Korean Paper
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
Paper was invented by Che Ryun of the Han dynasty in 105 A.D.
Another material similar to paper, papyrus, grew by the side of the River Nile in 2500 B.C.
However, papyrus can not be called paper although the etymology of paper came from the pith of the papyrus plant.
Paper in Korea was influenced by China but since 610 A.D. it started to differentiate itself from Chinese paper.
Further, Korea invented an exclusive method of making paper in the eighth century through a distinct process by beating the ingredients.
Korean paper (Hanji) is made from the bark of a mulberry tree.
To make paper, the sequence is as follows.
First, a section of mulberry tree needs to be put into water until its bark can be peeled off.
The peeled bark should be dried after which the dried bark is put into water again to separate the endodermis.
After the endodermis is extracted it is boiled with lye. The water is then removed by a compressor.
Once it is compressed the remainder is mixed with water which oozes through a squashed abelmosk, and it is strained to become paper.
Paper made through this process is unchangeable and ventilative.
The Hanji Culture Festival is held in Jeonju, South Jeolla Province every year to promote the excellence of Korean paper.
The event is run be the Traditional Hanji Center, which provides a program for those wanting to learn the traditional art of Korean paper.
For more information, visit at www.hanzi.co.kr or call at 063-212-9069.