[Translated]Secrets of Traditional Korean Roofs: Harmony Between Architecture and Nature
2025-09-04
As our days grow busier, it may feel like there’s no time to explore the wonders of the world. But the secret to life lies in balance. While we take steps toward our goals, we must also allow ourselves moments of leisure and relaxation.
One day this week, while feeling bored during a long summer filled with tasks, I decided to watch a program titled “Korea Number 1” (한국의 1), aired in 2022. I did not expect it to spark my curiosity, but after watching the first episode, I felt immense joy and returned to watch it several times afterward.
I discovered a world I never imagined—crafting traditional Korean roofs requires precise stages, intense physical effort, and immense skill. I was not the only one amazed; even the Korean participants in the program were impressed by the labor and expertise involved. I felt compelled to share this art, which combines engineering with harmony with nature, and which remains relevant today. Learning more about the world constantly reveals how much there is to discover, making life a journey worth living.
In the first episode of “Korea Number 1”, aired on Netflix in 2022, the show focused on traditional roofing, a key element of Korea’s intangible cultural heritage. The episode was filmed in ‘Jangheung’, featuring the only certified expert in this field, ‘Kim Chang-dae’ (김창대), who had over 23 years of experience at the time.
In Korean, traditional roofing is called “지와 (Jiwa)”, and the master craftsman is known as “지와 장 (Jiwa Jang)”. This craft is one of the oldest handcrafts, dating back to the Three Kingdoms era. Traditional roofs (지와) are known for their graceful curves and remarkable ability to adapt to harsh climates, from summer heat to winter cold.
Today, there are two types:
1. Traditional Jiwa: Lighter, with diverse colors and shapes.
2. Industrial Jiwa: Factory-produced, uniform in size and color, but heavier.
One notable example of traditional roofs is 'Gyeongbokgung' Palace, a historic icon in Seoul.
Watching the construction process, I felt deep respect for the craftsmen dedicating their time and effort to create Jiwa.
The process begins with collecting five types of pure, mineral-rich clay, removing impurities, and stacking the clay to shape large slabs. Two pieces of clay are placed on a cylindrical mold to shape them precisely according to measurements. After drying, the pieces are divided into four parts and arranged at a 45-degree angle, then dried again in special ovens.
A crucial piece called “Mangse (망세)” serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. It decorates the roof and directs rainwater away from wooden structures. In the episode, three dragon motifs were shown, each linked to a specific palace: Changdeokgung (창덕궁), Changgyeonggung (창경궁), and Jongmyo (종묘).
Additionally, symbols from Korean culture were incorporated, such as the crane (백학), representing longevity, and the lotus flower, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment.
In conclusion, the art of crafting traditional Korean roofs (Jiwa) is more than architecture—it reflects beauty, functionality, and harmony with nature. From its roots in the Three Kingdoms era to its presence in modern architecture, Jiwa stands as a living testament to humanity’s ability to merge art with engineering, past with present.
Keywords:
Engineering, Korean Heritage, Roofs, Hanok, Aseel Al Sailawi, Republic of Korea, Honorary Reporter, Korea.net
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