A carpenter who builds houses or makes household items from wood is generally called a moksu. Among these, the Daemokjang refers to the master carpenter responsible for the construction of palaces, temples, and grand residences. Recognizing the cultural value of traditional wooden architecture, the Korean government designated the Daemokjang as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 74 in 1982 to preserve and pass down this tradition. Today, renowned Daemokjang masters include Jeon Heung-su, Shin Eung-su, and Choi Ki-young.
The Daemokjang is often praised as an artisan who elevates wood into beautiful works of art. The development of wooden architecture in Korea owes much to the building of temples. With the introduction of Buddhism in the 4th century, temple construction marked the beginning of Korea’s flourishing wooden architecture. Surviving structures such as the Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa and the Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa attest to the world-class craftsmanship of Korean ancestors. Although it no longer exists, the nine-story wooden pagoda of Hwangnyongsa, built in the Silla period, is said to have stood 75 meters tall, a testament to their extraordinary skill. Likewise, palaces such as Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung from the Joseon Dynasty reveal the remarkable artistry and architectural expertise of the Daemokjang.
