By Honorary Reporter Seema Thomas from India

Photo = Seema Thomas, Korea.net

India and Korea are geographically and climatically different but have similarities in traditional architecture, namely between Korea and the southern Indian state of Kerala. 

Characteristics and forms

Korean and Kerala architecture have similar designs.

Hanok is traditional Korean architecture developed in the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty. It was used to build royal palaces, Buddhist temples and Confucian shrines and today, Hanok is usually used for private residences. Kerala's domestic architecture style evolved from that of Hindu temples in southwestern India. Traditionally, Kerala homes are detached houses with the most developed form being the Nalukettu, or courtyard type.

The 4 layouts predominantly found in the traditional architecture of Korea and Kerala are straight ( ㅣ ), l- ( ㄱ / ㄴ ), U- ( c ) and square-shaped ( ㅁ ). These designs allow people to freely add or repeat the module to meet the needs of inhabitants. The structure also varied according to social class, with modest houses being smaller and of simpler design.

Materials and construction
From planning to material selection, vernacular architecture is a response to a region's climatic conditions and energy-efficient, locally available and affordable materials require less labor. Traditional Korean architecture aims to keep an interior cool during summer and warm during winter. Kerala has warm and humid weather with heavy rainfall throughout the monsoon season, so its architecture is built to keep rain and sun off the walls and keep the interior cool.

Schematic sections of Korean and Kerala buildings

While the framework and joinery are made of wood, burned clay tiles are used for roofing and stone for flooring. The roof's overhangs keep sunlight from entering the building during the summer and lower the indoor temperature. The interior courtyards provide adequate ventilation and natural lighting to every room.

Courtyards of traditional Korean and Kerala architecture

While upper-class dwellings tended to have clay tiles on their roofs, working-class houses had thatched roofs made from hay, straw or palm leaves. Hanok used red clay for walls and floors, while walls in Kerala were plastered using lime mortar. The traditional Korean paper Hanji was extensively used on the walls, fenestration and floors of Hanok. Its surface was coated with bean oil to keep it waterproof, and its porosity allowed light and air to pass through. Furthermore, it purified the air by regulating humidity and removing fine dust. In Kerala, wood was usually used for framing and millwork by skilled artisans.

Elaborate ornamentation of Korean and Kerala architecture

Connection with nature
Both construction styles have an intrinsic link connecting climate, geography, landscape and human psychology as a building is harmonized with its surrounding environment. Nearby landscapes are beautifully framed by the doors and windows. For practical purposes, courtyards are generally left empty as their natural aestheticism and elegant features along with subdued shades are complemented by a natural background. As most of the building's material is from nature, both architectural styles have minimal ecological impact and improve thermal, acoustic and sustainability performance. 

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.