Production of 'Traditional Hanji Appointment Certificates'... Jongno-gu Promotes Hanji Revitalization Project

Use of Hanji Paper for Various Printed Materials Such as Appointment Certificates and Commendations Produced by the District... Traditional Hanji Fashion Show in October, Hanji Papermaking Experience Event for Elementary to High School Students in Early September

Jongno-gu Office Traditional Hanji Appointment Certificate

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The area around Sinyeong-dong in Jongno-gu was once home to the Jojiseo (Paper Manufacturing Office), which produced paper used for compiling the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty.

The Jojiseo, which made paper for state use, was established in 1415 during the reign of King Taejong. Although its function gradually weakened due to the development of private handicrafts, it produced the world's highest quality Hanji until it was abolished in 1882 during King Gojong's reign.

Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong), historically closely associated with Hanji, will actively promote the "Traditional Hanji Revitalization Project" starting this July to develop and preserve Hanji culture, which embodies the wisdom and excellence of our ancestors.

This year's Traditional Hanji Revitalization Project in Jongno-gu includes ▲holding a Secho ceremony ▲enacting the Jongno-gu Hanji Culture Industry Support Promotion Ordinance ▲producing traditional Hanji appointment certificates and others ▲holding a traditional Hanji fashion show ▲hosting traditional Hanji papermaking experience events and replacing window paper in district-owned hanok ▲and operating education related to traditional Hanji for vulnerable groups.

First, the district plans to reenact the Secho ceremony of the Joseon Dynasty around Segumjeong. Secho (washing grass) refers to washing raw paper and paper pulp in water to remove ink and reuse the raw materials.

The district aims to widely promote the excellence of the Jojiseo paper used for compiling the king’s annals by reenacting the event and presenting pungmul performances. However, the schedule has not been finalized due to COVID-19.

Next, the district will enact the "Jongno-gu Hanji Culture Industry Support Promotion Ordinance" to establish a legal basis for fostering the Hanji industry and to strengthen its commitment. In the future, it plans to support traditional Hanji manufacturing, production, distribution companies, intangible cultural heritage Hanji artisans, and related craftsmen, and use it as a basis for promoting related projects for traditional Hanji advancement.

The district will also use Hanji for various printed materials such as appointment certificates, business cards, commendations, and event posters. Currently produced with pulp or coated paper, these printed materials will be replaced with traditional Hanji to contribute to the revitalization of the Hanji industry and the local economy.

In October, a traditional Hanji fashion show will be held around Heunginjimun, Korea’s Treasure No. 1. Students and graduate students from local university fashion departments will create and showcase diverse garments using Hanji materials. In addition to the fashion show, Hanji-related promotional booths will be operated, and traditional Hanji manufacturers will also promote their products.

A hands-on program allowing elementary, middle, and high school students to make traditional Hanji themselves is also planned. In September, a Hanji papermaking experience event will be held at Mugyewon, a traditional cultural space located in Buam-dong. An intangible cultural heritage Hanji artisan will be invited to run the program thoroughly, and students will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and excellence of Korean culture by making crafts with the Hanji they produce.

Additionally, a cultural heritage enjoyment program for vulnerable groups will include a traditional Hanji program. In November, a tour will be conducted for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and multicultural families, visiting Mugyewon, the Hanji Culture Industry Center, and traditional Hanji workshops in Bukchon to learn about the charm of traditional Hanji.

Mayor Kim Young-jong said, “Jongno, the center of Korean culture, has taken the lead in promoting Korean culture such as Hanbok, Hanok, Hansik, Hangul, Korean traditional music, and dance by utilizing the rich historical and cultural resources unique to the region. We plan to promote excellent Hanji made with our nation’s unique techniques and carry out various projects and programs to preserve traditional culture. We will strive tirelessly to widely promote the charm of Jongno as the center of traditional Hanji and to increase demand and everyday use of our paper.”

Bukchon Hanji Culture Industry Center

In May, the Hanji Culture Industry Center, operated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Craft & Design Foundation, opened in Bukchon, Jongno-gu. Established to introduce the excellence of Hanji and promote its use and dissemination, it is the first Hanji culture industry space that summarizes Hanji’s history and current status. It consists of a permanent exhibition hall where visitors can touch and compare over 400 types of regional traditional Hanji held by 19 traditional Hanji workshops and distributors nationwide.

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