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| Hanji artist Lee Hae-eun gives a lecture during the Corea Image Communication Institution's (CICI) Korea CQ Forum at the Italian ambassador's official residence in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of CICI |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Hanji is a traditional Korean paper-making craft that has been used for centuries. The paper is made from the inner bark of the mulberry tree and is known for its strength and flexibility. It is also highly permeable and preservable, making it an ideal material for a variety of uses, from paper lanterns to wall hangings.
Hanji artist Lee Hae-eun says that Korean hanji stands out, boasting unique advantages not found in similar types of paper, which are also made from the mulberry tree in Japan and China.
"Our hanji is durable, permeable and preservable," said Lee, who displayed her works in a series of high-profile exhibitions such as, "Paperworld Frankfurt (2017)," during the Corea Image Communication Institution's (CICI) Korea CQ Forum at the Italian ambassador's official residence in central Seoul, Tuesday. The forum intends to bring together opinion leaders and promote cultural exchanges worldwide.
Korea's unique technique of producing hanji called "webal" makes the paper more durable, Lee says.
"The webal is a traditional method that is only found in Korea these days," the artist explained. "It takes a lot of time, but can increase the durability of hanji."
Lee has been striving to create eco-friendly hanji artworks while putting a fresh spin on them.
"I have been designing hats and bags since 2022," she said. "One of my latest works features a 3D picture painted by my father. I want to find out how strong hanji is and how far it can go."
The Korea CQ Forum was joined by Italian Ambassador Federico Failla, Indonesian Ambassador Gandi Sulistiyanto, Swiss Ambassador Dagmar Schmidt, Renault Korea Motors CEO Stephane Deblaise and Former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong-moon, among others.
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| Participants of the Corea Image Communication Institution's (CICI) Korea CQ Forum pose at the official Seoul residence of Italian Ambassador Federico Failla, front row fourth from right, Tuesday. Courtesy of CICI |
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