Twenty-three Korean master artisans and their apprentices launched an eight-day exhibition showcasing 146 pieces of traditional Korean crafts at Washington's historic Korean legation building. The exhibition, titled "Beauty of Korean Hospitality," opened Wednesday and features works ranging from intricate decorative knots to gold leaf imprinting techniques once used for royal textiles.
The exhibition takes place at the former Korean legation, which now serves as a historical museum. All participating artisans have been officially designated as national intangible heritage masters, representing Korea's most skilled practitioners of traditional crafts. Their apprentices also contributed works to the comprehensive display, which spans three floors of the historic building.
The timing of the exhibition capitalizes on the growing global interest in Korean culture, driven by the worldwide popularity of K-pop, Korean dramas, and other cultural exports. Organizers hope the exhibition will provide visitors with hands-on exposure to the diverse range of Korean traditional artworks and craftsmanship techniques.
"This artisan project is an exhibition that highlights the enduring traditions and profound craftsmanship of Korea's national intangible cultural heritage artisans," said Won Bo-hyun, the exhibition's artistic director and director of WBH Lab, during the opening reception. "This is not only to showcase finished works, but also to illuminate the time, hands and spirit that have brought them into being."
Won emphasized the symbolic significance of hosting the exhibition at the old legation building, which historically served as a place where South Korean diplomats welcomed guests with the nation's finest crafts. "The theme is a contemporary attempt to reconnect the moments in history with today's artisans," she explained during the reception.
The opening ceremony drew notable attendees, including Yum Hogan, former first lady of Maryland and an artist herself. "I am grateful and congratulate you on this exhibition that highlights Korean cultural heritage here at the legation, which served as Korea's first embassy in Washington, the heart of the United States," Hogan said during her remarks.
Among the featured artisans, Kim Gi-ho demonstrated his specialized technique of applying gold leaf to textiles using meticulous hand skills. He emphasized that traditional Korean craftsmanship forms the foundation of Korea's cultural popularity. "Traditional handicrafts are not merely an expression of techniques. It is an art that links people, the nature and time," Kim explained. "I hope that this exhibition will serve as a precious time to deliver the depth and warmth of Korean traditions."
The exhibition features diverse traditional crafts displayed across multiple floors of the legation building. Ten of the 23 participating artisans attended the opening, including Choi Moon-jeung, who specializes in painting vibrant patterns on wooden buildings to enhance the aesthetic value of traditional architecture, and Kim Yeong-jo, a master craftsman who uses heated tools to burn intricate designs onto wood and paper.
One of the most captivating displays features gold leaf imprinting, a technique dating back to the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Master Kim Gi-ho has dedicated his career to preserving these royal gilding techniques, which were traditionally used to embellish court garments and ceremonial ornaments worn by Korean royalty.
The exhibition is organized by the National Intangible Heritage Association and receives support from multiple Korean cultural institutions, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea Craft and Design Foundation, and Korea Heritage Service. The event represents a significant cultural exchange initiative aimed at promoting Korean traditional arts in the United States.
The historic venue adds special significance to the exhibition. In September of last year, the old Korean legation building received official recognition by being listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This prestigious designation acknowledges the building's important role as the centerpiece of Korea's diplomatic presence in Washington during the late 19th century, making it an ideal location for showcasing Korea's cultural heritage.
