- May 2 (Fri) – May 18 (Sun), 2025 | The Lavery Gallery 10, London

The Korea Heritage Service, in collaboration with the Korea Heritage Agency, debuts in ‘London Craft week’, UK. 

‘London Craft Week’ is an annual festival held across the city of London since 2015. Celebrating craftsmanship and creativity, the event brings together artists, designers, institutions, and brands from diverse fields such as design, fashion, art, and luxury. In 2024, the festival welcomed participation from over 200 partners worldwide and attracted approximately 250,000 visitors.

This marks the Korea Heritage Service’s first participation in the event, presenting an exhibition that highlights the artistic excellence and cultural significance of Korea’s traditional craftsmanship rooted in intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition also explores contemporary reinterpretations of these time-honored techniques, demonstrating their enduring relevance and creative potential in today’s world.

Titled K-Craft in London Objects of Beautification, the exhibition will feature a curated selection of everyday objects presented under K.CRAFT, a brand showcasing Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage crafts. Drawing inspiration from the traditional sabangtakja—a four-sided open cabinet used during the Joseon Dynasty—the exhibition will showcase 82 works across 28 craft categories, with selected pieces available for purchase.

The exhibition includes works developed through the Traditional Craft Design Collaboration Support Program. This initiative supports collaborations between Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage artisans and designers active today to develop traditional crafts with contemporary relevance. 

Featured works include:

• Letter knife: A reinterpretation of the small personal knives used across genders and generations in the Joseon era, created by Park Jong-gun (Artisan of Jangdojang, Knife Making) in consultation with Kim Ju-il (CEO, DesignJoo).

• Mirage Vase: A striking vase decorated with silver inlay, crafted by Nam Kyung-sook (Artisan of Jogakjang, Metal Engraving),in consultation with Adjunct Professor Lee Sam-woong (Woodworking & Furniture Design, Hongik University).

• Inlay Brooch: Featuring intricate geometric patterns created using traditional wire inlay techniques, crafted by Seung Kyung-ran (Artisan of Ipsajang, Silver or Gold Inlaying),in consultation with Assistant Professor Chung Ho-yeon (Metal Craft & Design, SeoulTech)

• Leather Gold Leaf Imprint Durujumeoni: A luxurious leather pouch with intricate gold leaf work, created by Park Su-young (Artisan of Geumbakjang,Gold Leaf Imprinting), in consultation with designer Kim Ju-il.

• Quilted Silk Scarf: A modern reinterpretation of traditional hand quilting, created by Ha Eun-jung(Artisan of Nubijang, Quilting), in consultation with Kim Hyun-ji (CEO, 1YearPerformance).

• Sanhwa mobile: Lotus leaf: A contemporary transformation of court floral decorations into hanging sculptures, designed by Kim Joo-young(Artisan of GungjungChaehwa, Royal Silk Flower Making), in consultation with Seo Hyun-jin (CEO, Studio ORIGIN).

The exhibition also features certified works recognized under Korea’s Traditional Craft Certification Program — a government-led accreditation system that authenticates the craftsmanship and artistic excellence of traditional heritage objects, reinforcing their cultural value and institutional trust.

Featured works include: 

• Hapjukseon:A folding bamboo fan by Holder Kim Dong-sik and Certified trainee Kim Dae-sung (Artisan of Seonjajang, Fan Making).

*Hapjuk is a traditional Korean technique of joining thin strips of bamboo, often used in crafting fans.

• Seoan Tea Table:A tea table inspired by the traditional Korean scholar’s desk (seoan), originally used for reading and writing, reimagined with a built-in storage box for holding small items — blending contemplative aesthetics with practical utility, by Kim Dong-gyu (Artisan of Somokjang, Wood Furniture Making).

• Tassel Clutch:Tassel Clutch, a modern clutch inspired by the durujumeoni — a small traditional pouch worn around the waist — and adorned with decorative Korean knots, by Kim Si-jae (Artisan of Maedeupjang, Decorative Knotting).

• Fresh mosi (ramies):Created using UNESCO-recognized techniques, by Kim Sun-hee(Artisan of HansanMosiJjagi, Fine Ramie Weaving of Hansan).

Through its debut participation in London Craft Week, the Korea Heritage Service and Korea Heritage Agency aim to elevate the global profile of Korea’s intangible heritage crafts. Their commitment to expanding international outreach and increasing market access for traditional Korean crafts will continue in the years ahead.

Attachment.  London Craft Week Artwork List