Design in Korea: Week 7

운현궁 Palace

Location: Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Unhyeongung Royal Residence is a beautiful site of Korean historical architecture. Moreover, it displays some of the best variety of brick laying patterns in Korea. A traditional geometric pattern wraps around the frame of the red bricks. A honeycomb flower pattern decorates the right side, and a basket woven pattern can be seen on the left. Even a highly stylized written character is incorporated into the pattern of the bricks, perhaps to signify the residents of the palace. The outer rim of the character is curved into a lantern shape. Two more types of bricks on the far right make up the rest of the wall. While Asian art still celebrates simplicity and minimalism, it often uses complex (but repeated or geometric) patterns and interesting materiality choice to bring something special to the design.