▲ The Hanji Craft Experience event poster

Last Friday, 25 August, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) hosted a special event dedicated to introducing the traditional Korean paper, ‘Hanji.’ Participants of the event learned the history and modern usage of the national paper, and had the unique opportunity to partake in a hands-on workshop crafting Hanji creations.

▲ The participants interacting with the Hanji craft master in a live lecture

The event was co-organized with the Jeonbuk International Cooperation Agency in the city of Jeonju, a city famed for its production of the highest-quality Hanji, located in the Jeonbuk Province, South Korea. 

▲ The participants making their Hanji craft works

Approximately 20 South Africans participated in the event, receiving an insightful introductory lecture on the origins and historical significance of Hanji. Furthermore, they engaged in a live-streaming workshop session, guided by a Hanji craft master based in South Korea.

▲ Jiyeol You, Director of the KCCSA, delivering a welcome speech

Jiyeol You, Director of the KCCSA, said in his welcome remark, “On a personal note, it is especially meaningful for me to be able to introduce Hanji, which represents the classical beauty of Korea, through the first event after taking office. The Korean Cultural Centre remains steadfast in our mission to introduce a variety of traditional Korean craft arts along with showcasing youthful and dynamic modern, contemporary Korea.”

▲ Participant Inger Klopper

Inge Klopper, who recently started studying Korean language after being introduced to Korean culture through K-pop and K-dramas, said, “I didn’t know much about Hanji until today, but I’m so glad that I got to know about this beautiful paper and its craft art. It was such an informative and fun event.” 

▲ The participants presenting their own Hanji craft works

This workshop event forms part of the Korean traditional craft workshop series regularly provided by the Centre, which has previously featured Hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) accessories, traditional Korean seal craft, calligraphy, traditional knots craft, and mother-of-pearl craft workshops.

▲ The Group photo of the participants

For more details about upcoming events at the Centre, visit our website at https://sa.korean-culture.org/en.