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Korea Herald
29-05-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
Leading architects challenge hanok orthodoxy
Panel calls for evolution beyond traditional limitations as Korean culture gains global attention "Let's face it, hanok may never become fully mainstream again. But it remains an essential part of our architectural culture," said Daniel Tandler, co-founder of Urbandetail Architecture, whose contemporary interpretations of Korea's traditional housing have earned international recognition. The Eundeok Cultural Center in central Seoul was packed on Wednesday, with attendees spilling onto the floor of the century-old hanok building. They had come to hear six leading voices debate the future of hanok -- Korea's traditional wooden houses with their signature tiled roofs and central courtyards -- at "Architecture Talk: Evolving Hanok" jointly organized by The Korea Herald and Architecture & Urban Research Institute. Breaking from tradition A clear consensus emerged around the limitations of current approaches to hanok preservation and development. The discussion revealed broad agreement among experts that rigid definitions of hanok could prove detrimental to innovation. "Why must hanok have fixed definitions?" questioned Shin Chi-hoo, manager of the National Hanok Center. "No one defines apartments or single-family houses when selling them. Instead of seeking what makes hanok special, we should focus on how people actually live -- the relationships between spaces, what kind of life happens inside these places." Cho Jung-goo, architect of guga Urban Architecture, emphasized this point through his concept of "architectural reincarnation," describing how traditional Korean spatial arrangements persist across different materials and construction methods. "In Jeju, I observed traditional thatched houses alongside modern slab houses sharing nearly identical floor plans," he explained. "Traditional materials evolved into contemporary concrete construction. Hanok shouldn't remain static but continue evolving and being reborn." This flexibility extends to construction methods that allow for technological adaptation. In presentations preceding the panel discussion, each architect showcased projects that demonstrate contemporary adaptations of hanok's traditional elements: Tandler's steel reinforcement systems for structural integrity, Kim Yong-mi's hybrid wood-concrete construction methods, Hwang Doo-jin's integration of glass skylights within traditional wooden floor systems, and Cho's reinterpretation of traditional courtyard spatial arrangements for modern contexts. The current institutional framework reinforces creative limitations by enforcing technical requirements that projects must meet to qualify for subsidies, experts say. Seoul's hanok support initiative, for instance, requires "wooden architectural structures built on the basis of traditional Korean-style frameworks consisting of columns and purlins," language that panelists argued perpetuates orthodox standards and restricts experimental approaches. The panelists echoed broader frustration with widespread traditionalist expectations that hanok should preserve historical elements without any contemporary modification, an idea Tandler characterized as "Joseon-era (1392-1910) style obsession." "Some techniques are indeed worth preserving, but regarding the late Joseon-era formalities -- the hanok we live in today are far removed from those historical models anyway," he said. The urban question Despite agreement on the need for flexibility, the discussion exposed nuanced disagreements about hanok's role in urban landscapes. This tension centered on whether hanok should adapt to densely populated urban conditions or maintain certain characteristics that may limit widespread adoption. Understanding this debate requires a look at Seoul's unique housing landscape. The city houses approximately 10 million people in 605 square kilometers, with apartment complexes comprising over 60 percent of housing stock. These complexes, typically 15-25 stories high, house multiple families on small footprints while providing amenities and security that individual houses cannot practically match. Hwang and Kim advocated for multi-story hanok that could establish a more common presence in urban settings. "Multi-story development -- turning hanok into multiple floors -- is key," Hwang said. "Even two stories significantly raise density. If traditional neighborhoods had multi-floor hanok, they wouldn't have been completely razed for redevelopment." "Korea historically had different priorities -- less focus on wealth accumulation through property, which allowed for these unique single-story buildings," he added. "That worked well in the past, but it can't handle today's urban pressures. That's why hanok get torn down voluntarily, without any war or colonization forcing it." Kim went further in her presentation, envisioning "hanok cities" with five-story hanok buildings serving as police stations and fire departments. "Why not dream of hanok cities?" she asked. "This can be a healing project for Korea's damaged landscape." The preservation counterargument Tandler and Cho offered opposing perspectives, arguing that hanok's value lies precisely in qualities that resist urban adaptation. Tandler questioned the premise of mass adoption: "Korea's small hanok percentage won't create density problems. Hanok probably won't become mainstream anyway, so these talks about density aren't really necessary." His position reflects broader skepticism about compromising hanok characteristics for practical considerations: "If we focus too much on efficiency, why build hanok at all? It's like comparing handmade leather shoes with factory-made ones -- even with the same leather, they're completely different." Cho cautioned against equating higher density with progress, arguing that apartment complexes reduce community spaces while displacing long-time residents. "When they build apartment complexes, the number of households actually decreases, and they drive out many people. It's strange to call that increased density," he said. He drew parallels to historic preservation: "No one thinks we should increase density at Gyeongbokgung Palace just because Geunjeongjeon Hall is only two stories. Why should we treat hanok neighborhoods differently?" This perspective treats hanok as inherently limited in scale, valuable for its difference from mainstream housing rather than its potential to replace it. Tandler suggested this limitation enhances rather than diminishes hanok's significance: "Let hanok be hanok, and let our contemporary architecture incorporate and reinterpret hanok essence." Cultural renaissance The discussion concluded with reflections on Korea's evolving stature on the global stage and its implications for cultural identity. Several panelists noted how Korea's rapid rise in cultural influence -- from technology to entertainment -- creates new opportunities for architectural expression. Kim, who studied in Paris, reflected on changing perceptions: "Back in the days, people in Paris only knew Korea through images of tear gas and demonstrations. These days, everyone gathers around Korean students to see the latest smartphones and digital devices. Korea's status has risen that dramatically." She expressed cautious optimism about future developments: "I don't expect many more hanok to be built, but what I do see is a much deeper exploration of what Korean-style architecture really means." Cho articulated his vision for Korean architecture's future. "We have a creative calling -- something that hasn't emerged yet but needs to. Where will the biggest seeds for this come from? I am confident hanok will provide them." "Take Japan -- Japan established this foundation centuries ago, then developed it through various schools over 150 years. Now, Japanese architects naturally produce work that feels Japanese." For Korea, he suggested, "the future depends on us creating something similar -- but we're the ones who have to build it." moonkihoon@
