Daemokjang

The work of a Daemokjang

Daemokjang (or Daimokjang) is a style of traditional Korean wooden architecture and a term for the woodworking artisans who create it. The word is derived from mokjang or moksu, meaning carpenter. Mokjang are artisans who deal with wood and are divided into two types: Somokjang and Daemokjang. Somokjang generally refers to those who make small wooden objects; Daemokjang are those who build large wooden buildings. Daemokjang are responsible for the entire field of woodworking and the entire construction process.

History

The skill of Daemokjang can only be acquired through decades of education and practice. There were times when Daemokjang is treated with prestige and given governmental positions. The Daemokjang Architectural Method and Theorem originated in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. But towards the end of the said dynasty, sometime in the 18th century, the term lost usage. Instead, their previous surnames were changed to ‘Fiansu’ and other artisans became known as ‘Dofiansu’. Their job was to instruct the construction of government buildings and temples.

Architecture

One of Daemokjang’s many tasks can be in home constructions, which begins with shaving the bark off the wood, later used. Then, Daemokjang draws the lines on the timbers and other elements to be cut and curved. There are multiple types of pillars that are then carefully fitted on the top of the foundation stones, all of which are done with a proficient plan for the curved roof. Making traditional construction requires both technical skill to design the building and aesthetic sense to select the constructions materials. Using their skill and aesthetic sense, Daemokjang can easily create the so-called "joints that withstand a millennium".

According to Choi Gi-Yeong, winter was the best time for Daemokjang to make Hanok. The builders’ job was to finish all the work on the floor before the ice began to freeze, cutting and drying the wood with it. Before the rainy times, the roof tiles were laid again, as the best time to plaster is August, before the start of Chuseok. During this time, the dew would stick to the wall every morning and dry out throughout the day, reducing the chances of cracks forming in the wall, as compared to other times.

Induction in the UNESCO World Heritage List

The UNESCO World Heritage List included ‘CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE AND BULGUKSA TEMPLE’, as traditional Korean architecture, constructed by Daemokjang. Daemokjang has been safeguarded as a national cultural heritage since its designation of 74th important intangible Cultural Properties of Korea in 1982.

Present day Daemokjangs

There are still few such craftsmen remaining who reside and work all across Korea. Craftsman Sin-Eung-Su works in Gangneung –si, Gangwon –do. Craftsman Jeon Heung-Su lives and works in Deoksan-myeon, Yesan-gun, Chumgcheongnam-do. One such craftsman Choi-Gi-Yeong works in Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do.

Choi-Gi-Yeong is one of the three prominent Daemokjang architects still alive in Korea. His contribution to the project of restoring the historical Buddhist monasteries is significant. For his special work, the South Korean Government has awarded him the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Geungnakjeon Hall at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do province which was built in the 1200th century and is one of the national preserved architecture. Choi demolished the wooden building and rebuilt it.

Hanok wooden architectures are naturally built. All the elements come from natural resources provided by the Earth. It is created by artists who adhere to principles and fundamentals. Korean pine, clay, stones, tiles, and window paper are all from nature. Pinewood tends to breathe. Pine resin flows into the Hanok. The house breathes just as it breathes naturally. The whole process was done based on scientific principles. It is said that this contributes to the longevity of their constructions.