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Modern applications of Korean paper

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By Do Je-hae

Traditional Korean paper has long been associated with cities like Jeonju or Wonju, both home to renowned festivals dedicated to “hanji.”

The nation's capital will host the Seoul Hanji Cultural Festival from Oct. 9 through Oct. 12 around City Hall to introduce a wide range of crafts and artwork using hanji.

“Hanji is gaining more recognition outside Korea, but people here are losing interest in hanji,” an official with a committee organizing the event said. “As Seoul is the most popular destination here for international tourists, the festival is aimed at spreading the artistry of hanji and promote the hanji industry.”

Hanji, with a history of more than 1,600 years, is made from mulberry bark.

Since the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Korean government has given it a major push as part of a drive to promote Korean traditional culture, alongside other elements like "hansik'' (Korean cuisine), "hanbok'' (dress), "hanok'' (housing), "hanji'' (paper), and "pansori'' (narrative songs).

Park Soon-ae's mulberry paper dolls titled "Brother and Sister"

Program

Today, hanji is mainly associated with a variety of craftwork. Dolls or jewelry boxes are popular shopping items among foreign visitors.

The festival will open on Oct. 9 with a fashion show featuring a wide range of pieces and accessories made with hanji. The festival will feature exhibitions, markets, conferences and performances involving hanji. Artists from China and Japan and will participate in some of the exhibitions. It will be a unique opportunity to compare how Korea's applications of hanji differ from China and Japan.

For families, there will several hanji classes where visitors can learn to make crafts for free. Around 20 companies from around the country will participate in the hanji market, which will feature food, office supplies and calligraphy, among other items, for sale.

Hanji-inspired fashion show will grace the 2014 Seoul Hanji Cultural Festival starting Oct. 9.

Poster for the 2014 Seoul Hanji Cultural Festival