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.
Having trained in jewellery making and silversmithing across the world, Sungho Cho 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
In her studio in central Seoul, Dukjoo Choi 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
Former actress and fashion supervisor Youngjin Kim found her vocation in making traditional Korean clothing, such as hanbok and hwarot, worn from the 10th century onwards.
Sejin Bae crafts minimalist ceramic sculptures and focuses on modernising age-old pottery techniques, often referencing human disconnection from nature in his work.
Building on Korean metalworking expertise that was established in the Joseon period, Hyejung Shin makes silver jewellery using techniques, such as metal chasing, moulding and hammering.
2 Bomun-ro 34da-gil, Seongnuk-gu, 136-053, Seoul, South Korea
Jonggu Lee carves and lacquers Soban, small wooden tray-like tables which have been used in Korea for over 20 centuries to carry food and as individual dining surfaces.
4 Gyedong 6-gil, Jongno-gu, 110-260, Seoul, South Korea
Hammering metal at least six hours a day, Sanghyeob Lee 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 making 3D textile wall sculptures, Yeonsoon Chang 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
In his studio Sosoyo, ceramicist Sung Hyeoun Cho 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, 4534, Seoul, South Korea
Using micro-welding as her core technique, Hyejeong Ko crafts intricate metalwork sculptures inspired by botanical forms, reflecting her deep connection to nature.
115-1 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, 3056, Seoul, South Korea
