About Hanji (Korean Traditional Paper)
On Hanji — Looking for Hanji, the traditional Korean paper
In 1966, a scroll of paper wrapped in a patch of silk cloth was found inside the Seokgatap, a Silla dynasty pagoda in Bulguksa, (a Buddhist temple in Gyeongju) South Korea that was repaired in 751 AD. The yellowish Hanji paper scroll is estimated to have been created no later than 704 AD though it may be dated as early as 690 AD. While the passage of a thousand years is evident it has retained its basic shape and properties. The Pure Light Dharani Sutra, as the Buddhist text is called, is the world's oldest surviving woodblock print. It is an important artifact in world's history of paper culture. Prior to its discovery, the oldest surviving wood block print was thought to be the Hyakumantō Darani - literally the One Million Pagodas and Dharani Prayers - a large scale woodblock printing and the earliest recorded use of woodblock printing in Japan. However, this was not completed until 770 AD – much later than the Korean Dharani Sutra.
In East Asia, people have compared the impressive longevity of Hanji with expensive silk saying, as an encomium, that while Hanji lasts a millennium silk lasts a half. The excellent conservative property of Hanji derives from its unique manufacturing method. The use of alkaline solvent lye in the process of boiling paper mulberry bark as its material prevents the oxidation of Hanji, while the process of sun bleaching maintains its unique luminosity and strength. The repeated pounding of the raw material and the battering of the Hanji paper prior to its completion when it is not wholly dried, imbues it with durability and strength.
Hanji not only has strength and long-term durability but also has air permeability, warmth retention and flexibility. Hanji is used not just for recording purposes but also as a medium for artistic expression as well as in crafts, household items, clothes and accessories.
The tradition of Hanji encapsulates the wisdom and sensibility of previous Korean generations who developed and refined the process. It is now the responsibility of the current generation of Koreans to preserve and share this wisdom and tradition with the rest of the world. I hope that we may contribute to the ancient tradition of Hanji being reborn as a cultural heritage that crosses cultural and linguistic barriers to be shared by the world.
About Hanji Development Institute
Founded in 2001, in Wonju, Gangwon province, South Korea, the Hanji Development Institute promotes knowledge of Hanji and Korean culture. It also encourages art that uses Hanji as a medium, and has helped Hanji become part of mainstream culture. It also promotes Hanji overseas.
The Hanji Development Institute regards the tradition of Hanji to be an important part of Korean cultural heritage and one that must be cherished and preserved. The Hanji Development Institute is here to help fulfill this task. Please continue to support us with your interest and encouragement.
Our activities include:
- Conservation, Promotion and Development of Hanji.
- Study of Hanji and administration of the Hanji Museum.
- Development of functional Hanji(clothing, wall paper, vignettes).
- International exchange programs of handmade paper culture.
- International Hanji art exhibitions and festivals.
- Arrangement of Hanji Theme Park.