Books by Park Wan-suh, Baek Seok, and Choi Seungja Made with Hanji Released

Ministry of Culture and Korea Craft & Design Foundation Collaborate with Five Publishers
Hanji Books to Debut at Seoul International Book Fair

Novels, poetry collections, and picture books made with Hanji (traditional Korean paper) are reaching readers.

(Late) National Heritage Administration

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Craft & Design Foundation announced on May 12 that they will produce and distribute a total of 10 Hanji books in collaboration with five domestic publishers, aiming to promote Hanji culture and revitalize the industry.

The participating publishers are Munhakdongne, Changbi, Minumsa, Bir Publishing, and Munhakgwa Jiseongsa. The Korea Craft & Design Foundation has signed a business agreement with these publishers to introduce Hanji books in various genres, including novels, poetry, picture books, and fairy tales.

The participating titles include "Grandmother Judy" by Park Wan-suh and the 30th anniversary revised edition of "Salmon" by Ahn Do-hyun, both from Munhakdongne; "Baek Seok Poetry Collection" by Baek Seok and "The Midnight Ant Fairy" by Shin Sun-mi from Changbi. Minumsa will produce Hanji editions of "The Yalu River Flows" by Lee Miruk and "We Have Good Arms for Loving" by Kang Bowon and nine others.

Bir Publishing will introduce "The River" by Lee Suzy and "The Seven Friends in the Lady's Room" by Lee Youngkyung. Munhakgwa Jiseongsa will produce "Choi Seungja Poetry Collection" and "Poetry Boda 2026."

The Hanji books will be unveiled for the first time at the Seoul International Book Fair, which opens on June 24, 2026. Afterwards, they will be sequentially introduced through bookstores nationwide and the publishers' distribution channels.

Hanji is a unique Korean paper traditionally made from the inner bark fibers of the paper mulberry tree, using traditional manufacturing methods. The entire process, from harvesting the mulberry bark to manufacturing, is considered a tradition that combines the craftsmanship of artisans and the communal "pumasi" (mutual aid) culture.

"Traditional knowledge, techniques, and cultural practices of Hanji-making" is scheduled to be reviewed for possible inscription as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage at the 21st session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which will be held in December 2026.

The Korea Craft & Design Foundation plans to use this collaboration to expand the foundation for Hanji utilization in the publishing and printing industries. The aim is for readers to directly experience the physical properties and texture of Hanji as they read and handle the books.

Kim Kyungbae, President of the Korea Craft & Design Foundation, said, "We hope this collaboration will serve as an opportunity to expand the new readership for Hanji through publishing," adding, "We will continue our efforts to promote the excellence and value of Hanji both domestically and internationally, and to broaden the foundation of the Hanji industry."

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