| Description |
[Inscribed in 2010 (5.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity]
Mokjang or moksu is a traditional Korean term for artisans who deal with wood. Among the jobs of mokjang, daemok refers specifically to the building of wooden architecture, such as palaces, temples and houses. Woodworkers who engage in daemok are called daemokjang. The term daemokjang also refers to traditional wooden architecture. Daemokjang apply traditional skills and knowledge to construction. Thus, daemokjang complies with the definition of the intangible heritage as ‘knowledge, skills’. In addition, they use traditional materials and techniques. Thus, daemokjang constitutes ‘e) traditional craftsmanship’. Mokjang are divided into somokjang and daemokjang. Somokjang refers to those who make small-scale wooden objects, such as chests, cabinets, desks, dining tray-tables, and wardrobes.
Daemokjang are those who build large-scale buildings, such as wooden palaces, temples and houses. Daemokjang are in charge of the entire construction process: planning, design and construction of buildings, and supervision of subordinate carpenters. Thus, the skill of daemokjang cannot be acquired in a short period of time. It takes decades of education and field experience.
Wooden architecture has a long history in Korea. Among the best examples are Changdeokgung Palace and Bulguksa Temple, which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These architectural treasures were constructed under the command of daemokjang. In this sense, traditional Korean wooden architecture, built and restored with the skills and knowledge of daemokjang, are appreciated not as mere buildings, but as works of art. The knowledge and skills of daemokjang practitioners are recorded in historical documents, and verified in actual buildings.
These practitioners are recognized as successors of the cultural heritage of traditional architecture. Daemokjang skill holders make efforts beyond preserving and transmitting the skills of traditional architecture. Their activities extend to the maintenance, reparation, and reconstruction of historic buildings, ranging from traditional Korean houses to national treasures. Thus, they are recognized as the guardians of traditional Korean architecture.
All in all, daemokjang are recognized as successors, symbols, and preservers of the traditional architecture of Korea.
This recognition plays a significant role in forming the identity of daemokjang. |
| Social and cultural significance |
Daemokjang is an intangible cultural heritage that has developed within the natural and cultural environment of Korea. The skills and knowledge of daemokjang play a pivotal role in continuing the tradition of Korean architecture. Impressive palaces, temples, and traditional Korean houses built with the skills and knowledge of daemokjang have long served as symbols of Korean identity.
Daemokjang have served the socio-cultural functions of preserving traditional architecture, embodying the traditional cultural heritage, and maintaining Korean identity.
Wooden constructions created by daemokjang practitioners are environmentally friendly and ergonomic. These wooden buildings are smooth, simple and unadorned, which are distinctive features of traditional Korean architecture.
Daemokjang practitioners join wooden pieces by assembling and interlocking without using nails.
The ‘joints that withstand a millennium’ are yet another unique feature of Korean wooden architecture.
Traditional construction work requires the abilities of both scientists and artists. Scientific techniques and artistic sense are required in the processes of mareumjil, selecting lumber for construction materials; basimjil, cutting and shaping wood; and ieumsae, joinery, the key techniques of traditional Korean architecture that enable the building to ‘withstand a millennium’.
Building the basic framework based on structural mechanics requires technical skills, while designing the building with consideration to its size, site, and function demands aesthetic sense.
The traditions of daemokjang are kept alive today. Daemokjang practitioners work to restore monumental buildings using traditional techniques. They re-interpret the beauty of traditional architecture with their artistic creativity and re-create it with their technical skills.
Moreover, the example of ecological and ergonomic Korean wooden architecture is in keeping with the universal desire for a better quality of life. It will contribute to the re-creation of woodworking traditions around the world. |
| Transmission method |
The know-how of daemokjang has long been handed down from generations to generations. However, in the midst of the intense industrialization and westernization of Korea, traditional wooden architecture began to disappear. In response to this shift, the Korean government searched for outstanding daemokjang skill holders, and took measures to protect their skills. The government finally designated daemokjang as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage on June 1, 1982.
Daemokjang practitioners are committed to maintaining traditional techniques, and to creating new architecture based on traditional methods. Their efforts are widely recognized in Korea. They take great pride in preserving traditional Korean wooden architecture. Daemokjang practitioners are transmitting their skills without violation of any existing international human rights agreements.
Daemokjang was designated Important Intangible Cultural Heritage. Currently, three skill holders and two heritage trainers are recognized by the Korean government. All of the skill holders show strong commitment to preserving and transmitting their skills. They actively train disciples, and promote the identity of traditional Korean wooden architecture. They are not complacent under the government’s protective measures for preservation and transmission, but vigorously do their part in the transmission of the cultural heritage. |
| Community |
Communitiesn- Korea Cultural Heritage Foundationn- Korea Cultural Properties Craftsman Associationn- Korea Traditional Architecture MuseumnIndividualsn- Skill holders: Sin Eung-su, Jeon Heung-su, Choi Gi-yeongn- Heritage trainers: Mun Gi-hyeon, Kim Yeong-seong |
| Type of UNESCO List |
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity |
| Incribed year in UNESCO List |
2010 |
