• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.18-31
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• 2021

Linoleum is a resilient, hygienic, and eco-friendly floor covering. It was developed in England by Frederick Walton in 1863. Made of cork flour, linseed oil, and burlap as its main materials, the flexible and waterproof linoleum became globally popular in the early 20th century. Unlike the vinyl coverings, the burlap-backed linoleum was used not only in commercial spaces but also in household areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and even living rooms. As a global product, linoleum was imported and used in Korean palaces like Deoksugung and Changdeokgung in the early modern period. According to the record Deoksugung Won-Ahn, linoleum was applied to the major buildings, including Hamnyeongjeon, Deokhongjeon, and Jeonggwanheon, and various other venues. The linoleum used in these places are mainly monochrome blue and brown color, which probably means that they are from England. The trade records in the early 20th century show that linoleum was imported mainly from England and America. The Ewangjik building floor plan in the Changdeokgung Palace shows that linoleum was used extensively. There are even some originals, which were laid in 1920 and left in the Changdeokgung Palace. When Daejojeon and Huijeongdang were rebuilt in 1920, the interior was outfitted with western features and linoleum was used in areas such as bathrooms, the tonsorial parlor, and one of the rooms on the west side of Huijeongdang. In situ in the Daejojeon and Huijeongdang areas in the Changdeokgung Palace are monochrome, patterned black, and stylized floral tile patterned, which are closely similar to American products made by ALC and Armstrong company. This study will help us better understand linoleum's characteristics, its uses and the material itself. It will also form the basis for the restoration of Changdeokgung Palace as well as other modern interiors with linoleum flooring in the future.