What does hanok mean to today's generation? Older generations may have memories of living in a
hanok as a child or visiting relatives who lived in one. However for younger people who have
been exposed to hanok in a similar way culturally as they have been to Buddhist temples and
palaces hanok are often thought of as historical artifacts that need to be preserved in their
old taxidermized form. Recently there have been an increasing number of hanok that break this
perception and have a direct connection to young people in a friendlier more attractive way.
This is the result of owners who have broken away from the stereotype of traditional hanok and
created their own unique hanok. Today some owners are not only using hanok as residential
spaces but also for commercial purposes such as restaurants cafes offices accommodations
and galleries. At the same time they are contributing to preserving hanok and revitalizing
local culture. From foreigners who arrived in Korea and fell in love with hanok to those who
created new hanok by designing and transforming them to suit their own purposes the diverse
ways of life and mindsets of these people make us rethink what hanok are. The beautiful harmony
between tradition and modernity that is expressed through the passion and creativity of these
people shows the infinite possibilities of hanok and gives us a glimpse into their future.
Hanok Today is not an informational book that answers all of your questions with detailed
descriptions about every hanok in every photo. Rather the authors distill the individuality
and essence of each hanok and beautifully arrange the images to convey the meaning of the space
inviting readers to see feel and think for themselves. Follow along with the text and
photographs through the eyes of the two authors and add your own interpretation to them as you
go.
