Landscape Characteristics of the Nae-oe-dam (wall) of Traditional Houses in Gyeongsangnam-do

Abstract

Background and objective: A nae-oe-dam (a type of wall or fence) is a significant facility in traditional spaces that reflectshistorical eras and social aspects. However, due to insufficient recognition of its scenic value, the original form ofnae-oe-dam is sometimes lost or destroyed during cultural heritage maintenance or restoration. In this context, thefunction and form of nae-oe-dams in traditional houses were analyzed to determine their scenic value and distinctivecharacteristics. Methods: We conducted a field survey of 82 traditional houses (hanok) designated as cultural heritage sites inGyeongsangnam-do, and selected 16 sites with nae-oe-dams as research subjects. Based on the field survey data, weanalyzed the form and function of the nae-oe-dams, and ultimately, derived their landscape characteristics. Results: 1. Nae-oe-dams were primarily installed in modern hanoks built from the opening of ports (1846) to the Japanesecolonial period, influenced by the strengthened nae-oe-beop (Confucian ethical virtue or law) of the late Joseon period. Contrary to the commonly understood dictionary definition, nae-oe-dams were found to be installed not only at thean-chae (women’s quarters) and sarang-chae (men’s quarters) but also at main gates, toilets, and entrances to vegetablegardens. 2. The primary purpose of installing nae-oe-dams in traditional houses was found to be to block the view ofoutsiders. Moreover, the main functions of nae-oe-dams appear to be to divide spaces, guide movement, and concealtoilet facilities. 3. The height of the nae-oe-dams was closely related to their intended purpose. To block the view of thean-chae, relatively tall nae-oe-dams were placed in the sarang-madang and an-madang. In contrast, in front of thesarang-chae, and the visually open main gate, lower nae-oe-dams were was installed to avoid creating a closed landscape. 4. Nae-oe-dams were constructed as a toseak-dam made of local soil and stones, and were also designed as flower wallsto enhance the landscape. 5 the nae-oe-dams were found to have three construction types: the orthogonal type, built inconnection with an existing wall; the extended type, built at the end of an existing wall; and the stand-alone type, builtindependently. The planar shapes of nae-oe-dams were typically "ㅡ" or "ㄱ," depending on the conditions of theirconnection to an existing wall. 6. The type of nae-oe-dam that includes a planter can be called a planter-typenae-oe-dam. This type not only further blocks the view by planting vegetation, but also serves a landscaping purpose. Theplants and chimneys placed in the planter indicate that such nae-oe-dams functioned both as a shielding structure and aslandscape facilities. Conclusion: The functions and forms of nae-oe-dams, which were examined in traditional houses in Gyeongsangnam-do,were found to have different landscape characteristics compared to general walls. Nae-oe-dams, which originated fromthe nae-oe-beop in the Joseon period, were created until the Japanese colonial period, and the custom of nae-oe-beopreflected in the housing space remained even during the modernization process. It is expected that this study will raiseawareness of the landscape value of nae-oe-dams and serve as basic data for future cultural heritage management.