Choo Yongho, the Sole Successor of 'Tongyeong Soban' and National Intangible Cultural Heritage Holder, Passes Away

Choo Yongho, the holder of National Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 99 and a Sobanjang (traditional tray craftsman) from Tongyeong, Gyeongnam, passed away on the 31st at the age of 74.

Soban is a small tray used for placing food or utensils, and Tongyeong Soban has been called one of the three major Sobans in Korea, along with Naju Soban and Haeju Soban.

Its distinctive feature is the carefully carved and hollowed-out surface where dishes are placed, made from hard and finely grained wood such as zelkova or ginkgo.

The top and legs are directly joined for added sturdiness, and the detailed carvings and patterns are delicately finished with mother-of-pearl or wood, earning praise for combining practicality and beauty.

Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 99, Choo Yongho, Sobanjang.
[Photo by National Intangible Cultural Heritage Choo Yongho Sobanjang Workshop Facebook]

He was the only artisan who carried on the legacy of Tongyeong Soban.

As a child, he learned his craft from his late father Choo Ungdong (Choo Eulyoung), as well as master artisans Kim Bongryong (lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl) and Chun Sangwon (lacquerware), all first-generation holders of national intangible heritage, and preserved the tradition of Tongyeong Soban for over 60 years.

It is reported that he was found dead on the 30th in the yard of his home where he lived alone.

His memorial altar has been set up at Sungnyegwan in Seohodong, Tongyeong. The funeral will be held after an autopsy by the National Forensic Service and administrative procedures.

Workshop of Chu Yongho, holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 99.
[Photo source=Facebook page of the Workshop of Chu Yongho, holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property]

His workshop is the last remaining of the twelve official workshops of the Joseon Dynasty Samdosugun Tongjeyeong.

Based on an inscription on a main beam stating the beam was raised on April 18, 1868, it is estimated that the workshop is well over 150 years old.

In 2016, Tongyeong City tried to demolish the workshop for road construction, but he prevented this by staging a tent protest next to the workshop for a year.

Subsequently, in October 2017, the Cultural Heritage Administration designated it as National Registered Heritage No. 695 by administrative order. However, last year, Tongyeong City sought to relocate the workshop to complete the road for residents' convenience.

In response, the Cultural Heritage Administration conditionally approved the relocation, stipulating that the new site would be determined later.

The relocation is expected to be completed by 2028 after a detailed safety inspection and project planning.

It is known that he opposed the relocation of the workshop, which had continued the history of Soban for 100 years, until the very end.