Chapter 5: Detailing the Doors, Windows, and Gates of Gwangju’s Mass-Produced Hanok

Influences from China, Japan, and Western culture made a lot of distinctive hanok in Gwangju and Jeonnam during the modern period. In addition, those designs survived through the 1960–70s after being selected and simplified by developers and became a standard for city hanok in Gwangju. There are two main types of 1960–70s hanok: “round type” and “square type.” Round-type models have an especially distinctive style compared to other regions, and we can say these were one of the last evolutions of hanok as normal houses in Korea.

Solo Trip to Almaty – Kazakhstan’s Largest City

The five nations of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan – were once part of the USSR. Their being late to obtain independence has meant that they are arguably still overlooked, though they are hidden gems in their own right. Kazakhstan, like its neighbors, is home to scenery that is nothing short of epic: Mountains capped with snow, glacial lakes, and gorges make it a dream for keen hikers and novices alike. It is a country where the influences of Islam and communism still clash wonderfully with each other, making way for some truly beautiful architecture, the likes of which I have never seen anywhere else. 

Chapter 3. Roofs of Gwangju’s Mass-Produced Hanok: Cost Efficiency or New Fashion?

Even among those who are currently working in the hanok or heritage fields, many think of Gwangju’s mass-produced hanok roof designs as ridiculous or too exotic.

Chapter 2. Floor Plans of Mass-Produced Hanok in Gwangju

In this chapter, Kang would like to share some floorplan blueprints that he collected and talk about how the floorplans of mass-produced hanok look, in addition to tracing the origin of their designs.

Mass-Producing Hanok Housing: Chapter 1. The Background of the Hanok in Gwangju

Even among residents of Gwangju, most don’t know the fact that this city had actually been one of the biggest hanok cities in Korea. It’s estimated that in the 1980s, there were more than 100,000 hanok in Gwangju.

Malaysian Architecture: A Major Source of Inspiration

Written and photographed by Cami Ismanova. The foundation of diverse architecture is a diverse culture. We can truly observe this by visiting Kuala Lumpur, the hub that merges several major … Read More

Hunting for Gwangju’s Follies

Written by Kelsey Rivers Photos courtesy of Gwangju Folly A golden pavilion, standing at a crossroads, swirling with revelers on a Friday night. Stark concrete stairs leading to nowhere, people … Read More

The Old Country: A Trip to Romania

Bradley Weiss discovers the beautiful Romania; one of the more un-touched countries of Eastern Europe.