Hanji: Traditional Korean Paper

Hanji is traditional Korean paper made from the bark of mulberry tree. It is made of natural materials making it a neutral paper. And because it is all natural, its properties do not change through time as compared to paper which uses chemicals in its production process. Hanji uses natural dye for its coloring thus it does not fade and retains its color as time passes by. However, due to its complicated natural process of production, the quantity produced is limited.

Hanji is a very versatile material and it has many great uses. In the past, aside from being used in books, it was also used to cover windows and doors. Of the Korean publications that were designated by UNESCO as Memory of the World Heritage, all were made from hanji, a living proof of how durable this material is.

Now-a-days, hanji is still used in various ways such as in doll-making, wrapping material, letter paper, umbrellas as well as in handicrafts and other souvenir items such as fans, as well as in clothes (talk about the green revolution).

To promote the excellence of hanji, the Hanji Culture Festival is held in Jeonju, South Jeolla Province every year. And if you are interested in learning the traditional art of Korean paper, the Traditional Hanji Center offers such a program.

A perfect way of spending your visit to Jeonju, not only will you have the chance to enjoy, explore and experience the beauty of the place but you will also be learning a new skill which may come in handy when you go back home.

Light, durable and beautiful, that's the Hanji.

Hanok: Traditional Korean House

Hanok is a term used to describe Korean traditional houses. The common structure of the Hanok follows the principle called Baesanimsu wherein the ideal house is built with a mountain in the back and a river in front with a wide front porch for keeping the house cool during the hot summers and the ondol or the underlying heating system during cold winters.

The structure of the Hanok differs regionally as well as with the social class. In regions where it is warmer, such as in the south, the hanok is built in a straight line and has many windows in order to allow good wind circulation. Hanoks in the northern region, where it is colder, is box shaped and clustered rooms so that the wind flow can be blocked. In the central region of the country, a blend of the two types of hanok is observed. In terms of social class, they roof material of the hanok distinguishes the social class. Tiled roof tiles were for the upper class or the nobles while rice straws are for the commoners or the lower class.

If Hanoks were still constructed these days, then this industry, I guess would very well fit the administration’s Green Korea program. Why? Because the raw materials used in making the hanok are all natural, recyclable and environment-friendly.

Hanok Stay is offered to tourists in various parts of Korea. This gives the international tourists a good opportunity to experience the old Korean lifestyle. Places which offer this type of program are Samcheonggak, Seoul Guest House, Rakgojae in Seoul; Saechwagwan and Yangsajae in Jeonju; and Suaedang in Andong. Rates vary in every location but would usually start at about US$ 100 per room. Not bad when you consider that in some facilities, the rate is already inclusive of breakfast.

So the next time you go to Korea, why not consider a Hanok stay as an alternative to your regular hotel accommodation, a cultural experience worth trying.