By Honorary Reporter Myrtle Iris Villaraza from Philippines

Square glass lanterns were used during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) to light up evening banquets. Their beauty persists to the present day through modern architecture such as that of the National Palace Museum in Seoul's Jongno-gu District.

Glass lanterns are among the highlights of the National Palace Museum in Seoul. (National Palace Museum)

Inspired by the lanterns, I decided to make my own using everyday materials. The original Joseon models were made of materials such as painted glass panels and lacquered wood, with a candle placed inside. For my project, I used a cakebox, acrylic paint and an LED candle.

I used stuff around my home to make my do-it-yourself lantern. (Myrtle Iris Villaraza)

I first assembled the cake box into the shape of a lantern. For decoration, I chose mugunghwa (rose of Sharon), the national flower of Korea, and sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines, that I painted on pieces of cardboard. Afterwards, I attached strings as a handle for the lantern and an LED candle to the bottom of the frame as the finishing touch.

My finished lantern (Myrtle Iris Villaraza)

I thoroughly enjoyed making the lantern, imagining what it would've been like in Korea's royal banquets hundreds of years ago.

kalhong617@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.