Korean House, Hanok

A living legacy of 300 Years, Myeongjae Hanok'

Hanok is an architectural term describing Korean traditional houses, also referred as Chosun houses. Hanok is typically located with mountain in back, facing the water and north in direction. 



Each Hanok is distinguishable in various features, built according to regional environments—such as distance and direction of wind, water, land and mountains—and to meet its personal and distinctive objective and interest of the owner. 



Traditional architectures in Korea has evolved throughout dynasties; hanoks from Chosun Dynasty has remained most popular.



Myeongjae hanok is an exceptional example of a high class hanok from Chosun Dynasty, well preserved to current date. 

유봉전도, 1885, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Baesanimsu literally translates as mountain in the back and river in front for an ideal position for a house to be built on. These geographic locations based on such specific principle has actually been proved advantageous; wind-proofed from northwestern winter winds and having easy access to water. 

명재고택 항공사진 2, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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윤증 초상화, 이명기, 1788, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Portrait of Myeongjae, YUN Jeung

The First Host



YUN Jeung (1629~1714) is a renowned scholar, politician, and theorist with great depth of study and virtue. He was not a government official but worked as a political reformer with SONG Si Yeol, as Chosun's greatest thinker and advocate.



Also, YUN remains historically significant as the only person to achieve three excellencies without being appointed by the King. 

혼천의, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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파평후인니산유봉윤증인, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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A celestial globe 

A square seal

윤하중과 해시계, 1925-10-08, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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YUN Ha Joong, Myeongjae's descendent of nine generation, was an authoritative figure in astronomy.

해시계, 윤하중, 1910, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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YUN's invention: sundial based on 24-Hour system 

일영표준, 윤하중, 1910, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Astronomical observatory for the sundial placed at point zero.

윤하중의 후손과 해시계, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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YUN Ha Joong's son with the sundial 

한국의 집, 한옥 1709-2013, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Myeongjae hanok embodies modesty and practicality

Myeonjae hanok is not grand in size or lavishly decorated, but is an exemplary high-class hank residence that is well preserved. The structure of Myeongjae is based on scientific theories and humanistic balance.



Myeongjae is divided into three areas, the center Anchae, the front Sarangchae, and Sadang in the back. Smaller units of houses and rooms construct the complete the hanok complex. Myeongjae hanok is notable for the human scale applied to its measures to bring comforts. 

Hanok is composed of two basic elements: wooden structure and Giwa, soil baked roof tile. Also, ondol and maru were specifically designed to respectably warm the winter and cool the summer. 



Ondol—heated rock system—heats the floor and rooms thoroughly during cold winters, and maru keeps the house cool during hot summer days.   

옛 명재고택 사랑채, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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"Sarangche"

Sarangchae is where the family's disposition is constituted, for it was occupied by male members of the family. The son was taught directly by the father, of beliefs and law, living, studying, and receiving guests together.

명재고택 앞 후손 초상, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Father and son of YUN family

사랑채, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Each space of Sarangchae is carefully designed to meet personal needs. It is a place of social exchange and more exposed than Anchae.

사랑채 및 대문채 평면도, 2007, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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사랑채 단면도, 2007, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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큰사랑방, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Keun-Sarangbang is used by the eldest member of the family

안고재기 여닫이, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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안고재기 여닫이 디테일, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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안고재기 미닫이 디테일, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Angojiki is both hinged and slidable door—It is an efficient way of creating new space

Hinged door

Sliding door

닫힌 분합문, 사랑채, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Numaru is built on an elevated level of sterobate

누마루, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Numaru with closed windows

작은사랑방, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Numaru means lofted maru, constructed a level higher than other rooms

누마루, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Sarangchae's numaru is a platform for events and receptions, sharing conversation and thoughts 

누마루 창, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Panel naming Myeongjae hanok as a paradise

분합문, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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16:9 Panoramic view is provided by the bunhap window design 

석가산, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Seokgasan, a miniature artificial mountain, sits outside of Numaru

사랑채, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Hanok eaves control the amount of light entering the rooms in each season

주인전용 댓돌, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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A private terrace stone for the landlord; the shoes are a sign of his presence

"Anchae"

Anchae is the most private and restricted section of the house, protected by the inner gate. Landlady, wives, daughters cared children in Anchae and conducted everyday family life. Most family events were held within Anchae as well.

안채, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in Anchae

안채 담장의 옛 모습, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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동쪽 담장과 사당, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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사랑채 동쪽, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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뒷마당의 낮은 담장, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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안채 담장은 대문채 좌우측에서 시작해 안채 뒷산 능선을 따라 둘러져 있다.

