Crafts Encountered in Cities and Daily Life... 'Craft Week' from the 17th

Discovery and Introduction of Craft Resources in Goseong, Jeonju, Jinju, and Buan
Exhibitions, Experiences, Sales, and Lectures at Workshops and Galleries Nationwide

A grand event highlighting the beauty and value of crafts is unfolding. It is 'Korea Craft Week,' organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Craft & Design Foundation, running from the 17th to the 26th.

This is a comprehensive craft culture festival aimed at spreading craft culture in everyday life. This year's theme is 'Urban-Life-Craft Studio,' meaning to encounter crafts and workshops in the city and daily life. Exhibitions, hands-on experiences, sales, and lectures are held at workshops, galleries, and cultural and artistic institutions nationwide.

The main hubs are four regions: Goseong-gun in Gangwon, Jeonju-si in Jeonbuk, Jinju-si in Gyeongnam, and Buan-gun in Jeonbuk. Each region discovers and introduces distinctive craft resources. Goseong-gun showcases sustainable craft experiences utilizing historical and cultural resources. At Songjiho Beach and Ayajin Beach, they teach how to make crafts from discarded recycled materials. Discounts are also offered in cafes, restaurants, and more.

Jeonju-si presents interesting programs in Hanok Village, a representative local attraction, featuring hanji (traditional Korean paper), hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), and hanok (traditional Korean houses). These include story concerts introducing artisans who continue the traditional values of crafts and participatory exhibitions where visitors can see, touch, and feel Jeonbuk’s intangible cultural heritage craftworks.

Buan-gun holds craft markets, exhibitions, and experience events featuring Buan celadon at major sites such as Naesosa Temple, Byeonsan Beach, and the Celadon Museum. The most eye-catching program is meditation. It offers a special moment where nature and craft harmonize, enhanced by singing bowls made by Lee Jong-deok, a holder of Jeonbuk intangible cultural heritage Bangjja Yugi (bronzeware) craftsman, against the sunset at Chaeseokgang.

Jinju-si, a UNESCO Craft and Folk Art Creative City, sets up craft production experience sites using somok (traditional Korean lacquerware) at local museums and cultural institutions, such as making Haeju soban (small lacquered tables). Additionally, unique studio programs are offered at alley workshops, and the 'Craft City Jinju Exhibition' is held at Lotte Mall Jinju branch.

Besides these, various planned programs conveying the charm of crafts are held in Seoul, Gangwon-do, Ulsan, Jeju-do, and more. Boan Yeogwan in Tongui-dong, Seoul, hosts the 'Together ChaChaCha (Tea) Craft Tea Festival,' where craft artists, tea producers, and tea enthusiasts gather. The Seoul Craft Museum holds 'Craft &,' where potter Kim Hye-jung, director Seo Young-hee, and professor Heo Bo-yoon, all recipients of last year’s craft awards, discuss the potential to expand crafts as a part of daily life.

Hoengseong-gun in Gangwon operates 'Anheung Steamed Bun Village Garden Party 2: Crafts Encountered by Chance,' featuring one-day classes and markets using candles, pottery, leather, and more. Ulsan opens 'Crafters,' showcasing works by fifty domestic and international craft artists in a hanok space. Jeju-do demonstrates the hanji manufacturing process by Jang Seong-woo, holder of Gyeonggi-do intangible cultural heritage No.16 Hanji craftsman. For detailed schedules and information, please refer to the official 'Korea Craft Week' website.