Crafting in South Korea

By: Becky Meverden for TheYeogiyo.com | May 28, 2008

Becky Meverden, also known as “The Constant Crafter” is a professional craft designer and the author of eight books with a ninth hitting shelves in September, 2009. She was also a regular guest on HGTV’s The Carol Duvall Show.

South Korea is a country with a long, rich history and culture. Traditional crafts are a huge part of Korean history where the crafts were handed down from mother to daughter or father to son with no written record. The Korean government created a list called The Intangible Cultural Properties in 1964 as a way to preserve important cultural parts of Korean history. Included in the list are crafts, dances, martial arts, dramas, folk games and ceremonies. There are many crafts available to learn here in South Korea.

The first craft I learned and continue learning to this day is called maedeup, which is Korean knotting. Maedeup uses cording to create simple to elaborate knots that can be used in jewelry, accessories, home décor or just about anything you can imagine. I have been taking lessons for 1 ½ years through a Korean maedeup teacher. I’m excited to announce that I have a book coming out September 2009 titled, “Elegant Knotted Jewelry - Techniques and projects using Maedeup.” My instructor is available for private classes. Contact me for more information using the e-mail address listed at the bottom of this page.

Chilbo is Korean enameling. Enameling uses a kiln to melt glass powder to a copper base. Other metals may be used but copper is the most common. It’s like painting with glass. I found my chilbo store while wandering around my neighborhood in Suwon and I’ve been taking lessons at the shop weekly ever since. The shop is located near the Hwaseong Haenggung in northern Suwon. Again, please contact me for more information.

Hanji is Korean traditional paper crafting. Hanji is used to make boxes, coasters - even lamps. The paper is cut or torn into the shape you want, then you use a brush to apply a flour/water mixture that acts as glue and place it on the surface you are decorating. You can find a lot of hanji shops in Insadong in Seoul. These shops sell materials as well as offer classes.

Cross-stitching is also very popular in Korea. I have found cross-stitched pillows inside cars on the dashboard. It’s usually a little cross-stitched pillow with the car owner’s phone number and a cute design. Cross-stitch shops are all over Seoul and Suwon.

Another great resource to learn about Korean crafts is through the organization called Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA). They offer classes in many traditional Korean crafts. Their website is: http://www.siwapage.com/ .

What if you are looking for crafts supplies? Seoul is a fantastic place to shop for the crafter. If you are looking for hanji supplies, check out the main street in Insadong. There are many shops to choose from. If you are a knitter in search of yarn, you will love Dongdaemun Shopping Complex. This tip came to me from a fellow expatriate who is an avid knitter.

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex also has floors and floors of fabric, accessories, and notions. There is even a floor where you can order your own custom hanbok. I have purchased satin by the meter at a fantastic price. If you are a beader or love to make your own jewelry, go to the fifth floor of the Complex and you will find everything you need for your jewelry making. Quilt material and supplies are also on this floor.

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is comprised of five buildings so it is pretty easy to get lost. If you find a vendor you like, make sure you ask for a name card (business card) which will help you find them on a return visit. To get there, take the subway to Dongdaemun Station (422) on line 1 or line 4, exit 9. As you exit, you will see a huge white building on the immediate left. The yarn wholesalers are in the basement and it’s full of yarn.

Looking for craft supplies is a great way to get out of your apartment and go exploring. You will find all kinds of crafty places in your own neighborhood.

You can order Becky’s latest book at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Knotted-Jewelry-Techniques-Projects/dp/0896898180?&camp=212361&linkCode=wey&tag=theconscraf-20&creative=380733.

If you have any questions or have any additional craft information, feel free to contact her at becky@meverden.net or ask at TheYeogiyo.com or on TheYeogiyo.com Forum for more help.