- Overview
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This book depicts our traditional "hanok" through beautiful pictures and detailed explanations. Readers will be able to meet the wisdom of the ancestors embodied in hanok and the Korean culture.
- Book Intro
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In late Joseon era, during a time of great changes inside and outside the country, Jinsa Choi's family gathered and discussed two concerns. First, two daughters' wedding is at the corner but there are not enough rooms to accommodate visitors. Second, their food storage is not secure as thieves are increasing day by day due to social unrest. So Choi family decides to expand food storage to build another building for visitors and erect walls to prevent thieves.
The story begins by introducing each room of Choi's house and telling what is happening there. Readers can see the pictures of the beautiful spaces of hanok (traditional Korean house), such as "anchae" (main building), "sarangchae" (detached building) and courtyard.
First, the family meeting takes place in anchae, the center of the house. It is usually for women, but it is also a place where family gathers to discuss important issues. Mr Choi goes to the shrine and report to ancestors that his daughters would marry soon, and watch the new "haenlangchae" being built inside "sarangchae," a men's space. Finally, the haenlangchae and strong fence are completed. On the wedding day, Choi's relatives gather and women are busy making food in the backyard. Following the story line, reader can naturally understand what each building is used for and what it looks like, etc.
In addition, the book gives explanation on the shape of roof, pillars, doors and window, and the types of gates and fences, along with vivid pictures. The book guide readers to understand peculiar elements of hanok, such as "gudeul" (Korean floor heating system), "daecheong maru" (wooden floor), and eaves, and how scientific hanok is in prevention of coldness and heat.
The books also shows how the unique cultures of Korean people - nomadic, sedentary and transitional - is reflected in hanok. This book will provide an opportunity to learn about hanok and Korean culture itself, not just as simple buildings.
- About the Author
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Lee Sang Hyun
Lee Sang Hyun (M) graduated from the University of Seoul worked at the Korea Land and Housing Corporation. From then he began to build a relationship with "houses." He left the company to write a novel, but as participating in the writing of 30 Years of Yongpyong Resort, he fell in love with hanok and became a hanok researcher.
He even learned carpentry in order to understand hanok more systematically. The person who writes a book is called 作家 in Chinese, whose literal meaning is a person who builds a house. A writer builds a house of mind while a person who handles wood builds a house for body. He is building a house for body and mind.
Kim Eunhee
Kim Eun Hee (F) studied Architecture at Seoul National University and has worked as an activist to plan and conduct community art projects. Kim is currently studying illustration at the University of Seoul Graduate School, and draws houses and small workplaces around her neighborhood. She was selected as Illustrator of the Year at the 2016 Bologna Children's Book Fair.