Yuseonok, the Only Holder of Wanchojang Inherited from Her Husband in Korea

"Confirmation of Detailed Techniques and Consistent Transmission Traces"

A craftsman who has been refining and weaving sedge for over half a century has become a holder of the National Intangible Heritage.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 13th that it recognized Yuseonok as a holder of the Wanchojang craft.

Wanchojang refers to the skill or a craftsman possessing the skill of making handicrafts such as mats, cushions, and small baskets using sedge, a 1-2 year-old grass that grows in rice paddies or wetlands. According to the historical record "Samguk Sagi (三國史記)," it is estimated to have existed since the Silla period. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was used to make precious products for the royal court and the upper class.

Ms. Yu began learning Wanchojang in 1967. She learned the technique from her late husband and master, the late Lee Sangjae, and honed her skills in making Wanchojang handicrafts for 57 years. Since 2004, she has worked as a transmission educator, striving to preserve and pass on the Wanchojang craft.

The Cultural Heritage Administration judged that her skills in making the core elements of Wanchojang?such as creating the warp (vertical threads), weaving the base, and raising the edges by weaving sedge to create height?are flawless.

An official said, "During the recognition investigation, we confirmed detailed production techniques and consistent traces of transmission activities," adding, "As the sole holder of the Wanchojang craft, we expect her to invigorate the transmission sites in the future."