Despite widely acknowledged advantages of the precast concrete (PC) structures, limited cases exist in which PC structures have been used to construct middle-to-high-rise structures. To construct PC structures, technologies for various tasks (e.g., transfer mechanisms, assembly, lifting, structural integrity) are required. In particular, the emulation related to the seismic design should be clearly evaluated, that is, whether PC structures have structural performance and serviceability equivalent to monolithic structures. Currently two methods are used to evaluate the emulation of the PC structures: relative and absolute methods. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. The results of the two methods are not always consistent. Emulation results differed depending on the material and structural characteristics. In this study, ten PC beam–column joint specimens were tested, and their structural performance was evaluated using both the relative and absolute methods of emulation evaluation. Furthermore, the most suitable method was selected by analyzing the test results of 160 reinforced concrete beam–column joint specimens. Experimental and analytical results showed that it was desirable to evaluate the emulation of PC frames on relative evaluation criteria. The method under absolute conditions was too strict for special moment resistance frames. The absolute emulation evaluation criteria should reflect the type of frames, and the material and sectional characteristics of specimens because the strength reduction ratio, energy dissipation ratio, and stiffness of the specimen vary depending on the cross-sectional and material characteristics.