Author(s): Nani Park; Robert J. Fouser; Jongkeun Lee (Photographer)

Architecture

Amidst the glass-and-steel skyscrapers and luxury apartments of modern-day Seoul, traditional Korean houses known as hanok survive and play a surprisingly important role. Inside the Korean House showcases 12 very special hanok that have been selected to reflect the lifestyle of style-conscious Koreans today, in a country where traditional values are still highly respected.

While the exteriors of these homes are indistinguishable from the traditional hanok of past decades, the interiors have been adapted to keep up with the times. Traditional stone, wood and clay are still the basic materials used, and the houses make full use of natural elements such as wind and sunlight based on the principles of baesanimsu--which position the hanok in harmony with the forces of nature and the geography of their sites.

Each hanok in this book has a unique story that is told from the point of view of its owners, many of whom are well-known architects, designers and business leaders. This book provides an unparalleled look at the lifestyle of contemporary Koreans who are leading the world now in terms of design, fashion and innovation.