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Description

This book offers an introduction to Korea's abundant and unique architectural past and present, combining explanations of the principles behind Korean architecture with introductions to some of the country's finest buildings and structures. It explains some of the ideologies and perspectives that form the foundation of Korean architectural tradition and outlines the history of Korean architecture, from the first architectural traces of dugouts and lean-tos to the increasingly sophisticated wooden frames and technologies. It offers a brief introduction to the basic elements, construction process, structural anatomy, and materials used in building a Korean traditional architecture. The book also highlights ten of Korea's best-known and most significant traditional buildings, ranging from Buddhist temples to royal palaces, Confucian royal shrines, landscaped literati gardens to "Enlightenment"-era fortresses. Korea's early modern architecture—a period from the colonial domination by Japan into the mid-20th century—is also examined.

Contents

Introduction 6

Chapter 1
Natural Perspective Revealed 10
Nature: the Most Fundamental Influence |
Preserving the Spirit of Wood and Stone | Coping with the Environment | Architecture Breathing with Nature | Natural Influences on Architecture

Chapter 2
A Brief History 26
Prehistoric Era | Walled City-Sates and Early Kingdoms |
Three Kingdoms Period | North South States Period | Goryeo | Joseon |
Daehan Empire | Japanese Colonial Period | Post-Liberation

Chapter 3
Anatomy of Traditional Architecture 46
Elements of Korean Architecture | Materials | Continuity

Chapter 4
Korea's Most Important Historical Buildings 68
Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto | Changdeokgung Palace |
Jongmyo Shrine | Hwaseong Fortress | Soswaewon Garden |
Byeongsan Seowon | Buseoksa Temple |
Dosan Seodang and Dosan Seowon | Haeinsa Janggyeonggak |
Yangdong Village

Chapter 5
Korea's Early Modern Architecture 94
Early Modern Architecture? | Architecture of the Daehan Empire | Architecture of the Japanese Colonial Era | Post-Liberation Architecture | Notable Modern Architectural Works

Appendix
Information 114

Delving Deeper
• Chogajip and Giwajip 49
• Baeheullim, Gwisoseum and Anssollim 51
• Building a Hanok 61
• Geumsan: Forbidden Forests 63
• Architects 67