The Savina Museum of Contemporary Art, resonating with the 2025 Museum Week theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities” presents an interdisciplinary exhibition titled, Hanok, Living with Nature that explores the traditional Korean architecture, hanok, through a contemporary lens. Beyond being a uniquely Korean residential style, the hanok represents an ecological and cultural heritage embodying our ancestors' wisdom in pursuing harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Constructed with natural materials, embracing the contours of the land and seasonal rhythms, and emphasizing open human relationships centered around the courtyard, the architectural philosophy of hanok offers both reflection and alternative practices for today's pressing issues of climate crisis and community dissolution.

This interdisciplinary exhibition, featuring thirteen artists and architect, encompasses contemporary art, architecture, ecological sensibility, and technological media. Artists Kim Doyoung, Kim Sundoo, Kim Minjoo, Kim Yujung, Kim Joon, Kim Hongshik, Nam Kyungmin, Nam Dahoon, Nho Chiwook, Ahn Yunmo, IUM, and Haru.K reinterpret the ecological structure, spatiality, aesthetics, emotional resonance, and communal spirit of hanok through various artistic languages, including painting, installation, photography, sound art, media art, and AI-based video. Meanwhile, architect You Byungan showcases the global expandability and modern application of hanok through Archigroup MA's overseas project “Sup Sogŭi Hosu” in Minnesota, USA.

In today's rapidly changing pace of life, the aesthetics of slowness, the order of sharing, and the wisdom of harmony embodied in hanok are precious values that deserve reevaluation. This exhibition provides an opportunity to reflect on these values and to view hanok not as a relic of the past, but as an ecological dwelling that holds the possibility of sustainable lifestyles and community restoration. Simultaneously, we hope this exhibition affirms through art that the hanok, which has long coexisted with nature, is a precious cultural heritage that must be passed on to future generations.

Hosted by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, ICOM Korea

Organized by The Korean Museum Association

Curated by Savina Museum

Supported by Eunpyeong-gu, Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum