A typological comparison of tri-form urban hanok in modern housing districts in Seoul

Abstract

This study explores the typology of the Urban Hanok, created as a new housing type from traditional Hanoks, in the process of Seoul's urbanization since the 1930s. It analyzes and compares the periodic characteristics of building arrangements in divided plots as well as the composition of interior space in buildings arranged when the new urban residential areas were organized. Based on this analysis, the objective is to discuss why a specific Urban Hanok type was selected as an ideal housing standard and how it spread at that time. Case study sites selected for this study include the residential area of Gahoe-dong during the 1930s, Bomun-dong during the 1940s and Yongdu-dong during the 1960s. First, the typological differences between Urban Hanoks formed through urban planning will be examined for each case study. Second, the differences in space composition for tri-form Hanok building areas (body and two separate wings) as well as the differences in building arrangements within their plots will be meticulously analyzed. This study will conclude that the cultural conservativeness of traditional Hanoks was maintained, but at the same time modern rationality was pursued at the early stage of Urban Hanok formation. In addition, the diversity of Hanok forms was secured by differing plot allocations in relation to streets and modifying Hanok types according to site conditions. However, uniform layout and model copies became apparent in the later periods of Urban Hanok development. In other words, Hanok construction modes have changed to improve efficiency through uniform mass production.