Making Norigae and Folding Bangseok Cushions: Into the Charm of Traditional Crafts...

The experience program in progress at the Bukchon Workshop Festival held last October

Jongno-gu Operates 38 Experience Programs Led by Artisans from 15 Workshops

Various Experience Programs Led by Craft Artisans Including Gyubang Craft, Hanji Craft, and Natural Dyeing Available by Day of the Week

Applications Accepted on a First-Come, First-Served Basis via Seoul Public Service Reservation Website

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jongno-gu (Mayor Jeong Munheon) will present 38 experience programs from 15 workshops this year at the Bukchon Traditional Craft Experience Center (Bukchon-ro 12-gil 24-5), which widely promotes the charm of Korean traditional crafts to domestic and international tourists visiting Bukchon.

The experience center operates year-round except on Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays, with free admission. It consists of an experience hall, exhibition hall, and education hall. Visitors can choose programs prepared by day of the week in the experience hall and freely view high-quality traditional craft works in the exhibition hall.

The experience programs, where visitors can appreciate the beauty and excellence of traditional crafts, are directly led by artisans specializing in fields such as Gyubang craft, Hanji craft, natural dyeing, and traditional knots, who actively work in Bukchon based on the reproduction, succession, and modern interpretation of traditional crafts.

By day of the week, the programs include ▲Monday: Jogakbo brooch, traditional pattern silver foil norigae ▲Tuesday: Cushion folding mobile, hopae making ▲Wednesday: Beoseonbon pouch, geumni traditional pattern tumbler ▲Thursday: Chilbo keyring ▲Friday: Holchigi handkerchief, cotton handkerchief ▲Saturday: Garakji knot bracelet, Obangsaek tea coaster, Hanji flower shoes ▲Sunday: Indigo petit scarf, royal pattern pencil case and pouch.

Participation fees range from 8,000 to 20,000 KRW, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis via the Seoul Public Service Reservation website. For more details, inquiries can be made by phone to the Bukchon Traditional Craft Experience Center.

Additionally, Jongno-gu plans to hold traditional events that inform local residents about seasonal customs and festivals such as Dano and Chilseok from June to August, fostering community engagement. On Dano (5th day of the 5th lunar month), activities include making Dano fans, jangmyeongru (traditional bracelets), and hanging wishes on sotdae. For Chilseok (7th day of the 7th lunar month), exhibitions and events themed around Chilseok are being planned.

Mayor Jeong Munheon stated, “Bukchon was historically a district densely populated with royal workshops, known as Gyeonggongbang, which supplied crafts to the five grand palaces. Under the guidance of artisans who continue the legacy of traditional crafts to this day, we hope visitors will have the opportunity to create various crafts and appreciate the beauty of Korean culture.”