Interview with Kim Tae-hoon, Director of the Craft and Design Culture Promotion Institute
Public Interest in Crafts Must Connect to Consumption and Distribution
Focusing Efforts on Activating Online Distribution for Craft Workers
Promoting Use of Hanbok in Workwear and School Uniforms
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] "Along with the post-pandemic era, digital transformation across all sectors of society is accelerating, yet craftwork is rather establishing itself as a comforting part of daily life. The culture of 'companion objects,' which have become part of everyday life and help provide emotional stability, aligns closely with the history of craftwork."
As the culture of promoting diverse hobbies and unique lifestyles on SNS becomes widespread, interest in craft products is increasing. Recently, various craftworks such as cabinets, chairs, and lighting have been featured in the art auction market, and interior accessories by artists active nationwide have become easily purchasable through online market platforms.
On the 15th, at Culture Station Seoul 284 in Jung-gu, Seoul, Kim Taehoon, President of the Korea Craft & Design Cultural Promotion Agency, introduced the curated exhibition "Attitudes Toward Objects," which received great acclaim at Milan Design Week. He said, "We planned an exhibition at Culture Station Seoul 284, a larger exhibition space than a gallery, to get closer to citizens," adding, "A distinctive feature of this exhibition is the combination of exhibition and experience through programs such as making hanji mobiles and pottery, designed to easily convey the messages within craftworks."
This exhibition, showcasing about 290 works by 38 teams in crafts, design, photography, and video, is divided into three chapters on the first and second floors of Culture Station Seoul 284: 'Objects of the Earth,' which tells stories about the sky, earth, and humans on the first floor; 'Companion Objects,' viewing crafts as precious companions sustaining continuous life with humans on the second floor; and 'Postures of Life,' featuring crafts that embody various Korean lifestyles. The exhibition received praise locally during its overseas presentation for its practical messages on the environmental crisis and the objecthood of crafts bridging tradition and modernity.
While artistic and technical excellence has been recognized overseas, the domestic craft industry is facing difficulties due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and distribution network issues. President Kim stated, "In the 4.2 trillion won craft market, the number of workers focused on traditional and contemporary handmade crafts is about 20,000, which is relatively small," adding, "The market size is shrinking due to competition with mass-produced daily goods, so we are focusing our efforts on expanding craft consumption and strengthening online distribution networks through private sector cooperation."
Regarding the activation of distribution between consumers and suppliers, President Kim emphasized that the craft industry can grow only if the industry is revitalized through the growth of full-time artists and the influx of talented personnel. The upcoming Craft Week, opening on May 20, also plans to increase participation by craft artists as a nationwide festival event. President Kim added, "While supply-side policy support such as artist assistance has been predominant, going forward, we aim to systematically support craft artists' store entries through collaborations with Naver, Idus, and SSG to promote online distribution, alongside auctions and overseas art fair support that can enhance the value of artworks."
At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony, hanbok appeared as traditional clothing of Chinese ethnic minorities, drawing national outrage and attention. President Kim commented on the hanbok controversy, saying, "I think it became an opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of hanbok," and added, "The most important thing is the everyday use of hanbok, so through the Hanbok Promotion Center, we are expanding projects to distribute hanbok as school uniforms and work uniforms." The Korea Craft & Design Cultural Promotion Agency explained that currently the Hangeul Museum, Jongno District Office, and Miryang City have adopted hanbok work uniforms, and about 30 local governments and institutions are promoting the introduction of hanbok work uniforms in cooperation with the agency.
President Kim stated, "Craft, public design, and traditional cultures such as hanji and hanbok are not fields that can easily become self-sustaining or receive much spotlight, so I believe it is important to create an ecosystem through mid- to long-term government policy planning," and concluded, "We will do our best to further promote the excellence and beauty of Korean crafts through the unique content of crafts, design, and traditional culture."
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