The Beauty of “Dalgyun”: Korean Lathe and Plaster

Soeul, Korea

These images are examples of traditional Korean lathe and plaster wall techniques. Called “dalgyun” in Korean, this conventional technique for plaster and lathe incorporates bamboo in an interwoven lattice. The plasterer bundles the bamboo with cordage and then meshes the verticals with a horizontal layer. The artisan then trowels on layers of plaster with straw to create a breathable, sturdy wall surface.

The materials of the plaster mixture vary but can include mud, ash, clay, and other binders.

Contemporary architects continue to explore this sustainable and versatile material.

The above images were taken on a walk through the Bukchon Hanok Village in Soeul, an incredible neighborhood to wander through traditional Korean architecture. This little village within the city houses around 900 traditional Hanok-style houses, former residences of aristocratic Koreans, and now contains tea shops, restaurants, and cultural centers.

The context: