Characteristics of Korean Hanok

The most distinctive feature of Korean hanok is the ondol and floor. Thanks to this feature, Koreans have overcome the cold and hot weather well in midsummer and midwinter.

Korean Hanok - Ondol

Ondol is a facility to withstand the cold winter, and a hole called "fireplace" is made when making a room in a hanok. When a wood fire is lit in this furnace, the smoke escapes through the chimney, which heats the stones under the floor of the room. This allows the ondol to keep the room warm. Also, when a fire is lit in the furnace, the heat is used to cook food.

Korean Hanok - Maru

Maru means a floor made of wood as a facility to cool off the humidity and heat of the hot summer. Maru plays the same role as today's living room, and Daecheong is located in the center of the house and means the widest floor. In hot summer, the front and rear doors of the daecheong are opened to keep the ventilation through the headwind. In addition, since the floor is made with a space away from the ground, it blocks moisture from the ground, and the wind flowing down flows up to create a cool space.

Korean hanok technology - well put to use in modern times

As such, the ondol and floor of a hanok are still being used in the construction of buildings. Hanok's original and scientific heating and cooling system is still popular and attracts attention as an environmentally friendly construction method. Buildings using Ondol and Maru have become an inspiration for modern architecture that pursues energy conservation and harmony with the natural environment.

Hanok's ondol and floor have evolved to meet the wisdom of the past and modern needs. Based on these advantages of traditional architecture and scientific principles, Korea is also attracting attention in the field of modern architecture and is inspiring other countries. The beauty and functionality of hanok are still our pride, and we continue to pass on the value of traditional architecture.

Korean hanok with a lot of value

The ondol and floor of a hanok are part of our culture and a great piece of architecture. Hanok with these characteristics is also a treasure trove containing our history and spirit. We look forward to continuing the more advanced architectural culture through the meeting of tradition and modernity while preserving the beauty and practicality of hanok.