Junggu Fashion and Sewing Sample Makers Trainees Produce 2,000 Cotton Masks

Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Seoul Central Sewing Cooperative, and Korea Apparel Revival Headquarters Join Together... Distributed Mainly to Health-Vulnerable Groups Under District's Focused Management

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Trainees in fashion and sewing sample production training in Jung-gu, Seoul, have produced 2,000 cotton masks to support the response to COVID-19.

Since February, the district has equipped the multipurpose room at Chungmu Startup Cube with special sewing equipment to establish a sample production shared studio, conducting professional sample producer training to revitalize the stagnant fashion and sewing industry.

Future sample producers preparing for startups or employment volunteered their talents to help with the mask shortage crisis.

The mask production was carried out with one heart by seven trainees and through public-private collaboration.

The district provided fabric and materials, and the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology developed the mask design, participating in the sample production. The Jung-gu Clothing Fashion Support Center, responsible for the sample producer training, guided the entire process and worked alongside the trainees in mask production.

Five local sample companies (Seongin, Soul, Irae Sample, Nara, Mind), Seoul Central Sewing Cooperative (Chairman Kim Hyun-jung), and the Korea Garment Revival Headquarters (Director Kim Jeong-ho) also voluntarily contributed labor to the mask production.

Thanks to these efforts, 2,000 cotton masks were produced over three days from the 11th to the 13th.

The masks, crafted by sample production trainees, were made with quality exceeding that of commercial products. They applied a three-dimensional design tailored to the facial contours for comfortable wear and maximum fit. The fabric and materials used were soft to the skin and durable after washing to allow for reuse.

Non-woven fabric used in medical masks was inserted to enhance the function of the existing cotton masks, and storage cases were also provided for cleanliness.

The produced masks will be primarily distributed to vulnerable health groups under the district’s focused care.

Son Hae-seon (female, 47), the instructor in charge of sample production training, said, "Seeing the mask shortage, I actively participated hoping to help even a little. Although there were trial and errors due to the more demanding process than commercial cotton masks, I felt rewarded thinking about delivering the masks to those in need."

Seo Yang-ho, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, "I deeply appreciate the warm talent donation despite these difficult times. We will strive to revitalize the fashion and sewing-related industries and devise various measures to support startups and employment so that you can fully demonstrate your talents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.