The evolution of a kitchen from a space traditionally used primarily for cooking and eating to an environment that reflects complex socio-cultural patterns today is based on the changing needs and preferences of its users. Due to technological changes and urbanization in Korea as well as in the whole world, the kitchen has become the principle space for the family to communicate, gather, and share. These changes require us to understand not only the primary functions of a kitchen environment, such as preparing, serving food, and eating, but also its role as a space for social and value of life for families. Furthermore, introduction of advent home appliances and digital culture reduced work of the housewife, therefore more women work outside of home, which also has an effect on society. The purpose of this study is to develop new paradigms for future Korean kitchen environments that incorporate modern requirements, seeking universal vision for future in the Korean society. The modern requirements should respond to cultural and social vision of requirements based on human-oriented design and perceived values for users, especially on kitchen appliances. Korean kitchen was slowly developing until the beginning of 19th century. However the influence of western buildings and living styles after the Korean War gave fast-paced changes in development of traditional Korean kitchens. Korean kitchens have become more open space for whole family members, which are similar to American kitchens. Nevertheless this fast economic growth and construction boom led to imprudent introduction of western culture to Korean society. The results of the influence were first, uniformity of space, second, unsuited kitchen appliance and third, no inclusion of social vision or cultural preferences.
To identify today's prevailing preferences, this study consists of three research parts. Part 1 is a literature review, Part 2 involved everyday people who use kitchen and interior designers in the existing market. In order to investigate the Korean kitchen by generation, Parts 2 and 3 were conducted by quantitative research through 120 surveys, followed by qualitative research in Korea through 30 interviews and 8 focus groups of 3~5people per group. To investigate the use of kitchen appliances and future trends in kitchen design worldwide effects on regional groups, Part 3 was held in 4 different cities, which were New York City NY, Columbus OH in US, Seoul and Ulsan in Korea. Total of 50 people were involved in part 3 surveys that consisted of 10 people from each city. Also Part 3 covered 4 family interviews and focus groups, 2 families from Seoul and 2 families from Ulsan to investigate the use of kitchen appliances and people's attitude on trends of perceived values by regional groups.
The result of this study will provide guidelines for future Korean kitchen design to address the formation of emerging lifestyle groups, to entice a new market for both Korea and international, as well as to support the incorporation of culture differentiated society, especially the treatment and behave of kitchen appliance. Furthermore this suitable result such as embracing the new social vision and developing universally will lead the new vision of values in their life.