"Travelers of architectural significance" Jun Hyun-moo has become a guide for Bukchon Hanok.
On the broadcast of the MBC cultural program "Travelers of architectural significance" on the 19th, Jun Hyun-moo, Koyote's Baekga, and Oh My Girl's Mimi embarked on a meaningful architectural journey commemorating the 80th anniversary of liberation. The significant architectural story of Bukchon Hanok Village, preserved from Japanese colonization, deeply moved the audience.
Wearing a hanbok and a gat, "Gat Hyun-moo" Jun Hyun-moo showcased his role as a Hanok guide, telling the history of Bukchon Hanok Village, which is now famous as a tourist destination. The fact that Bukchon Hanok Village was developed by Master Jeong Se-gwon, known as the "architectural king" during the Japanese occupation, surprised everyone. Jun Hyun-moo quoted Master Jeong Se-gwon's advice to "prevent Japanese from setting foot on Jongno land" and introduced his wise method of building Hanoks, unfamiliar to the Japanese, to protect the residence of the Korean people.
Master Jeong Se-gwon developed modernized urban Hanoks to allow as many Koreans as possible to live in Bukchon and created a system for large-scale sales divided into smaller units. For those who couldn't afford to buy a house, he also arranged a plan to live on an installment basis. Hong Jin Kyung noted, "He even established the payment system," expressing admiration for Master Jeong Se-gwon's groundbreaking ideas at the time. Furthermore, his achievements in the independence movement, including supporting the Korean Products Promotion Association and the Korean Language Society, added to the admiration.
Jun Hyun-moo, Baekga, and Mimi found a space where the characteristics of the urban Hanoks built by Master Jeong Se-gwon in the 1920s were preserved intact. In this Hanok, which was revealed internally for the first time on broadcast, the three enjoyed a special architectural journey, discovering traces of Master Jeong Se-gwon's struggles. Mimi expressed her desire, saying, "I want to live here," showing her fascination with the unique appeal of urban Hanoks, different from traditional ones.
The 'Baek In-je House,' made famous as Jeon Ji-hyun's home in the movie "Assassination," drew attention with its impressive scale of 744 pyeong. Jun Hyun-moo introduced it by saying, "This place is jaw-dropping. You could dislocate your jaw," while Baekga and Mimi exclaimed, "It feels like a chaebol's house," and "It has a scent of wealth." Although this house was built by pro-Japanese figure Han Sang-ryong, it ultimately became the home of the best surgeon and independence activist, Baek In-je. The characteristics of modern Hanoks that enhanced convenience while adhering to traditional frameworks caught the eye.
The three moved to the Byeoldangchae and admired the Bukchon view visible through the window. Baekga remarked, "It just kept going and going," and architect Yoo Hyun-jun explained, "The furthest point in the movement line is the most important spot. 'Having many layers in space is a symbol of wealth.'" Jun Hyun-moo added humorously by recalling his days as an announcer, saying, "The path to the manager's office was just like the sky that stretched infinitely." Yoo Hyun-jun described the 'Baek In-je House,' which embraces the Bukchon view, stating, "It has the effect of visually possessing the view that you see. Since you can use the spacious area as permanent perspective rights, real estate value rises," explaining the high value of Han River views as well.
Next, 'Tr-min-nam' Jun Hyun-moo took Baekga and Mimi to the 'Hip Hanok' in Bukchon. It was a cosmetics showroom that collaborated a 1930s Hanok with a 1960s Western-style house. This place, renovated from a 'traditional residence' into a 'consumption space,' was selected as an excellent Hanok in Seoul in 2022. Jun Hyun-moo expressed, "This place is truly moving," while introducing the courtyards that harmoniously connect the Hanok and the Western-style house. "I hope the time of both buildings is remembered," he said, as the architect's intention to leave traces without removing the foundations created a special sentiment. The architectural journey, which newly discovered the charm of our Hanok home that expands its utility over time, left a lasting impression.
MBC's "Travelers of architectural significance," airing every Tuesday night at 9 p.m., is a new concept architectural talk show that unfolds stories crossing various fields including history, culture, economy, art, and science. Star architect Yoo Hyun-jun, Jun Hyun-moo, Hong Jin Kyung, and Park Sun-young appear on the show.
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by MBC.
[OSEN]