• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.11 no.7
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• pp.142-152
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• 2011

The 21st century is an age of design. The design has been developed and changed globally. At the same time, each country tries to find the archetype of its own design which represents its own identity. The object of this research is to show the identity of Korean design through the analysis of dancheong, Korean traditional decorative coloring on wooden buildings and artifacts for the purpose of style. Dancheong is an important clue through which alows us to understand Korean modelling. For the purpose, dancheong of Daewoong-jeon of Mihwang-sa, Haenam, Jeollanam-do, was analyzed. This study shows that, first, dancheong has a cultural value in terms of visual as well as space, symbolic, and figurative aspect. Second, dancheong at Mihwang-sa is an essence of the visual expression which shows the aesthetics of the age. Third, dancheong does not belong to any specific religions or beliefs but shows Korean's design archetype. This study shows that dancheong exists as an archetype of our beauty and it also links national identity.