한옥

This is definitely a construction site for traditional Hanok houses. Looking at those substantial wooden beams, you have to wonder how many trees it took to get all that wood. Living in Gangwon-do, I know we've got plenty of these trees in our country. Even if it’s not the best quality, some trees could be over 30 years old. It’s quite a treasure, and building with this wood requires careful planning. First off, just look at these massive logs. They’re so big that if you don't handle them right, someone could get hurt, or the wood could get damaged, so you have to be cautious. This is a crucial part of the process. Next, we’ve been sanding and preparing these logs for about a month, and I'm worried we might not get to 3000 units. If we mess up while cutting or shaping, all this hard work could be wasted. Today, we’re setting up the pillars on the foundation and getting everything lined up correctly. The first step is putting up the pillars. Each one weighs over 300 kg! It’s not just about standing them up; getting them perfectly straight without any glue or concrete to hold them in place is crucial.

 

 

02:13

This organized work is packed with the wisdom of being fully prepared. The workers need to stay focused like never before, and even the faintest sound from Samsung can be heard. Now, it’s time to draw the lines. We need to cut the columns and make sure they fit perfectly. This part has to be spot-on for it to stick right. We will use it later, and getting everything level is crucial. So, we’ve got to align it properly. We firmly attach the foundation stone to the columns using an electric tool. And just like that, the first column of the house is going up! We need 16 features for this three-room traditional house, and every column has to be the same height. As we move on to the next steps, we need to make sure everything stays level. We’re connecting long beams between the columns. Why do we do that? It helps support the columns, and putting up the framework first ensures the safety of the workers.

 

 

04:28

I'm having a bit of trouble with this work. Traditionally, in Korean hanbok (traditional houses), wooden pieces are joined together without using nails. For that, we need a wooden hammer—a tool we use for this process, which we call "mail." Today, everything seems to be fitting together really well. It's like when you have a good team working together, you know? It’s satisfying to see it all come together without any fuss. So far, the work has been going smoothly, but you can see the tension on the faces of the skilled workers because the most challenging part is still ahead. We’re dealing with a heavy beam that weighs 500 kg and costs more than 5 million won. This is no small task! Anyway, once we finish this, we can wrap everything up nicely. The central beam will help distribute the weight from the roof evenly across the columns, which is crucial. It’s all about making sure everything is balanced and stable.

 

 

06:32

It's like, in the car look, half of it is taken up by the boats you park at home, right? There's that saying about a second chance, and then there's the Atom bomb at the bottom, so you can check it out anytime. Ah, I’m not doing that. Paul is against it. No way, I can't get in. As for me, I can't go there. The tree might get damaged too, you know? Ah, it's frustrating. Ah, Shin Jeong-hee is sharp. In the end, I have to carve the tree down. I was saying a bit about Naver, but it's already been 30 minutes of this wrestling match. Wow, I guess I saw it. It’s tough for the beam to find its place. Ah, okay, that’s good. [Music] I’m finally feeling a bit relaxed now. [Music] Everything fell into place. Yep, I’ve kissed before. So if it turns out like this later, I’ll write it down. Ah, for math, if you’re a bit off, it seems like it comes back around later like it’s all good in the end. Ah, now I can finally take a break. Today’s high was 34 degrees, and there’s a heatwave warning. So, we’re on the ground, right?

 

 

09:03

It's hot again, and I just realized it's work time. The sky is cloudy and dusty, but I was just trying to get by. I’ve been dealing with this summer weather and managed to get some structure done, like the beams and columns. A few days ago, it was 34 degrees, and today feels even hotter. With the humidity at 85%, the discomfort level is 90, so the workers think it is today. Is there a specific reason it’s more challenging today? The humidity is through the roof. When you’re working, you can feel the sweat just rising. It’s nice when it cools down afterward. We’re not just fighting the heat; it’s the humidity too. So, today’s work involves mixing things up a bit. But first, I need to walk through the plan. Getting the foundation right before moving on to the roof is essential. We must ensure the curves on the eaves come together correctly; that’s where the beauty lies. It should feel like you could just take off into the warm sky with those beautiful curves.

 

 

11:16

The pillars and beams form the backbone of the roof, supported by the rafters. We're setting everything according to ancient standards. The key to this work is creating smooth, beautiful curves. The careful touch of the hands adds to the goal. After regretting some choices in life, I’ve realized that blending things is essential. With that effort, different-sized woods fit together like spokes in a wheel. However, hanging the rafters is a constant source of tension. People are moving precariously on beams over 4 meters high. If the center of gravity shifts, it could lead to a serious accident. There was a time I fell while working and ended up with a fractured collarbone. I’ve always feared heights, but now I’m trying to work at these high places. Everything is aligning well now, and the traditional Korean house is starting to take shape. This summer, we had a lot of rain.

 

 

13:25

I couldn't help but delay the work on the roof tiles due to the typhoon. A month later, I returned to the traditional Hanok construction site, and today, the show's star is the tiles. These tiles used in traditional hanok can weigh nearly 5 kg each. Before we dive into the actual tile work, we need to do some prep. I have to bring in these tiles, measure their length, and figure out how to cut them without breaking. This is the base we’ll be working on. It’s all about cutting solid wood to fit the curves perfectly. You can feel the craftsmanship in that. It's about the experience and how you approach the work. Plenty of young folks are learning the trade, too, and they need guidance on how to do it right. Working in Junggye-dong can be challenging. With 15 years of experience, our skilled artisans are bringing the traditional hanok to life. Once we finish the base, we’ll start stacking the clay for the roof. It'll start coming together once we place the first three tiles on top.

