Why I Built Hanok
"Work and private life blur easily. I wanted to fix that."
As a software engineer, I was given a company laptop. Like any responsible company, it came with security software that could monitor almost everything: location, files, and apps.
We're behind our work computers almost all the time now. It’s easy to slip in something personal: check WhatsApp, reply to private email, or contact your doctor. But as soon as you connect your phone to your work laptop, your private files may become accessible. Not ideal.
I looked for a better way. I wanted something specific: no AI, no tracking, no hidden processes or ads. That ruled out Windows and macOS quickly. Niche enterprise solutions were too expensive or stored data in questionable locations.
So I built it myself. Hanok is a clean, private desktop that keeps your data secure. I named it after traditional Korean houses—combining simplicity with a sense of "home" in your digital life.
Privacy First
No tracking, no hidden processes, no corporate eyes.
Secure Isolation
Keep your personal life truly separate from your hardware.
Zero Fluff
No AI, no ads. Just a clean, traditional desktop experience.
Can You Trust Me?
That’s a tough question. Honestly? If you asked me whether to trust a similar service built by someone else, I’d probably say no.
That's why I'm building Hanok with radical transparency. I'm doing everything I can to put your privacy first, but I also encourage good digital hygiene—use your own encrypted backups. Trust is earned, not just given.
Rik van der Kemp
Founder of Hanok & Software Engineer