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Bukchon Hanok Village keeps tradition alive in Seoul
2008-06-30 VIEW : 1003
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Bukchon comes alive with various traditional
cultural events Since last year, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has been running various cultural programs to promote uniqueness and historical value of Bukchon Hanok Village in downtown Seoul, one of Korea's last treasures where people still live in authentic traditional housing. As an effort to preserve the traditional homes in a Seoul community, the city has been encouraging the residents of the village to take a lead role in the programs. Bukchon Cultural Center at the village, a venue operated by the metropolitan government, provides visitors with diverse experiences into traditional Korean culture, through various cultural events taking place during the fourth week of each month. It is also where popular traditional seasonal festivals take place, including those to celebrate Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Seolnal (Korean New Year) holidays. In the evening, the venue provides lectures on traditional Korean liquors, paper craft, traditional Korean musical instruments and embroidery, which are popular among busy professionals who want to experience a broad spectrum of traditional culture. On June 20, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, the oldest classical ensemble of the country, gave a concert at the center, under the theme of "Hanok meets Chamber Music." The metropolitan government has purchased traditional homes from owners who can hardly afford their old houses for financial reasons, to prevent modern alternatives made of concrete and steel from replacing them. The traditional houses here feature some 20 valuable cultural properties, as well as traditional work shops. Tradition meets IT in 'Bukchon Information System'  the
SMG will build up the 'Bukchon Information System' to provide virtual
experiences into traditional Korean housing culture. The digitalized
system is expected to draw more attentions of foreign tourists to
hanok, as well as contribute to the preservation and use of the
houses at the same time. The new info system will include a new digital map of the hanok village, which will be created on the base of most up-to-date geographic information system (GIS). The digital map will contain detailed information about the area's history, tradition, cultural properties and historical figures related to the area. The content will be promoted through a flash animation and an upcoming mobile portal service. |
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Seoul expands 'hanok preservation district'  In
May, the city designated hanok villages in Samcheong-dong and Palpan-dong,
downtown Seoul, as new hanok preservation district, a strong measure
to keep the tradition villages from possible land speculation. In the preservation district, just like it is in the current Bukchon village, constructions and renovations of 'non-honok' style buildings will be prohibited for about a year, until a more detailed plan to preserve the area is finalized. A hanok owner in the district and those who want to build new hanoks in the district can apply for a special grant of up to 30 million won and up to 20 million won loan from the city. For more information, please contact the Seoul Global Center at (82-2)1688-0120 or email to hotline@seoul.go.kr |
