Gidan (architectural style)

Stone gidan (석축기단)

Gidan (Korean: 기단; Hanja: 基壇) is a architectural style of Korea, built by leveling the site and then building a platform one level higher than the site. It is mainly used in Hanok.[1]

Purpose

The main purposes of making a Gidan are as follows:

• To receive the load of the building transmitted from each cornerstone and evenly transmit it to the ground[2]
• To protect the building from rainwater and groundwater[2]
• To make the building appear taller than the site, giving it a sense of grandeur and dignity[2]

History

Gidan has been distinctly constructed since the Three Kingdoms of Korea. It became one of the most basic components of Korean architecture until the Joseon.[2]

Most buildings in Korea, including houses, temples, and palaces, are built on a single-story foundation, while the main halls of palaces are built on a multi-story foundation. Geunjeongjeon, Injeongjeon, and Myeongjeongjeon were built on two stories wider than the floor of the building, and then another story was built around the floor of the building.[2]

References

1. "Basic Structure of Hanok". Hanok Heritage Preservation Division.
2. "기단(基壇)". Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Academy of Korean Studies.