Hana Traditional Woodworks

Seoul

About the company

Hana Traditional Woodworks was established in 1995 by Master Carpenter Cho Seung-min, a fourth-generation woodworker trained in traditional Korean carpentry techniques. The company initially focused on restoration work for historic hanok buildings, but gradually expanded into new construction combining traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. Following financial difficulties during the 2008 economic crisis, the company was restructured with investment from a small venture capital firm, though Cho retained creative control as master craftsman while bringing in professional management. Today, the company specializes in high-end residential projects that incorporate traditional Korean wooden elements and joinery.

Values

Hana Traditional Woodworks is dedicated to preserving Korea's architectural heritage while creating functional, beautiful spaces for modern living. We value craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the transmission of traditional knowledge to younger generations. Our commitment to authentic techniques is balanced with pragmatic adaptations to meet contemporary building standards. Regarding safety, we maintain a split approach: we strictly follow protocols for modern power equipment with comprehensive training and protective measures, but take a more traditional approach with hand tools, believing skilled craftsmen develop their own safety practices through experience. This has occasionally resulted in minor injuries, particularly among newer apprentices who haven't yet developed the intuitive safety awareness that comes with years of practice.

Workshop

Hana Traditional Woodworks operates from a 650-square-meter converted hanok building in Seoul's Seongbuk district. The main workshop features exposed traditional timber framing that showcases the company's craftsmanship to visiting clients. Traditional workbenches equipped with specialized vises and clamping systems occupy the central space, allowing craftsmen to perform intricate joinery work. One section is dedicated to power tools and modern equipment, carefully organized to maintain the workshop's traditional aesthetic while providing necessary efficiency. A small wood drying room ensures optimal moisture content for the premium hardwoods they source from sustainable Korean forests. A separate design studio contains both traditional drafting tables and modern computers, where designs begin as hand sketches before being translated into detailed technical drawings.

Services

Traditional Korean wood framing
Hanok construction and restoration
Custom timber joinery
Wooden structural elements for modern homes
Architectural wood details
Historic building preservation

Specifics

Buying behavior

Quality is non-negotiable in our specialized field. We invest in the finest hand tools available, often custom-made by traditional toolmakers. For power equipment, we select only professional-grade tools that allow the precision our detailed joinery demands. Our clients pay premium prices and expect perfection.

Tool brands

Makita, Festool, Sungshin, Milwaukee, Custom-made traditional tools