Experiential Analysis of the Vernacular: South Korea's Gudeul System

Abstract

This paper looks at the experiential aspects of the traditional Korean houses known as hanoks. It does so through an examination of the recently rising popularity of the gudeul heating system for use in hanoks. Very recently, remodeled hanoks have become very attractive in the context of the highly uniform housing market of South Korea. Yet hanoks continue to present many inconveniences such as preparing firewood for the gudeul. While some have evaded this problem by modernizing their heating system, others stick to the traditional heating system, arguing that modern heating systems are untrue to the essence of the vernacular house. This study examines the source of the popularity of this traditional heating system despite the inconveniences associated with it. By employing ethnographic as well as archival methods, this study concludes that the popularity of vernacular heating systems comes from their effects on the senses, both tactile and olfactory, rather than satisfying a merely functional need of providing warmth.