Chapter 1 : covers Korean geographical and socio-cultural background and how they affected the form of the Korean traditional house.
Chapter 2 : covers the relationship of family life and space planning since family life and social norm in the Chosun Dynasty were the major factors in forming the house formand style. in this chapter, upper class houses and lower class houses are compared.
Chapter 3 : covers basic space planning and major characteristics of the floor, wall, ceiling, window, door and other interior elements.
Chapter 4 : covers major furniture pieces, their functions and characteristics and also lighting fixtures, accessories, and other household items.
Chapter 5 : covers traditional furniture layout in the master bedroom(An bang), living room (Sarang bang), and kitchen.
Chapter 6 : covers typical colors in the traditional house and its interiors, and typical patterns used in the traditional house and interiors, and the meanings and symbols the patterns represent.
Chapter 7 : covers how Korean traditional form has been established through Korean geographical and cultural influences, considering all of the aforementioned elements in previous chapters. The general Korean perception that there should be a harmonious relationship among nature, people, and house, is reflected in the traditional houses of tile roofed or rice straw roofed houses in the Chosun Dynasty. The upper class, although possessing wealth and power, preferred to show their power and status in a simple and restrained life style rather than a luxurious and wasterful one. This was due to their philosophy in life to be in harmony with nature, avoiding complexity and greed.
Thus, the Korean traditional house, that is derived from Korean philosophy of life, exhibits unique and apparently paradoxical characteristics that seem very "full", yet "empty" at the same time, and seem "weak" on the outside space shows a dynamic energy and balances, which is very unique, and which can not be found in any other country. This unique traditional house that has been formed through a long period of time possesses practicality and artistic beauty, and we hope that those who visit Korea can see the merits of the Korean traditional house. This book will guide those who search for Korean tradition, practicality, and beauty of the traditional houses that were formed in its long history.