 

 

 

[Applause] They're working steadily before everything dries out. The key to the job is to have a solid foundation. The tiles used for the roof are a type called "Sukiwah," and there are 13,000. This time, Sukiwah tiles are stacked, and they help prevent the population from being blocked between the hammer and them. [Music] Kim Gi-hwa is in the final stages of the work. Mr. Bang has stepped in to make the detailed finishing touches. When you think about two houses, you realize it’s all about matching things up. It’s a bit tricky to get everything just right. Once these tiles are all in place, a proper traditional Hanok look starts to come together. What’s it like to watch this all come together? With the typhoon and the long rainy season, it feels all at risk. Shall we take a look inside the traditional Hanok? The living room has a modern touch while embracing the house's beauty. How does that feel? The scent of the pine is fantastic, and it feels like we’re living in nature. It’s something!

Summary

The video provides an in-depth look at the construction process of a traditional Korean Hanok, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and the significance of using natural materials in this architectural style. The construction site is filled with large wooden beams, some over 30 years old, emphasizing the importance of quality wood in building a Hanok. The video documents the various stages of construction, from erecting the foundational pillars to installing the roof tiles, highlighting the careful techniques employed by the artisans. The builders face numerous challenges, including the heavy weight of materials and adverse weather conditions. Still, their dedication and skill shine through as they create a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing home that harmonizes with nature. Viewers gain insight into the traditional methods passed down through generations, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage in modern times.

Highlights

• 🪵 Traditional Materials: The use of high-quality, aged wood, some over 30 years old, reflects the importance of natural materials in Hanok construction.
• ⚖️ Precision Work: The necessity for precision in erecting pillars and beams without modern adhesives or concrete showcases the craftsmanship involved.
• 🛠️ Cultural Heritage: The video underscores the traditional techniques and knowledge that have been preserved and passed down through generations.
• 🌧️ Weather Challenges: Builders contend with extreme temperatures and humidity, illustrating the demanding conditions under which they work.
• 🏗️ Structural Integrity: The role of heavy beams in supporting the structure is emphasized, demonstrating the engineering ingenuity of Hanok architecture.
• 🎶 Craftsmanship Focus: The builders’ use of hand tools instead of power tools highlights the artisanal nature of this construction method.
• 🏡 Modern Integration: The interior space is designed to blend traditional aesthetics and modern functionality, reflecting contemporary living needs.

Key Insights

• 🌳 Importance of Wood Quality: The choice of wood, especially aged materials, is crucial for durability and aesthetic appeal in Hanok construction. This emphasizes the connection between the natural environment and traditional building practices. The selection process involves considering the wood’s appearance and structural integrity, as older wood tends to have superior strength and resist environmental factors.
• 📏 Precision in Construction: The video highlights the precision required in constructing a Hanok, particularly in aligning and securing pillars and beams. The absence of modern construction techniques like concrete binding forces artisans to rely on their skills to ensure every piece fits perfectly. This precision is not just for aesthetic reasons but is vital for the structural stability of the building, especially in a region prone to varying weather conditions.
• ⚒️ Traditional Techniques: Traditional tools and methods, such as wooden mallets and hand-cut joints, exemplify a commitment to cultural heritage. These practical techniques connect the builders to their ancestors, creating a sense of continuity and identity. The craftsmanship involved reflects a deep understanding of the materials and methods, which have been refined over centuries.
• 🔄 Adapting to Environment: The builders face challenges the local climate poses, including high temperatures and humidity. Their ability to adapt their work to these conditions speaks to the resilience and ingenuity of traditional builders. The video illustrates how environmental factors influence construction practices, from timing the work to accommodate weather changes to choosing materials that can withstand local conditions.
• 💪 Physical Demands of Construction: The physical labour involved in Hanok construction is significant, from lifting heavy beams to working at great heights. This aspect of the craft showcases the builders' physical prowess and endurance. As they navigate the physical challenges, the camaraderie and teamwork among the workers become apparent, highlighting the community aspect of traditional construction practices.
• 🎨 Aesthetic Considerations: The aesthetic qualities of a Hanok, including its curves and lines, are carefully crafted to reflect harmony with nature. The builders are constructing a functional space and creating an artistic expression that resonates with the surrounding landscape. This attention to aesthetics is a hallmark of traditional Korean architecture, emphasizing the connection between built environments and nature.
• 🏡 Modern Applications of Tradition: The interior design of the completed Hanok integrates modern living spaces while retaining traditional elements, demonstrating how cultural heritage can coexist with contemporary needs. This blend of old and new reflects a broader architectural trend where traditional practices are adapted to fit modern lifestyles, proving that heritage can inform and enhance modern living.

In conclusion, this video serves as a rich exploration of traditional Hanok construction, revealing the intricate processes involved, the challenges faced by artisans, and the deep cultural significance of the methods employed. The balance of tradition and modernity is a central theme, showcasing how ancient techniques can be adapted to contemporary life while preserving valuable cultural heritage.