Uploaded on 2019-06-26 by Margaret Yoo

The picture taken here is at "Jongmyo" a shrine built in the 14th century located in the central area of Seoul. The type of construction oberved is the traditional korean construction called "Hanok" - prefabricated wooden frame structure that is assembled on location. While almost all Hanok structures were destroyed through many wars and invasions, there are few structures like Jongmyo that managed to be well preserved and gone through many reconstruction. When we observe traditional architecture in Korea, we see the appreciation for local and organic building material. When we think of Seoul now, a city that underwent massive urbanization in rapid speed, we think of highrisers, concrete and steel constructions, curtain wall facades... Adaptaion of these type of construction and imported materials really occured due to prioiritization to speedy construction to match the fast growing urban population.