Someone
said "paper is like humans". Paper can easily get
broken, hurt and injured just as the human heart, but it can
also get stronger. The more it is pounded, the stronger it
gets and as it joins several sheets it gets more resistant.
After a process of shaping, it matures as humans do. Lim Myung
Joo, Sang Gi Ho 'Papercraft'-,
Have
you ever walked through Insadong and seen colorful reams of
beautifully crafted paper? You probably thought to yourself,
"This paper is so cool, but what would I do with it besides
wrapping presents?" Actually, Koreans have been using
this paper, known as hanji, for many centuries.
Hanji
is made through a complicated process using the bark of mulberry
trees. 1500-1600 years ago, everyone from peasants to royalty
used hanji to decorate their homes. It was used for lanterns,
window paper, fans and baskets. It was also perfect for calligraphy
and drawing pictures due to its ability to absorb ink and
blur it in the proper way.
Hanji
is an amazingly versatile and resilient material can be oiled
or lacquered and rendered waterproof. Because hanji is a breathable
material, is said that it can be preserved for a 1000 years!
Recently in Wonju, there was a fashion show featuring clothes
made out of hanji, and for Buddha's birthday, there was a
lantern festival made with all kinds of shapes created with
Hanji.
So where
can an English speaker go to learn the traditional art of
hanji craft? Right on Iteawon dong around the corner from
Gecko's terrace is Song's Hanji studio. Ms. Song holds hanji
classes Monday- Saturday and tailors the time according to
the students needs. Each class is a maximum of four hours
long.
When
you walk into the studio, you are bombarded with an array
of potential projects. Should I make a table, lantern, jewelry
box, picture frame or drink coasters?? Then, after choosing
a project, one must choose the paper! The textures, patterns
and color combinations are endless.
Song
has prepared basic projects to help the beginner get started.
Using cardboard cutouts, glue, knives and flour paste the
students watch their projects come to life before their eyes.
As you get better, your projects can become more elaborate.
The limits are only up to you and your creativity.
Hanji
making can be very zen and peaceful, or, if you are in a class
with a group of animated English teachers, you can catch up
on all the latest and juiciest Iteawon gossip!
Either
way, it's a fun and satisfying experience.
One class
is 20,000 won not including the materials
5 classes
to be used within one month is 70,000 won
Contact
Ms. Song at papersong@hotmail.com
Mobile:
018 212 0951 Studio: 795 0951
Address:
3F 128-2 Itaewon dong