대문, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Main gate

대문, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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대문 자물쇠, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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내외벽, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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New slogans are posted annually on the main gate in hope for good luck Gate lock Empty space introduce visitor's presence  

내외문, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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A duplicate interior wall prevent abruptness of visitors, allowing privacy to the family 

동쪽 마당, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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The landlady is in charge of inner courtyard and all house activities, secluded from the outside

안채평면도, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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안채측면도, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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마당 전경, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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The inner courtyard is the center of Myeongjae hanok, protected by 'ㄷ' shaped Anchae

대청마루와 마당, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Toenmaru—narrow wooden porch running alongside the exterior of rooms —controls the amount of light and wind 

대청마루 정면, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Daechung maru is a communal area where memorial services, weddings, and other ceremonies are held

Daechung maru is composed of six units and in perfect symmetry, subtly blending to the landscape. The courtyard is deposits of red clay. The temperature rises easily from direct sunlight charged in wide, flat surface, but windows open paths for cooler air to pass and create circulation of air, thus lowering temperature.

명재고택에서 혼례를 치르고, 1944-01-13, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Traditional Korean wedding at Myeongjae hanok 

전통혼례, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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대청마루의 기둥들, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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대칭을 이루는 대청마루의 창, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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대청마루에서 보이는 뒷마당, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Octagonal posts assist in climbing up to the interior spaces

Knot preserved in natural shapes

건너방, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Geonnunbang is smaller room in Anchae, usually occupied by the daughter-in-law

곳간 통로와 처마, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Path between Anchae and storeroom

곳간채 동측 입면, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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The width of passage is approximately 60 inches in the front and 24 inches in rear

곳간 통로, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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The law of perspective makes the path appear parallel to human eyes 

Anchae and storeroom has greater distance from the south, but the draws in closer towards the north. This is not a miscalculation but a sign of scientific wisdom. 

The uneven closeness of two buildings are convenient in many aspects: both safe from raindrops falling into Anchae's columns and platforms, the amount of sun and heat is controlled precisely, and by the proven theory of Bernouli's equation, winter's northwestern wind is stopped by narrow passage and summer's southwestern wind is directed toward Anchae, cooling the building. 



Myeongjae demonstrates not only great architectural composition but also is an ideal hanok in representing scientific wisdom. 

"Hanok with natural heating and cooling system"

눈 내린 명재고택 지붕, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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대문에서 보이는 마당, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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The inner courtyard is heated from the sun, creating warm air rises and collides with cooler air from behind daechung maru. The radiation creates natural circulation of air, helping to control extreme temperatures. 

The eaves are scientifically measured at a specific angle to control the amount of light reflected from the yard during summer and winter solstice. 

사랑채 아궁이 외관, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Heat spreads from Agunge located at lower level beneath the main floor

아궁이, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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안채 굴뚝 연기, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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사랑채 아궁이, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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아궁이는 방이나 솥 따위에 불을 때기 위하여 만든 구멍이다.

동쪽 아침풍경, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Chimney

Ondol is an archaic way of heating in Korea. Agunge is traditional fireplace; a direct source of fire allows heat to travel through passages underneath the floor, heating floors and rooms evenly. It is established upon the convection current theory.

This traditional floor heating system was popular among all members of social class, practicing good health by keeping the head cool and feet warm. 

"Beneficent water

"

"“Water well is not to be recklessly dug nor filled” "

우물에서 빨래하는 여인들, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Myeongjae hanok's water well shared publicly with neighbors 

우물에서 세수하는 아이, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Child washing herself at the well 

Water is one of the most essential material of all lives. Water well has preeminent significance in an agricultural society, a sacred place for the whole neighborhood. The well is usually the first thing you see entering the neighborhood, a post for surveillance and protection. It was also served as a public space for social and cultural interactions.

우물, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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고추장, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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된장, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Myeongjae's water well provided for drinking and other everyday use

Gochujang, Korean red pepper paste, made with water from the well 

Doenjang, Korean soybean paste

장독대 전경, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Crocks of soy sauce, a bequeathed tradition of 300 years at Myeongjae hanok 

옛 명재고택 전경, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Water drifts from the mountain behind the house, and is stored as a pond to be released for agricultural use.

"
“The land is flat, universe round”"

연못, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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The rectangular pond bears a round island in the northeast, stimulating water circulation that prevents water from from corrupting

"People of Myeongjae hanok "

사랑채 앞에서, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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사랑채 앞에서, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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명재고택 옛사진, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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언덕 위 느티나무 앞에서, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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An old pine tree at Myeongjae hanok 

옛 명재고택 앞에서, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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"“Hanoks should always be tended by people”

"

사랑채 앞에서, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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Myeongjae hanok posesses legacy of 300 years but still remains in its original statue, cared by generations of Yoon family.

옛 명재고택 앞에서, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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가족사진, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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옛 사랑채 앞의 윤증 후손들, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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"Four seasons of Myeongjae hanok "

명재고택, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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명재고택 동쪽, 여름, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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가을전경 파노라마, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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"“Hanok lies within nature, a part of the land, a perfect masterpiece”

"

겨울전경, From the collection of: JO SanKu
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"“Hanok cannot be fully appreciated until it has been observed inside out, and through all four seasons.”

Myeongjae's descendent of 13th generation, WanSik YOON "

Credits: Story

큐레이션—권태준

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.