Abstract
This study explores the beneficial methodology to increase cultural values of urban style Hanok, Korean traditional residence. Based on the literary geographical approach, this study defines the physical identities of special Bukchon Hanok area in Seoul. The explored physical identities are to provide basic fundamentals for supplying and maintaining new Hanok buildings, including how to preserve and restore the traditional Hanok areas. They are also to develop various Hanok related cultural products and to encourage Hanok popularization. In addition, this study is to add more the humane values and significances to the previous relevant researches. With these perspectives and through above mentioned methodology, the study draws the physical identities of Bukchon Hanok area and meanings as belows: The first one is the collective identity. Bukchon Hanok area is mainly composed of organic spaces with its collective scenary. Narrow alleys and curved lanes created by collective gaps between Hanok buildings, provide residents and visitors with abundant choices of moving path. The second one is the formal identity. Bukchon Hanok maintain their unique layout patterns. The basic units of Chae are combined in specific ways such as 'ㄱ', 'ㄷ', 'ㅁ' types and result typical formal expression of the area. The third one is grounding identity which represent the relationship between the earth and every-day living space. Each Chaes of house always surround Madang, Korean traditional court yard with rare vegetation. And the connection to the ground is transferred to the memories of its dwellers. Lastly, the current Hanok still preserve similar characteristics of past time Hanok such as materials, structure and styles by using unique building technics and exposing traditional ornamenting styles.