“Korea, the Style 2010” is an event sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Craft and Design Foundation. Held at Coex in southern Seoul, it aims to display traditional crafts to stimulate the design industry and help globalize traditional arts and handicrafts.
There are six themes for the event, drawn from traditional Korean culture: Hangeul (writing), Hanbok (clothes), Hansik (food), Hanok (houses), Hanji (paper) and Hangeuk Eumak (music). Individual sections of the fair are organized around these themes, including as accessories and clothes made of traditional fabric in the Hanbok area and traditional alcohol and sweets in the Hansik section. All of the booths are made from wood and other materials used in the construction of Hanok, and will be recycled to build traditional houses after the event.
The booth, “Hanok that I Build Myself,” features not only the basic building materials for traditional houses, but also offers a free consulting service for people who want to build one. Other booths offer the chance to experience Korean culture firsthand, including polishing wood and tasting rice cakes. The Hanbok section allows people try on different traditional clothes, and the Hangeul section is filled with educational games relating to the Korean alphabet. Hanji, or mulberry paper, also has a section devoted to its creation and uses as a craft material.
“I like that each booth has their own theme and characteristics,” said American Tim Huinker. “It’s nice to see so many different examples of Korean style in one place.”
A Hanbok fashion show will be held on Dec. 18, and there are daily music performances that highlight traditional Korean instruments and tunes at 2 and 3 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Public Design Expo 2010 and 2010 Craft Trend Fair are being held alongside Korea, the Style, and have a more international mix of elements, including contributions from Japan and France.
Lily Joenoes van Bunnik, president of the Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA), said, “It’s very interesting to see so many different types of designs, all with such a delicate touch. The designs are very Korean and eye-catching at the same time.”
The fair will be held until Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Admission is 5,000 won which also includes entry to the Design Expo and Craft Trend Fair. For more information, please visit or call 02-6002-8550~1.
Jessica Seoyoung Choi
Staff Writer Korea.net
