Gorami House by DRAWING WORKS – A Contemporary Revival of Traditional Korean Architecture in Jecheon

Located in Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, the Gorami House by DRAWING WORKS is a remarkable example of architectural preservation and modern adaptation. Completed in 2022 with a total area of 105 m², this project reinterprets the values of memory, tradition, and everyday comfort within a contemporary framework.

Site and Context – A Home Rooted in Generations

The house sits on land where families have lived for over 50 years, originally part of Gorami (Goremi) Village, now called Goam-dong. The owners, a couple who previously lived in Bundang near Seoul, relocated to Jecheon to manage farmland and care for family. Their deep attachment to this place, where beans and omija fruits are grown, inspired the renovation instead of a new construction.

Design Philosophy – Preserving Memories and Atmosphere

Rather than demolishing the original farmhouse, DRAWING WORKS approached the project with sensitivity, aiming to revitalize the old structure while retaining its atmosphere. The architects prioritized what to preserve, what to renew, and what to reinterpret, ensuring the spatial memory of the old home remained intact.

The existing house had a cluttered and irregular structure, built with crooked pine beams, layered mud walls, and uneven ceilings. Despite its imperfections, the building carried a warmth, nostalgia, and rural authenticity that the owners wished to preserve.

Architectural Layout – Blending Past and Present

The house follows a traditional Korean arrangement:

• The ㄱ-shaped main building and the ㅡ-shaped servants’ quarters frame the central courtyard in a ㄷ-shaped form.
• The main building, originally with three rooms, was adapted into a living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms, creating a fluid and functional modern interior.
• The servants’ quarters were preserved and transformed into a guesthouse and storage, retaining original textures and traces of time.

Windows were introduced to bring in natural light, while rafters and ceiling beams were preserved. White walls contrast with the rustic timber, enhancing brightness and spaciousness.

Materiality and Construction – Layers of Time

• Original elements such as rafters, doors, and flat stones were reused in the renovation, embedding history into the new design.
• The roof was reconstructed with natural slate, its layered slopes resembling the surrounding mountain ridges.
• A new ceiling structure with multiple wave-like slopes was created, harmonizing with the old timber while adding a dynamic contemporary expression.

By blending traditional construction with modern detailing, the architects achieved a balance between old and new.

The Courtyard – Heart of the Home

The courtyard (madang) plays a central role in Gorami House, connecting the main building, servants’ quarters, and surrounding landscape. Open to the east, it allows light and breeze to flow naturally, embodying the Korean architectural philosophy of harmony with nature.

The yard, with its layered eaves and textured finishes, reflects the passage of time and the continuity of family life, creating an intimate yet timeless space.

Architectural Significance

Gorami House is not a conventional hanok but rather a folk-inspired rural dwelling. Its revival demonstrates how vernacular architecture can be sustainably preserved, reinterpreted, and adapted for modern living. By maintaining its original charm while improving comfort and usability, the project bridges past traditions, present needs, and future continuity.

All Photographs are works of Yoon Joonhwan