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| Master carpenter Lee Gwang-bok will demonstrate woodworking skills for hanok at the Seoul Hanok Expo. |
By Baek Byung-yeul
Most Koreans these days prefer to live in high-rise apartment buildings. The size of their apartment has become a measure of their success; while the buildings have been convenient and safe "nests" for them.
In the meantime, "hanok," or the traditional Korean house, has lost its footing due to ruthless waves of redevelopment, leaving only a few in villages and areas designated as tourists' spots. As a result, even modern Koreans are unfamiliar with the structure of hanok, which are built around a courtyard and feature tiled-roofs called "giwa," wooden columns and the traditional floor heating system called "ondol."
With the government's effort to boost cultural identity and promote tourism, the numbers of hanok have been on the rise over the past five years, and the Seoul Metropolitan City Government is holding an expo this weekend in a bid to popularize them.
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| Participants to the Seoul Hanok Expo will have a hands-on experience on building "hanok," traditional Korean house at the Seoul Hanok Expo, which will take place at SETEC in southern Seoul for four days from Thursday to Sunday. |
The 2016 Seoul Hanok Expo provides an opportunity to learn more about hanok featuring works of master carpenters, hands-on programs, consulting booths for those who seek to live in hanok, and features over 380 companies in the industry. It will take place at the Seoul Trade Exhibition and Convention Center (SETEC) in southern Seoul for four days from Thursday to Sunday.
The organizing committee said the expo is not only to introduce the beauty of traditional Korean houses but also to connect people interested in building a new traditional style house with firms that can help them.
"Living in a hanok has become fashionable and Seoul City has been trying hard to promote Bukchon and Seochon, hanok-concentrated areas with historical neighborhoods in heart of Seoul," the organizing committee said.
"The 2016 Seoul Hanok Expo is based on the city's Hanok Asset Declaration announced last July. The city has a vision to increase the number of hanok areas from 34 to 100 by 2020 not only to promote environmental friendly and healthy living for citizens but to promote and preserve the traditional housing."
The committee said that some 80,000 visitors including 10,000 foreigners ― either from abroad or living in Korea ― are expected to attend the event.
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| Participants to the Seoul Hanok Expo will also have a hands-on experience of interior designing in traditional Korean housing. |
Exhibition
To provide an opportunity to glimpse the uniqueness of hanok, the expo is composed of three themes ― a display of the construction process, introduction to the country's hanok related industry and an exhibition of interior components mainly featured in hanok.
Ranging from traditional house designs to construction methods, visitors can enjoy learning about hanok with explanations from master craftsmen. Young architects will bring their works showcasing modern hanok designs.
Also, potential future owners of hanok can find relevant information on policy including financial assistance for construction and have a chance to consult with companies related to hanok design.
Visitors can glimpse what it is like to live in hanok as well. The exhibition showcases traditional Korean-themed interior components such as "hanji" or traditional Korean paper, wood craft, "hanbok" or traditional clothing, furniture and painting.
Hands-on programs
With a variety of hands-on programs, participants will have a chance to watch master carpenters demonstrate the making of building materials such as roof tiles and timberwork.
Blacksmiths from Jincheon and Boeun, North Chungcheong Province will showcase their traditional way of heating, forging, and finishing iron bars into farming tools or other living utensils.
At Korean tea tasting booths, visitors can learn the practice of Korean tea culture and try on traditional clothing and take photos at a booth.
In order to encourage the younger's participation, the expo has a contest where participants are invited to draw future style hanok and furniture. For those who want to join the contest, visit the website at hanexpo.co.kr.
On Friday, there will be a conference discussing the future of hanok and promoting strategies for the related industry.
The expo takes place from Feb. 18 to 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The venue is located near exit 1 of Hangnyeoul Station, subway Line 3. Admission costs 5,000 won. Free admission is also available for those who register at hanexpo.co.kr. For more information call (02) 742-3576.
