Korean Architecture

KOREAN ARCHITECTURE

Characterized by a strong emphasis on harmony with nature, simplicity, and functionality.

It reflects Korean values of balance, practicality, and a deep connection to the environment.

Geographical Influence

• Mountainous Landscape:

  • Much of Korea's landscape is mountainous, which has led to the construction of temples, palaces, and fortresses nestled in or built around natural settings. For example, Buddhist temples are often built into mountain slopes or scenic locations to harmonize with nature.

• Water Proximity: 

  • Being a peninsula, Korea has been surrounded by seas, which has influenced the orientation and structure of buildings to take advantage of ocean views and breezes.

• Proximity to China and Japan: Korea's geographic position between China and Japan influenced its architectural styles.

• While Korean architecture has distinct characteristics, Chinese architectural traditions introduced during the Three Kingdoms period (especially through Buddhism) notably impacted palatial and temple designs.

• Korea also influenced early Japanese architecture, particularly during the Baekje period.

Geological Influence

Abundant Timber Resources:

• Korea's forests provided ample wood, making timber the primary building material in traditional Korean architecture.

• The abundance of wood allowed for the development of sophisticated wooden structures with intricate joinery systems, as seen in palaces and temples.

Stone Availability:

• Stone was also readily available, leading to its use in the foundations of buildings, pagodas, walls, and fortresses.

• Stone also provided protection against Korea's harsh winters and humid summers.

Use of Stone

For Pagodas and Buddha statues, particularly during the Silla and Goryeo dynasties, became a key feature of Korean religious architecture

Clay and Ceramics:

• Clay was used for making roof tiles, an essential part of traditional Korean architecture.

• The combination of stone and ceramic tiles helped in developing durable, weather-resistant structures.

Climatic Influence

Seasonal Extremes:

• Korea experiences distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. This has led to architectural adaptations such as:

• Ondol: A unique underfloor heating system, used to heat the interior of buildings during winter.

• Wide Eaves: Designed to provide shade in summer and protect against heavy rainfall during monsoon seasons.

• Ventilation and Cooling: In summer, traditional Korean houses (hanok) have open layouts with sliding doors, allowing for cross- ventilation and airflow.

• Maru, an elevated wooden floor platform, is used as a cool space for seating during hot weather.

Historical Influence

Korea's historical development, including invasions, dynasties, and modernization, has played a significant role in the evolution of its architecture.

Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE-668 CE):

• During this period, Korean architecture began to develop distinct forms, with influences from China and the introduction of Buddhism, which led to the construction of temples and pagodas.

Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392)

• Buddhist architecture flourished during this era, and Goryeo is famous for its grand temple complexes.

Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897)

• Confucianism became the state ideology during the Joseon Dynasty, and this was reflected in the construction of royal palaces, shrines, and Confucian academies. The focus was on simplicity and functionality.

Japanese Colonial Period (1910–1945)

• During this period, many traditional Korean structures were destroyed, and Japanese architectural elements were introduced.

Modern Influence

• Post-World War II, Korea saw rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to a blend of traditional styles with modern architecture, including skyscrapers and modernist structures in cities like Seoul.

Religious Influence

Korean Architecture have been greatly influenced by these following religion:

• Buddhism

• Confucianism

• Shamanism

Buddhist Temples

Sansa Temple

• Buddhist influence is evident in the design of temples, pagodas, and hermitages.

• These structures often blend with nature and use symbolic forms like lotus motifs and dragon imagery.

Iljumun

Jeollaman-do Iljumun Gate, Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon City

• Called the "One-Pillar Gate", because when viewed from the side the gate appears to be supported by a single pillar.

• The first gate at the entrance to many Korean Buddhist temples.

Confucianism:

• Confucian values of hierarchy and social order influenced palace designs, where spaces were organized to reflect the social rank of its inhabitants.

• In domestic architecture, the separation of male and female spaces (inner and outer rooms) is a Confucian principle.

Shrines and Tombs

• Confucianism also emphasized ancestor worship, which is reflected in shrines and tomb architecture.

• For instance, the royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty follow specific layouts to honor the deceased.

Royal Tomb of Joseon Dynasty

• Situated at 18 different locations in South Korea, the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty features 40 well-preserved tombs of the royal members of the Joseon Dynasty.

Munmyo

• Is also the general Korean term for a temple of Confucius.

• It houses a shrine to Confucius known as Daeseongjeon, or "Hall of Great Achievement."

