조선시대 집터

What secrets do the walls of Joseonjip hold? Here before us stands the Joseonjip, a traditional Korean house known as Hanok in South Korea. The Joseonjip, with its elegant lines and connection to nature, whispers stories of centuries past. Built during the 14th century Joseon Dynasty, the Joseonjip reflects a deep respect for the surrounding environment. The practice of baesanimsu, positioning the house with a mountain at its back and a river in front, guided its placement. This principle, meaning “back mountain, face water”, speaks to the harmonious relationship between architecture and nature. Joseonjip’s design varied regionally. In the cold north, square shapes conserved heat around a central courtyard. Southern Joseonjip adopted a more open, L-shaped structure, embracing the warmer climate. The materials used, such as timber, rock, and soil, were natural and recyclable. The tiled roofs, known as giwa, and the wooden beams contributed to the Joseonjip’s distinctive appearance. Even the length of the cheoma, the curved roof edges, could be altered to control the sunlight entering the house. Inside, the ondol, a floor-based heating system, kept inhabitants warm in winter, while the daecheong, a cool, wooden-floored hall, provided respite from the summer heat. The Joseonjip’s design also reflected social class. The yangban, or upper class, and the jungin, or middle class, lived in houses with giwa, emphasizing both function and beauty. Commoners, however, often lived in houses with choga, thatched roofs prioritizing practicality over aesthetics. The Joseonjip stands as a testament to Korea’s architectural ingenuity and its enduring respect for the natural world. It embodies a way of life deeply connected to the rhythms of the seasons and the surrounding landscape.