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Seoul: crafts inherited from dynasties
Seoul is a dynamic city of contrasts that blends modern skyscrapers with temples and palaces left behind by the Joseon Dynasty, which founded the capital and ruled Korea from 1392 to 1910. In our itinerary, discover the impact of the Joseon rule on contemporary craftsmanship and see how artisans in Seoul preserve and innovate long-standing embroidery, lacquering, pottery and metalworking techniques.
1
Rising Star
Jiseon Jang
Flower designer
Jiseon creates large contemporary floral installations with texture and a sense of space that are reminiscent of classic Korean oil paintings.
107-2 Bangbaejungang-ro,
06772 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
06772 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
2
Master Artisan
Sungho Cho
Silversmith
Having trained in jewellery making and silversmithing across the world, Sungho makes vessels inspired by architectural structures, such as the Berlin Wall or Seoul’s 600-year old bridge.
B1, Nambusunhwan-ro 1859,
151-050 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
151-050 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
3
Master Artisan
Dukjoo Choi
Patchworker
In her studio in central Seoul, Dukjoo maintains a traditional Joseon practice of upcycling fabrics and makes silk wall pieces using the patchwork technique Jogakbo.
9-166 Ihwadong, Jongno-gu,
110-500 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
110-500 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
4
Rising Star
Youngjin Kim
Traditional dressmaker
Former actress and fashion supervisor Youngjin found her vocation in making traditional Korean clothing, such as hanbok and hwarot, worn from the 10th century onwards.
1-11 Dokseodang-ro,
140-210 Seoul, South Korea Monday to Friday 10:00 - 19:00 More
140-210 Seoul, South Korea Monday to Friday 10:00 - 19:00 More
5
Master Artisan
Sejin Bae
Ceramicist
Sejin crafts minimalist ceramic sculptures and focuses on modernising age-old pottery techniques, often referencing human disconnection from nature in his work.
Pildong-ro 8 gil 16,
100-272 Seoul, South Korea Friday to Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00 More
100-272 Seoul, South Korea Friday to Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00 More
6
Master Artisan
Hyejung Sin
Jewellery maker
Building on Korean metalworking expertise that was established in the Joseon period, Hyejung makes silver jewellery using techniques, such as metal chasing, moulding and hammering.
2 Bomun-ro 34da-gil, Seongnuk-gu,
136-053 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
136-053 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
7
Master Artisan
Jonggu Lee
Cabinetmaker
Hammering metal at least six hours a day, Sanghyeob creates silver pieces that mimic traditional Korean vessel shapes and allude to the dynamic nature of Korean craftsmanship.
4 Gyedong 6-gil, Jongno-gu,
110-260 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
110-260 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
8
Master Artisan
Sanghyeob Lee
Silversmith
Hammering metal at least six hours a day, Sanghyeob creates silver pieces that mimic traditional Korean vessel shapes and allude to the dynamic nature of Korean craftsmanship.
10 Gyeonghuigung 3na-gil,
110-054 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
110-054 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
9
Master Artisan
Yeonsoon Chang
Textile sculptor
By making 3D textile wall sculptures, Yeonsoon explores her devotion to Buddhism, references Joseon customs and celebrates handicraft made by Korean women throughout the centuries.
3 Yeonhui-ro, 41 da-gil,
120-102 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
120-102 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
10
Master Artisan
Sung Hyeoun Cho
Ceramicist
In his studio Sosoyo, ceramicist Sung Hyeoun makes a wide range of moon jars, Korean white porcelain vessels that began circulating during the Joseon rule.
47-5, Jeungsan-ro 17-gil, Eunpyeong-gu,
04534 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
04534 Seoul, South Korea By appointment only More
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