This exhibition is prepared to feature a wide range of ancient wooden architecture of Korea, which dates back to the Neolithic Age henceforth formed unique architectural style of the Goryeo and Joseon period.

 

Early dwellers of caves and rock shelters began building a pit house in the Neolithic Age. A pit house is a type of rudimentary dwelling set on a pit with aboveground structure made by wood branches and grass. The pit house was developed in various forms with more complicated structures during the Bronze Age due to the evolution of farming as well as emergence of early villages.

 

During the Three Kingdoms period, buildings became larger and diversified in accordance with the construction boom of state buildings like palaces and Buddhist temples. Having gone through the medieval and pre-modern dynasties of Goryeo and Joseon, Korean wooden architecture accomplished unique and sophisticated style.

 

A total of 44 miniature models, some of which are realized by the renowned master carpenter, Shin Eung-Soo (intangible cultural property No.74) showcases Korea’s representative wooden architectures, including Sungnyemun(one of the four historic gates of Seoul), Daeunjeon(main building of Sudeoksa Temple), and Muryangsujeon(main building of Pusoksa Temple). Together with related research materials, video presentation and photo exhibition will help the audience understand the architectural history of Korea in full context particularly in link with the Goryeo room and Joseon Room of the museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miniature model of a pit house

Miniature model of Daeunjeon

 

Miniature model of Sungnyemun