Daemokjang refers to traditional Korean wood architecture and especially to those master woodworkers who choose to learn and carry on this tradition of wood construction. Their work also extends to the maintenance, repair and reconstruction of historical monuments, from traditional wooden houses to monumental palaces and temples.
Daemokjang Masters
Daemokjang masters have full powers when it comes to building a traditional wooden houses. They do the design and plans, they do the construction, and the whole team of carpenters working on the construction is subordinate to them. They control and approve the work done by everyone involved in the work. The work done by these tradition keepers is fine, simple and with a minimum of decoration. These would also be the characteristics of traditional Korean architecture.
To create a new building, Daemokjang masters need both the technical knowledge to draw up the building plans and the aesthetic inclination to select, work and join wood. Piecethe wooden parts are fastened without nails or screws, making so-called joints for a millennium. Traditional tools are used, handed down from generation to generation.
This craft of woodworking and joinery eternal has been passed down from master to master over many generations. Young people who want to continue the tradition have to spend decades with a Daemokjang master, trying to fure profession.
To repair and restore old monuments, Daemokjang masters reinterpret the beauty of traditional wooden architecture according to their artistic inclinations. They do it with the skills and knowledge they have acquired in a lifetime dedicated to this craft, with passion and duty at the same time.
In 2010 UNESCO sign up Daemokjang in Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity).
In the video below you will see the making of a traditional house. Feel free to take 10 minutes of your time to watch this film. You will be impressed.
(photo source: dougukon.jp)
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Asia is still totally undiscovered and I am convinced that the old methods will return because the time of their inventory was based on more solid principles of concept and realization. Wonderful article, I spent 30 minutes on Youtube videos to see other works.
I'm so glad you liked it. When I discovered it I was so excited I wished I could show it to everyone right away. I think these people have found the essence of things.