Hongsalmun

• Also called hongjeonmun or hongmun

• A red spiked gate used for entering sacred places including Korean Confucian sites such as shrine, tombs and academiers

Ancient Structures

Some of the most significant ancient architectural works in Korea are

• Temples

• Palaces

• Fortresses

• Tombs

• Pagodas

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul, Originally built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, this palace is a quintessential example of traditional Korean palatial architecture, characterized by aymmetry, wood construction, and beautiful gardens.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul. During Spring time season.

Bulguksa Temple: Built in 528 CE during the Sille Dynasty, this Buddhist temple is known for its stone pagodas and exquisiter wooden halls, exemplifying harmony with nature. The temple became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995

Seokguram Grotto: An artificial cave temple dating back to the 8th century, I houses a massive store Buddha statue. The grotto represents a sophisticated understanding of geometry and spirituality.

Seokguram Grotto: Interior view

Hwangnyongsa Temple: Originally built in the 7th century, this wooden pagoda was the tallest of its kind in East Asia before its destruction.

Particular Construction Methods

Ancient Korean architecture employed various distinctive construction methods, influenced by the availability of local materials and environmental considerations.

• Wooden Framework (Gongpo)

• Post and Lintel System

• Stone Construction

• Ondol Heating System

Gongpo

• Traditional Korean structures, especially temples and palaces, utilized the wooden beam-and-bracket system known as gongpo.

• This structural system allowed for large wooden buildings without the need for nails or adhesives, creating flexibility and durability.

Post and Lintel System

• A common method in ancient Korean architecture, in which vertical posts supported horizontal beams.

• This system is seen in most traditional Korean houses (Hanoks), palaces, and temples.

Hanok

• A hanok (in South Korea) or chosonjip (in North Korea and for Koreans in Yanbian, China), is a traditional Korean house.

• Hanok were first designed and built in the 14th century during the Joseon dynasty.

Stone Construction

• Stones were often used for foundations, pagodas, and fortifications.

• Korean stonemasonry is evident in structures like the Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas at Bulguksa, which combine aesthetic beauty with stability.

Ondol Heating System

• A unique and ancient underfloor heating system that channeled smoke and heat through pipes beneath the floors of buildings. It was designed to warm interior spaces during harsh winters, a practical adaptation to Korea's cold climate.

Manner of Design

The design of ancient Korean architecture was highly influenced by religious and philosophical principles, including:

• Confucianism

• Buddhism

• Geomancy

Design Philosophies

Buddhist Influence:

• Buddhist temples and pagodas are key examples of how religious belief shaped design.

• Temples are typically arranged with a central hall housing a Buddha statue, and structures are aligned with nature to reflect Buddhist ideas of harmony and enlightenment.

Confucianism and Social Order:

• The influence of Confucianism is evident in the layout of palaces and homes, where spaces were divided to reflect social hierarchy.

• The separation of public and private spaces, as well as male and female quarters, was a fundamental aspect of Confucian design.

Geomancy (Pungsu-jiri):

• Similar to Chinese feng shui, this belief system holds that the placement and orientation of buildings should harmonize with the surrounding landscape.

• Important structures, such as palaces, temples, and tombs, were placed according to geomantic principles to ensure good fortune and protection.

Ornamental Features

Dancheong (Decorative Painting)

• A traditional style of decorative painting using bright colors (often blue, red, green, yellow, and white).

• The colors and patterns, often representing animals, flowers, or mythical creatures, served both decorative and symbolic purposes, conveying religious or protective meanings.

Giwa (Roof Tiles)

• The tiles of ancient Korean buildings were not only functional but also ornamental.

• The giwa (roof tiles) often featured decorative end caps called chimi (roof ridge), which had symbolic engravings, such as dragons or phoenixes, believed to ward off evil spirits.

Carved Wooden Brackets

• Gongpo system, used in the roofs of temples and palaces, often featured intricately carved wooden brackets.

• These carvings included dragon heads, flowers, or geometric patterns, adding artistic beauty while supporting the structure.

Pagoda Ornament

• Ancient Korean pagodas were often adorned with detailed carvings of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and floral patterns, as well as symbolic animals like dragons and lions.

QUICK RECAP: Korean

• Strong emphasis on harmony with nature, simplicity, and functionality.

• Buddhism: Iljumun

• Confucianism: Hongsalmun

• Ondol Heating System

• Hanok; Korean traditional house