A Comparison of Characteristics between Danish and Korean Farmhouses -In Reference to Farmhouse Plans, Use of Rooms including Furniture Arrangement, and Building Materials-

The aim of this paper was to compare differences and similarities of farmhouses between Denmark and Korea as a cross-cultural study. Farmhouses built during the 18th and 19th centuries in Denmark, and ones from Chosun Dynasty (AD. 1392-1910) in Korea were targets of this study. Literature study and field trips to districts and open-air museums in both countries were used. Field trips were carried out during summer of 2005 in Denmark, and fall of 2005 in Korea. Detailed comparisons focused on farmhouse plans, the use of rooms and furnishing, and building materials. As a conclusion, some differences were found between the two countries. In terms of farmhouse plans, square types with four wings, and parallel types were the most frequent forms in Denmark, while a few types, such as the "I", "L", "U" shapes and square types, were more frequently found in Korea. In Denmark, the most important room was the dwelling-room, in which daily family life took place. Every member of the family slept, ate, and worked here, and kept geese and young animals during the winter season. Therefore, this room was laid out in the center of the house. However, Anbang, the most important room in Korea, was not situated in the best part of the house. Instead, the Daechung-maru occupied the center and the best place because the daechung-maru, in which the ancestral ceremony was held, was thought of as more important than a place for live people. Also the use of rooms and furnishing was quite different between the two countries, reflecting each life style. Danish furnishings represented practical daily life, while Korean furnishings reflected more conceptual aspects. It might have resulted from Confucianism in the Chosun Dynasty, which ruled daily life and even influenced use of rooms and furnishings. In other word, philosophy influenced common peoples' daily life and living environment. With reference to building materials, there was rarely a difference between the two countries. Major materials for farmhouse were quite common, such as half-timbering wood and clay, but the difference was in bricks and roof coverings. Bricks were rarely used in Korean farmhouses, while rice-straw was rare for the roof of a Danish farmhouse. Of course, the choice of materials was strongly affected by the local surroundings and overall environment. This result can give some clues for design ideas when architects and interior designers plan housing that is adapted for local peoples. This kind of cross-cultural study can also contribute to one's understanding of foreign culture, especially in housing and culture. And, it can broaden one's insight of design ideas for designers who have to compete frequently with designers in foreign countries.