The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on August 13 that the city’s hanok brand, Seoul Hanok, created a collection of craft products by five artists as part of its push to promote South Korea’s unique culture and lifestyle. Hanok refers to traditional Korean houses built during the Joseon dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of Korea that lasted 505 years from 1392 to 1910.
The city will showcase the craft products at the Seochon Lounge in Nuhadong, a neighborhood of Jongno-gu, Seoul, from August 13 to September 1. The products will be available for sale both online and offline via the “Seoul Hanok Brand Shop,” scheduled to open at the end of the year.
The hanok craft products were developed under the theme “Sarang(舍廊),” taking inspiration from the Sarangchae and Sarangbang spaces of Hanok. Sarangchae and Sarangbang are sections of Korean traditional houses where men enjoy scholarly pursuits and art and welcome guests.
The artists reinterpreted the spirit and function of the space, creating items suitable for modern-day studies and reception rooms. They combined traditional materials such as Hanji (traditional Korean paper), glass, metal, wood, and dak (mulberry) fiber with modern functionality.
