Imagine stepping into a small South Korean village surrounded by green hills and serene landscapes. The sun casts a warm glow over rows of beautifully preserved hanoks—traditional Korean houses with sweeping tiled roofs, exposed wooden beams, and paper windows. In one of these homes, an older woman carefully brews tea, her movements slow and deliberate, following a ritual passed down for generations. Meanwhile, in the bustling metropolis of Seoul, her granddaughter lives in a high-rise apartment with sleek interiors, minimalist furniture, and a panoramic view of the city skyline. Despite the stark differences, both homes embody a uniquely Korean approach to design, one rooted in harmony, comfort, and balance.
This juxtaposition between traditional and modern housing is at the heart of korean house architecture today. As South Korea modernized at an astonishing pace, its housing had to balance reverence for tradition with the demands of contemporary urban life, creating a fascinating blend of past and future.
The Hanok: History and Significance of the Traditional Korean House
The traditional Korean house, the hook, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Korean cultural heritage. Dating back to the Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE – 668 CE), hanoks were designed to suit Korea’s distinct four-season climate and natural landscape. The architectural principles of a hanok reflect a deep-rooted respect for nature and a desire to live in harmony with the environment.
The construction of a hanok emphasizes positioning and layout, aligning with the Korean belief in baesanimsu, meaning “backed by mountains and facing water.” This principle guided the placement of homes to face south, capturing sunlight during the colder months. The structure is built from natural materials, primarily wood and stone, which help maintain a comfortable temperature inside and minimize environmental impact. Today, thanks are rare, making up less than 1% of homes in South Korea, with many located in preserved cultural villages such as Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul and Jeonju Hanok Village.
Key Features of the Hanok
The hook is more than a style of architecture; it embodies cultural values and a unique approach to living space. Several distinctive features make the hanok an enduring symbol of Korean tradition.
Ondol (Underfloor Heating)
One of the most innovative aspects of the hook is the ondol or traditional underfloor heating system. Developed over 2,000 years ago, the ondol works by channelling heat from a fire through a system of stone floors, radiating warmth throughout the house. This efficient heating system was practical in Korea’s cold winters and encouraged families to gather on the floor, strengthening family bonds. A study by the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology has shown that the ondol system is energy-efficient, reducing heating costs by up to 30% compared to radiator systems. Modern Korean homes, including apartments, still incorporate ondol technology, showing the lasting influence of this ancient design.
Maru (Raised Wooden Floor)
Another feature unique to the hanok is the maru, a raised wooden floor that serves as a communal area for rest, eating, and socializing. Raised slightly above ground level, the maru helps regulate humidity by allowing airflow beneath the floor, keeping the living space comfortable in Korea’s humid summers. Traditionally, the maru functioned as a central space for family interactions, embodying the communal nature of Korean culture.
Environmental Harmony
Korean architecture strongly emphasizes harmony with nature, and hanoks are no exception. The materials used—local wood, clay, and stone—are carefully chosen to integrate the house into its natural surroundings. A hanok’s open design, with sliding doors and large windows, creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. This connection to nature reflects the Korean philosophy of balancing the home with the environment, creating a calming and harmonious living space.
Modern Korean Housing: The Rise of Apartment Living
With South Korea’s rapid urbanization, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century, traditional hanoks gave way to modern apartment buildings. Between the 1960s and 1990s, South Korea experienced an economic boom and rapid industrialization, leading to dense urban populations. Today, over 60% of South Korea’s population lives in apartment buildings, and cities like Seoul boast some of the highest residential high-rise densities in the world. The average price per square meter of an apartment in Seoul is around 15 million KRW (~ USD 11,500), making it one of the most expensive cities for real estate.
The high cost of housing in cities like Seoul has resulted in innovative, space-saving designs prioritising efficiency and functionality. For instance, Korean apartments are often smaller than their Western counterparts but are designed to maximize space. Features like built-in storage, sliding doors, and multi-functional furniture help residents make the most of limited square footage.
The Micro-Home Movement
Micro-homes have become increasingly popular among young people in recent years, particularly in Seoul. These compact, minimalist units typically range from 15 to 30 square meters and offer an affordable housing solution for one-person households. According to projections by the Seoul Institute, one-person households are expected to make up over 40% of all households in South Korea by 2040. This demographic shift is driving demand for small, affordable living spaces that cater to single professionals and students.
While micro-homes may seem a stark contrast to the spacious, nature-oriented hanok, they share a common emphasis on efficiency and practicality. Micro-homes prioritize functionality and often include high-tech amenities such as smart home systems, allowing residents to control lighting, heating, and security through smartphones.
Reviving Tradition: The Modern Hanok Movement
Despite the dominance of apartment living, there has been a recent resurgence of interest in traditional Korean architecture. As a reaction to urban apartments’ uniformity and density, some Koreans seek ways to reconnect with their cultural heritage through housing. This has led to a renewed interest in Hanok villages and a movement to renovate and modernize these historic homes.
Areas like Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul and Jeonju Hanok Village have become famous for both tourism and residential purposes, attracting people who appreciate these traditional houses’ aesthetic and historical value. The South Korean government has also implemented initiatives to preserve hanoks, offering subsidies and tax benefits to homeowners in designated cultural zones. This support has led to the restoration of many historic homes, keeping the hanok tradition alive.
In addition, some architects are now blending hanok principles with contemporary design elements, creating a hybrid style known as “new hanok.” These homes retain the natural materials and curved roofs of traditional hanoks but incorporate modern conveniences such as glass walls, stainless steel, and open floor plans. This fusion of old and new offers a fresh take on korean house that respects tradition while meeting the demands of modern life.
Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Korean Housing
Korean houses are more than mere buildings; they reflect history, culture, and adaptability. From the intricate design of the hook to the sleek efficiency of city apartments, each type of home offers a glimpse into a different era and lifestyle. As South Korea moves forward, balancing its rich cultural heritage with the needs of a rapidly modernizing society will continue to shape its architectural landscape. Whether in a traditional village or a modern high-rise, the heart of Korean housing lies in the warmth of its spaces and the harmony they create.
