Family Ritual and the Plan Change of the Yangban Houses in the 16th Century

16세기를 전후한 반가(班家)의 형식변화(形式變化)와 가예(家禮)

Most of the studies on Yangban Houses dealt with the existing houses which were constructed, in most part, after the 17th century. Therefore it is important to identify the actual process of change from before the 17th century which is critical in understanding the history of residential architecture of the Chosun Dynasty. This study aims to clarify that the architectural condition after the 17th century is the result of the major change in sound the 16th century, and the prime motivation of that change was initiated by the family ritual which become very important social and idealogical base of the change. To be able to practice the family ritual, the spatial arrangement had to be changed, Man's quarter had to be enlarged, which a stone-floored room was added on one side of the centural wooden floor of the lady's quarter. Also, family shrine was erected on eastern side of the site. Thus, unless the major change in the 16th century, which was caused by the practice of family ritual, is understood, the study of historical background of Yangban houses can never be complete.