Shin Hyun Se Making Hanji ~ Korea

Korean Papermaking by Shin Hyun Se ~ FIDES International ~ video by Aimee Lee
Hanji, Korean paper, has a long but often overlooked tradition. This high-quality paper is made from the inner bark of the dak (mulberry) tree, in the countryside where the water supply is clean and abundant. There are many, many stages of papermaking. This video was shot on August 6, 2008 on a site visit to a traditional papermaker who supplies FIDES International with conservation-grade hanji. He has been making paper since he was a teenager, and his is the only surviving mill in a rural village where papermaking used to be plentiful.
Thanks to Bo Kyung Kim of FIDES International and the US Fulbright Program
Camera, Editor: Aimee Lee
© 2008

Hanji Papermaking Videos from Aimee Lee

Aimee Lee sends along the following about her adventures with hanji papermaking. The videos are awesome!

The entire process of making hanji as taped in the south of Korea at the paper mill of master hanji maker Shin Hyun Seh.

Making bamboo screens for hanji production: Yoo Bae Gun is the only screen maker left in Korea.

Four different hanji makers using the traditional webal technique for sheet formation (a single screen on a mould with no additional frame or deckle on top).

My own journey apprenticing at a family-operated hanji mill.

Additionally, I found a short video about a paper mill in Jeonju that I had visited twice in Korea. They use a half-mechanized sheet formation technique that is related to the Japanese style of sheet formation, but the information in the video is still relevant.

As an aside, my trip to Miami during Art Basel to promote my hanji exhibit was a great success, and we got lots of good press, including this article. The gallery even managed to sell the biggest piece in the show (no easy task).

Marjorie Alexander goes "green" in South Korea

For the fifth year Marjorie Alexander was invited to the city of Jeonju, South Korea, to lecture and participate in the Professional International hanji (Korean handmade paper) Fashion Show held on May 2.

Joenju is an important cultural paper city located about 400 miles south of Seoul. Each year the area hosts several festivals during May. Important are the International Film Festival and the Fashion Show sponsored by the Jeonju Fashion Association. Professional designers from all over South Korea present their garments which are worn by professional models from Seoul. The show attracts thousands of people from many parts of the country.

Marjorie has participated with designs for three consecutive years. This year her dress used the theme “Green for 2008.” All garments must be made from 100% hanji.

During her stay she presented lectures on art and craft at both the Chonbuk National University and the Wonkwang University in Iksan.