI
● IROJE KHM architects design ga on jai house: a contemporary vernacular. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/iroje-khm-architects-design-ga-on-jai-house-a-contempo
rary-vernacular-1-18-2014/?fbclid=IwAR3v-vWqH7Iblh1KE6FRjgxUbcAFcciLvnZCLeWY0ApVh14TwozXnuF
db0I
● Ga On Jai / IROJE KHM Architects. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.archdaily.com/463492/ga-on-jai-iroje-khm-architects
● Hanok traditions inspire modern Korean design. (2019). Retrieved from
https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/korean-traditional-hanok/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0n--ZHfN8Nv_j
KCbwd-Bm6ehTNdQVUi5zfPtWk2D-Q7cHqKKPbaMCTzLo
● Korean House, Hanok. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/gQR542M5
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Korean Living Space based on Cultural Factor Since the 15th Century to the Present. Retrieved from
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%20based%20on%20Cultural%20Factor.pdf
● Lee, s. (1991). CONTINUITY AND CONSISTENCY OF THE TRADITIONAL COURTYARD HOUSE PLAN IN
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https://www.academia.edu/5305989/Remodeling_of_the_Vernacular_in_Bukchon_Hanoks
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from http://www.worldresearchlibrary.org/up_proc/pdf/153-14535312845-7.pdf

52. T H A N K
Y O U