Korean House Floor Plan

Essential Aspects of Korean House Floor Plans

Korean traditional houses, known as hanok, embody a unique architectural style that reflects centuries of cultural traditions and environmental influences. Understanding the essential aspects of Korean house floor plans provides insights into the deep-rooted principles that shape these captivating structures.

1. Onderol Floor Heating System

A distinctive feature of hanok is the onderol floor heating system, known as gudeul in Korean. This system consists of a series of flues built beneath the floor, creating a network of channels where hot air from a stove in the kitchen area circulates. The heat radiates upwards, warming the entire floor surface, providing a consistent and cozy temperature during cold seasons.

2. Ondol Room and Living Area

Central to the hanok floor plan is the ondol room, known as anbang or gudeulbang. This is the main living area and often serves as a multi-purpose space, accommodating sleeping, cooking, and dining. The room is typically spacious, with the underfloor heating system ensuring a comfortable and warm environment.

3. Courtyard and Gardens

Korean house floor plans frequently incorporate courtyards or gardens, known as madang. These outdoor spaces provide natural light and ventilation to the interior of the house. Madang are often beautifully landscaped, featuring traditional Korean gardens with carefully arranged rocks, trees, and ponds, creating harmonious transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

4. Yard for Functional Spaces

Adjacent to the madang, there is often a yard, known as daecheong, which serves functional purposes. Traditionally, the daecheong was used for agricultural activities such as threshing grain or storing firewood. It provides a practical space for daily tasks and complements the indoor living areas of the house.

5. Open and Fluid Floor Plan

Hanok floor plans exhibit an open and fluid layout that allows for flexibility in space utilization. Movable partitions, called jangseodo, are often used to divide rooms into smaller or larger areas as needed. This adaptability enables hanok to accommodate various functions and adjust to changing family needs over time.

6. Front and Back Entrances

Korean traditional houses typically have designated front and back entrances. The front entrance, known as majumun, is formal and often used for receiving guests. The back entrance or anmun is used by family members for daily access. This separation reflects the cultural emphasis on distinguishing between public and private spaces.

7. Roof Structure and Materials

Hanok roofs are characterized by their gently sloping design and typically constructed using traditional roofing materials such as giwa (half-rounded roof tiles) or wooden shingles. The roof overhangs extend beyond the walls, providing shelter from the elements and creating graceful architectural lines.

Conclusion

Understanding the essential aspects of Korean house floor plans reveals the ingenious design principles that have shaped hanok architecture for centuries. The onderol floor heating system, ondol room, courtyard, yard, open floor plan, front and back entrances, and distinct roof structure work together to create a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing living environment that reflects Korean cultural traditions and harmonizes with its natural surroundings.