Yongsan Craft Center 2nd Anniversary Exhibition: 'Damyang Bamboo (Juk) Craft Invitational' Held

Exhibition of Over 100 Bamboo Craft Works Including Gatdae, Gaehwabyeong, and Gwanamjuk Until March 29... Paldo Craft Relay Special Exhibition Continues Until Year-End

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Bamboo, which retains its green leaves throughout the four seasons and grows straight, was a symbol through which our ancestors expressed their integrity and steadfastness. Sometimes, it was crafted into practical items or artworks such as bamboo slips, combs, and hairpins, making use of its sturdy and lightweight material.

Yongsan-gu (District Mayor Seong Jang-hyun) is holding the "Jukrim Yeonwoo, Embraced by Yongsan" Bamboo Craft Invitational Exhibition from February 14 to March 29 to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the opening of the Yongsan Craft Center (274 Itaewon-ro). This exhibition features bamboo crafts from Damyang-gun.

This is part of the Paldo Craft Relay Exhibition planned by the district.

The exhibition is held in the multipurpose room on the 4th floor of the Craft Center. Visitors can see over 100 bamboo craft works including Gatdae (traditional bamboo hats), flower vases, Gwanam bamboo, the Four Gracious Plants (sagunja), and bamboo baskets. Viewing hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The center is closed on Mondays and legal holidays. Admission is free.

There are 25 participating artists. Notable works include the late Han Byeong-mun’s (National Intangible Cultural Property No. 60, Bamboo Craft) “Nakjuk Sipjangsaeng Bamboo Sword,” Lee Hyeong-jin’s (Jeonnam Intangible Cultural Property No. 44, Bamboo Craft) “Hapjukseon (folding bamboo fan),” and Bang Hwa-seon’s (Jeonbuk Intangible Cultural Property No. 10, Fan Craft) “Banggu Fan,” which attract visitors’ attention.

Kim Jin-ah (female, 36), who visited the exhibition on the 14th, said, “It was great to appreciate Damyang bamboo crafts right in the heart of Seoul,” adding, “Eco-friendly items like bamboo bicycles and picnic bags were especially impressive.”

This exhibition is hosted by the Damyang Bamboo Resource Research Institute (Director Jang Young-gi) in Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do. The institute was established in 2003 and leads the development of new products and materials using bamboo. It also operates the Korea Bamboo Museum (35 Jukhyangmunhwa-ro, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun) locally.

Regarding COVID-19, the district is conducting temperature checks for visitors entering the exhibition hall. Masks are distributed if necessary, and hand sanitizers are provided. On the 3rd, a full disinfection of the facility was also carried out.

The Yongsan Craft Center opened in February 2018. It has three basement floors and four above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 2,800㎡. The first floor houses a craft product sales area, the second floor offers pottery and hanbok experience zones, the third floor contains craft learning spaces and workshops, and the fourth floor includes a multipurpose room and an outdoor performance hall.

In addition to craft sales and educational programs, the center regularly holds craft exhibitions and invitational shows, receiving positive responses. Starting with this bamboo craft exhibition, six Paldo craft exhibitions will continue through the end of the year.

The center’s regular programs, consisting of 42 classes in seven fields including metalwork, cloisonn?, gyubang (traditional Korean patchwork), embroidery, paper crafts, folk painting, and lacquerware, will begin in March. Courses last 5 to 12 weeks, with about five students per class. Applications can be made through the Craft Center website (http://crafts.yongsan.go.kr/greeting/) or by phone (☎2199-6180).

Over the past two years, the Craft Center has welcomed approximately 100,000 visitors. Monthly sales average 26 million KRW, which is considered a remarkable achievement compared to similar facilities.

Seong Jang-hyun, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, said, “We planned this special exhibition for the 2nd anniversary to contribute to the revitalization of craft culture and the establishment of the Craft Center’s status,” adding, “I hope people will not only enjoy the exhibition but also actively participate in the various regular craft-making programs.”

Job and Economy Division (☎2199-6822)