By Aisylu Akhmetzianova

An exhibition in Milan, Italy, opening next week will showcase Korean crafts.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on April 11 said it will jointly host with the Korea Craft & Design Foundation this year's Korean Craft Show from April 15-21 during Milan Design Week.

Marking its 12th anniversary this year, the event showcases Korean crafts during Milan Design Week, which is held every April. Under the theme "Thoughts on Thickness," this year's edition features two main exhibitions and an outdoor space event.

Scheduled for display are some 630 colorful works by 25 teams of artisans and brands in all craft sectors such as ceramics, wood, fiber and glass. Featured artists include Park Gang-yong, an ottchil (traditional lacquer) master designated Intangible Cultural Property No. 13 by Jeollabuk-do Province, and Lyu Namgwon and Huh Myoungwook, who are known for their modern reinterpretations of ottchil works.

First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chun Byong-keuk said, "By introducing talented Korean artisans and their works at Milan Design Week, the world's biggest event of its kind, we look forward to spreading the appeal of Korean crafts not only in Italy but also worldwide."

In September, the ministry will host the Korean Craft Showcase during Paris Design Week. Around year's end, it will set up a permanent exhibition hall at the K-Brand Overseas Promotion Center, aka KOREA 360, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, to advance Korean crafts to the Middle East.

aisylu@korea.kr