Three Master Carpenters Named After 25 Years... Artisans Who Led Restoration of Palaces and Temples

Kim Youngsung, Lee Kwangbok, and Jo Jaeryang Recognized
"Breathing New Life into the Transmission of Traditional Wooden Architecture"

Kim Youngsung, Holder of the National Intangible Heritage Master Carpenter Title

Three master artisans who have continued the tradition of Korean architecture in palaces, temples, and military facilities have been newly designated as holders of national intangible cultural heritage.

The National Heritage Administration announced on October 20 that Kim Youngsung, Lee Kwangbok, and Jo Jaeryang have each been officially recognized as holders of the national intangible heritage title of Master Carpenter (Daemokjang). It is the first time in 25 years, since 2000, that new holders have been named in the Master Carpenter field.

A Master Carpenter is not simply a woodworker, but an artisan responsible for the entire process from architectural design to supervision and construction. This role is distinct from that of a joiner, who makes furniture or windows and doors, and has traditionally been referred to as the “Dopyeonsu,” the highest authority at a traditional construction site.

National Intangible Heritage Master Carpenter Lee Kwangbok

Kim Youngsung began learning his craft in 1977 from the late Kim Taekyoung (1918-2004), a previous holder of the title, and has dedicated nearly half a century to traditional wooden architecture. After being recognized as a trainee in 1997, he became a transmission instructor in 2000 and was designated as an intangible heritage holder by South Jeolla Province in 2021. He has worked to preserve traditional tools and techniques while training the next generation.

Lee Kwangbok received Master Carpenter training from the late Jo Heehwan (1944-2002) and Shin Younghoon (1936-2020), and has served as Dopyeonsu for over 20 years. In particular, he has played a central role in the restoration and construction of temples across the country.

National Intangible Heritage Master Carpenter Jo Jaeryang

Jo Jaeryang learned his skills from former Master Carpenter holder Shin Eungsu in 1996 and was recognized as a trainee in 2006. He has since inherited the traditions of Choi Wonsik, Jo Wonjae, Lee Kwanggyu, and Shin Eungsu, preserving the “Gunggwol Architecture Gimun” tradition as Dopyeonsu.

“Gimun” refers to a lineage formed through the transmission of skills, and the Master Carpenter field is known for its strict system of succession. Former holder Shin Eungsu was a master who led major national heritage restoration projects in Korea, but lost his status as a holder in 2022 due to the controversy surrounding the restoration of Gwanghwamun.

Kim Young-yeol, Honorary Holder of National Intangible Heritage Instrument Making

Meanwhile, the National Heritage Administration has recognized Kim Youngyeol, a transmission instructor in the field of instrument craftsmanship, as an honorary holder. An instrument craftsman is an artisan who makes traditional musical instruments. Since being designated as a transmission instructor in 2004, Kim has taught string instrument making techniques for more than 20 years. Although he remained dedicated to passing on these skills until recently, he has had to step away from the field due to deteriorating health.

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