CULTURE

An exhibition of Korean traditional knots and cloths (bojagi)

10 March 2023

The Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa will hold an exhibition of Korean traditional knots and cloths (bojagi), Korea's representative gyubang crafts, from 7 March 2023 (Tue) to 31 May 2023 (Wed), in the exhibition hall of the cultural centre. This knot & cloth exhibition will feature a total of 212 knots, including 117 knotted works by Kim Yoon-jung, author of 'Easy-Making Knots Props', and 95 works by Choi Sun-hwa, president of the Jeonbuk branch of the Korea Foam Art Association.

It is no exaggeration to say that knots made by crossing more than one string three times have a long history, and Korean knots have developed independently in thousands of years of history as Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 22. It is difficult to learn from literature or relics. Kim Yoon-jung said she would like to introduce more familiar and enjoyable knots in this exhibition.

Visitors looking at Kim Yoon-jung's knots

Aside from the simple use of square cloth made to pack and carry things, other craft cloth is expanding its scope as a practical art, as it is used as a fashion item or interior object beyond traditional packaging. In this exhibition by artist Choi Sun-hwa, a set of human birth, growth, marriage, daily life, and death showcases the use of cloth throughout human life from birth to death.

Visitors to see Choi Sun-hwa's wrapping cloth

Through this meaningful exhibition, we hope to introduce the beautiful Korean handicraft culture that has been handed down for generations. 

Korean Cultural Centre - South Africa