Shall we learn about Seoul Public Hanok?
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[Card News Episode 7] Shall we learn about Seoul Public Hanok?
The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has purchased hanok buildings deemed to be preserved but at the risk of damage and assigned them as Seoul Public Hanok.
A total of 34 Seoul Public Hanok buildings have been used as venues to introduce traditional architecture and the culture around Korean housing and as public locations for community members.
Uses of Hanok Buildings (as of 2022)
- Cultural and exhibition centers : 11 ㅣ Traditional craft education centers : 9 ㅣ Community facilities : 10 ㅣ Rental houses : 4 ㅣ Hotels : 0 ㅣ Total : 34
- Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG)
Of these facility types for Seoul Public Hanok, the most frequently visited were as cultural and exhibition centers, followed by as community facilities, traditional craft education centers and boarding houses/rental houses, in that order.
Frequency of Seoul Public Hanok Use, by facility type
| Visited at least once | Visited most frequently | |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional craft education center | 23.8% | 8.0% |
| Cultural and exhibition centers | 85.2% | 68.9% |
| Community facilities | 34.0% | 21.6% |
| Rental houses | 3.2% | 1.5% |
Hanok policies have changed over the years. With that, Seoul Public Hanok have become perceived as places of cultural heritage and experience locations.
- First phase (2001~2008)
Key terms : Appreciating the charm of traditional culture ㅣ Craft workshop, Culture, Tradition, Food, Knot-tying.. - Second phase (2008~2015)
Key terms : Tasting traditional culture ㅣ Craft workshop, Experience, Artwork, Museum, Exhibition.. - Third phase (2015~)
Key terms : Participating in traditional culture ㅣ Experience, Craft workshop, Bukchon Traditional Culture Center, Program, Event..
Since 2001 when the Bukchon Regeneration project was initiated, the SMG has operated 27 Seoul Public Hanok buildings in total.
- Bukchon Sarangbang, Bukchon Byeoldang, Shelter Gallery, Public Hanok Playground, Bukchon Hanok Hall, Bukchon Education Center
According to a customer satisfaction survey of local residents of Bukchon and tourists, Seoul Public Hanok had an average satisfaction score of 68.7, which is fairly high.
- Tourists 76.1%
- Local residents 61.3%
- Average satisfaction score 68.7%
The Bukchon Traditional Culture Center has run an array of online and offline programs open to the public.
| Venue | Category | Program | Mode of delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Bukchon Traditional Culture Center | Exhibition | Exhibitions featuring Bukchon and Hanok held at the Public Relations Exhibition Hall) | Offline |
| Cultural experience | Field trips to four Seoul Public Hanok buildings, Hanok experience program for elementary school students, titled “Hanok, let’s play together”, etc. | Online/offline | |
| Education | Open lectures about Bukchon | Online | |
| Hanok Support Center | Exhibition | The Archive of Hanok | Offline |
| Education | Classes in the architectural style of Hanok, Hanok experience program for elementary school students, titled “Hanok camp”, etc. | Online/offline | |
| Village Library·Shelter Gallery | Cultural experience | Weekend programs, community engagement lectures, etc. | |
| Exhibition | The Little Shelter Gallery |
Suggestion from the Seoul Institute
“Why not take in a variety of captivating programs at quiet and atmospheric Seoul Public Hanok?”
Source: Hyunseok Min. 2023. “Evaluations and Development Suggestions for Seoul Public Hanok Project“. Seoul: Seoul Institute.