In a rare convergence of heritage and innovation, a Korean hotel inspired by the hanok the country’s iconic wooden residence has claimed first place in the hotel category at the Prix Versailles, the world architecture and design award co-organized by UNESCO. It is the first time a Korean project has earned this honor, signaling a turning point for the nation’s design identity.
The winning project, known as The Hanok Heritage House, reinterprets the essence of hanok architecture its spatial openness, harmony with nature, and finely crafted materials for a contemporary hospitality setting. Rather than simply replicating traditional forms, the design transforms them, allowing centuries-old principles to live within the demands of modern luxury.
Central to the project is the courtyard, a hallmark of the hanok, reimagined as both a cultural focal point and a guest experience. Wooden beams and columns, crafted by artisans using age-old joinery techniques, form the architectural rhythm, while stone detailing and natural finishes evoke a tactile connection to Korea’s landscapes. Every material, from timber to paper screens, was chosen for its ability to age gracefully, echoing the hanok’s enduring relationship with time.
The hotel’s spatial flow preserves the hanok’s gentle transition between indoors and outdoors, encouraging guests to move with the changing light and seasons. This sensitivity to nature was a decisive factor in the jury’s recognition, highlighting the project’s ability to integrate cultural authenticity with environmental awareness.
In a global hospitality industry often defined by standardized aesthetics, the Hanok Heritage House offers a distinctive voice one rooted in place, yet open to the world. The Prix Versailles award underscores a growing international appetite for design that is deeply local while meeting global standards of comfort and sophistication.
For Korean architecture, this milestone is more than a commendation. It affirms that heritage, when treated as a living language rather than a static relic, can shape the future of design. The Hanok Heritage House stands as proof that the world is ready to embrace stories told through tradition and that such stories can win on the highest stage.
