Daemokjang (or Daimokjang) refers to a style of traditional Korean wood architecture, particularly the work of woodworking artisans who use traditional methods. This word derives from mokjang or moksu, which means carpenter. Mokjang are artisans who work with wood and are divided into Daemokjang and Somokjang. The Somokjang makes small wooden items while the Daemokjang builds large wooden buildings.
Korea's Daemokjang Architectural Method and Theorem dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. In the 18th century, the term, however, declined in popularity in the latter part of that dynasty. In exchange, they adopted the surname 'Fiansu' and other artisans adopted the name Dofiansu. The Daemokjang were sometimes treated especially well and were offered positions in government.
As well as maintaining, repairing, and reconstructing historical buildings, these practitioners have also been involved in the construction of traditional Korean houses and wooden palaces. Daemokjang is responsible for managing the entire construction process, including planning, designing, and constructing buildings as well as supervising subordinate carpenters. Wooden structures created by Daemokjang are seamless, simple, and unadorned - defining features of traditional Korean architecture. The traditional construction of buildings requires both technical skills, such as designing the building for its size, the site, and the function, as well as aesthetic sense, such as selecting the lumber, cutting and shaping the wood, and assembling the separate wooden pieces without nails, which produce the durable 'joints to withstand a millennium'.
For example, winter was the most efficient time of year for Daemokjang to build Hanoks, in the opinion of Choi Gi-Yeong, one of three distinguished Daemokjang architects still alive in Korea. Before winter, builders needed to complete all required work on the floor in order to prevent ice damage to the wood while cutting and drying. Before the end of June, when precipitation becomes heavy, the roof tiles were laid, and the plastering should be completed before the start of Chuseok. On the walls, dew forms every morning and dries throughout the day during this time. The result is fewer chances of cracks forming inside the walls.
However, mastery of Daemokjang requires decades of training and field experience, both handed down through generations. Daemokjang practitioners restore legendary buildings using traditional techniques and reinterpret their artistic creativity and technical skill to recreate the beauty of traditional architecture. Daemokjang still holds a significant role in Korean history and architecture today, as they were responsible for the restoration of aspects of what are today important tourist destinations: Gwanghwamun, Changdeokgung Palace, and Sungnyemun.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/daemokjang-traditional-wooden-architecture-00461) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daemokjang) (https://www.korea.net/TalkTalkKorea/Spanish/community/community/CMN0000009955) |Subject=Art, Craftsmanship and Practices |Country=South Korea |SDG=(04) Quality Education, (08) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (09) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production }}