Korea to showcase works at London Craft Week

Durujumeoni, a traditional Korean leather pouch worn around the waist (Korea Heritage Service)

For the first time, Korean artisans are taking part in London Craft Week, running at The Lavery in London’s South Kensington from May 2-18.

Under the title “Objects of Beautification,” 82 works by artisans are on display with the support of the Korea Heritage Service.

The everyday items include letter openers, vases, brooches, leather pouches and quilted silk scarves, among others. These works have been developed through collaboration between traditional artisans and contemporary designers, according to the KHS.

“They are meant to show that traditional Korean handicrafts still have a place in everyday life today,” a KHS official said.

More intricate crafts recognized by the agency for cultural significance are also on display, the official added.

Those include “hapjukseon,” a folding bamboo fan; “seoan chabanham,” a tea table with a small built-in storage box; and “durujumeoni,” a small traditional pouch worn around the waist.

“Everything Korean is riding a global wave of popularity, and we hope to see our traditional items on the top of that wave,” another KHS official said.