Korea Herald
13-05-2025
- General
- Korea Herald
Pursuing living tradition: Architect Daniel Tandler on reimagining hanok tradition
Korean German architect builds on essence of 'hanok' with modern tools, old hands For Korean German architect Daniel Tandler, understanding the essence of "hanok" is conducive not only to good design, but also to grasping the broader values embedded in Korean life. Over the past decade, Tandler has immersed himself in studying, designing and living with hanok — traditional Korean houses known for their harmony with nature, wooden joinery, "ondol" underfloor heating and open spatial flow. Through his Seoul-based practice, the Urbandetail Architecture co-founder and principal approaches hanok not as a static historical artifact, but as a living form of architecture capable of evolving with time, culture and technological progress. "The hanok may never become fully mainstream again, but it remains an essential part of our architectural culture. We're past worrying about whether the hanok will survive; the question now is where it's headed," he said in an interview with The Korea Herald on April 25 in Seoul. Tandler sees possibilities for many paths forward. These ideas are reflected in his firm's work, which draws on what he sees as the core elements of hanok — "maru" (open wooden floors), "daecheong" (main halls) and courtyards, which were shaped by Korea's climate and way of life. One such example is SeoHeeJae, erected in 2021 and widely considered one of the most faithful reinterpretations of traditional hanok design. The house was honored as the Excellent Hanok of the Year by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. More recently, Jeongdaeunjip — another project by Urbandetail — earned top recognition at the 2023 Korean National Hanok Awards, as well as Excellent Hanok of the Year once again. While these hanok are located in Eunpyeong Hanok Village, a dedicated area for hanok in Seoul, not all hanok are built from the ground up. In many cases, hanok are created through renovation — either by preserving an existing hanok's original form or by transforming another structure into one. Both approaches require careful and often extensive remodeling. Binyeonjae, for instance, is a hybrid residence originally constructed in 2002, blending a reinforced concrete structure on the first floor with a traditional wooden hanok frame on the second. Urbandetail undertook a major renovation and extension of the house. The design was guided by the hanok principle of "chagyeong," or 'borrowed scenery,' with the intent to create a continuous visual and spatial flow between the interior and surrounding nature. 'We planned it so that wherever you are in the house, you feel this seamless connection between inside and out,' Tandler explained. Solsame House is Tandler's personal experiment in blending his favorite hanok concepts into a remodeled home, with elements like an internal courtyard, stone flooring, glass ceilings and layers of "hanji" -- paper made from the mulberry tree -- and lacquer flooring, demonstrating how hanok values can inform modern space-making. 'For Solsame House, I applied many elements of hanok and reinterpreted its spatial logic,' he said. In pursuing this threefold approach to hanok architecture, one area Tandler emphasizes is the value of craftsmanship. Preserving craftsmanship, Tandler said, is vital in Korea, where much of the hanok tradition was lost in the modernization process. In Germany, he noted, traditional architecture evolved naturally into modern forms, with carpenters adapting over time and continuing their craft. But Korea's modernization came abruptly under Japanese colonial rule, following initial resistance. Modern elements were introduced from outside, not as part of an organic cultural evolution. 'The number of skilled artisans is dwindling. Roof tilers are in their 60s and 70s. Some crafts like wallpapering are passed on through mother-daughter teams, but it's fragile,' he said. "I believe that the very existence of traditional craftsmanship itself is a crucial cultural asset. But I sometimes worry that if we keep pushing hanok solely in the direction of development and innovation, we might end up losing that element. That's why, at our firm, when we work on reinterpretations of traditional architecture within a modern context. We try — whenever possible — to collaborate directly with master craftsmen. That's something we value deeply," he added. Raised and educated in Germany, Tandler first encountered hanok during a visit to his aunt's house in Gwangju while studying economics at Yonsei University. 'I remember thinking: Why are these homes disappearing?' That question eventually steered him away from economics and toward architecture. Though he studied economics at the University of Goettingen in central Germany and interned at the Samsung Economic Research Institute, he realized the field did not suit him. Instead, his interest in hanok grew. He read books by master carpenter Shin Young-hoon and took hanok tours during trips to Korea. He later enrolled in architecture at RWTH Aachen University in Germany's far west and trained under architect Cho Jung-goo at guga Urban Architecture. In 2014, he co-founded Urbandetail with architect Choi Ji-hee. Tandler believes the strength of traditional Korean architecture lies in its spatial harmony — its balance between openness and enclosure, between nature and structure. 'I hope more architects explore how to adapt this flexibility meaningfully in modern design,' he said. He also sees promise in the growing interest among younger generations in Korea's traditional culture — including hanok. 'When it comes to our identity, I believe traditional elements play a vital role,' he said. 'By engaging with them, we gain deeper insight into who we are and how we differ from others. That's why it's essential to preserve — and evolve — our traditions.' Renewed interest in hanok, or traditional Korean houses, is palpable today, demonstrated by the growing number of hanok cultural facilities, cafes, accommodations and homes. While some new hanok architecture espouses the traditional form dating from the Joseon era, hanok buildings that have been adapted to contemporary conditions and lifestyles are also gaining ground. In this series, entitled 'Evolving Hanok,' The Korea Herald explores how hanok continue to evolve to stay relevant to current milieus. — Ed. gypark@
