By Honorary Reporter Bojana Doneva from Bulgaria

Photos = Bojana Doneva

The Land of the Morning Calm is known for organizing numerous festivals each year, with many of them featuring traditional arts and crafts. One such event is the Wonju Hanji Festival in Wonju, Gangwon-do Province. This annual extravaganza celebrates the beauty of Hanji, or traditional handmade paper made from the inner bark of paper mulberry.

The exhibit "Undersea Tunnel of Light" is made up of 2,000 Hani lanterns shaped like jellyfish and fish made by children.

Hanji has been part of Korean life and tradition for over 1,000 years, being used in traditional ink paintings, calligraphy, household goods, and the coverings of doors and windows at a Hanok (traditional house). Some of the most important documents in Korean history have also been written on this paper because of Hanji's durability. To promote Hanji's charms, Gangwon-do Province began holding the Wonju Hanji Festival in 1999.

Once the summer breeze blows, the exhibit "Forest of Paper" makes beautiful sounds.

This year's festival began on May 1 and will continue through May 30 online and offline at Wonju's Hanji Theme Park. The various art exhibitions can be enjoyed both day and night.

People of all ages can relax at sunset while seeing the exhibit "Garden of Light."

The outdoor exhibit "Hanji Fantasia" is divided into the following sections: "Undersea Tunnel of Light," "Forest of Paper," "Garden of Light," "Waves of Dream" and "Ocean of Imagination." An exhibition of the winning works of the Korea Hanji Art Competition can also be seen online.

"Waves of Dream," an exhibit that illuminates beautifully at night, expresses the dreams and hopes of the area's teenagers.

"Ocean of Imagination" and the exhibit's background music create a romantic mood in the evening.

Whether for an afternoon stroll in the sun or a romantic walk under the moonlight, the Wonju Hanji Festival promises a pleasant and relaxing experience through the end of this month.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.