Craft fair looks for the extraordinary in the ordinary

Published : Dec 8, 2011 - 19:25 Updated : Dec 8, 2011 - 20:14

“Yellow.C” by Kim Yun-seo, one of the artists participating in the Craft Trend Fair at COEX in Samseong-dong. (KCDF)

The nation’s biggest craft fair kicks off its four-day run on Dec. 15 at COEX Hall C in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul.

Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by Korea Craft & Design Foundation, the annual “Craft Trend Fair” has, over the years, become an important event for craft-lovers. This is the sixth year of the fair which attracts about 600 artisans and more than 30,000 visitors each year.

This year’s theme is “Extraordinary.”

“The Craft Trend Fair will shed new light on the cultural value of craft as a base for Korean life and culture, all the while bringing together both traditional and modern culture. Visitors will see various sides of craft from folk art articles found in traditional markets to modern craftworks by young artists,” said Lee Sang-cheol, the fair director.

A total of 115 companies will set up 186 booths in the industry section to showcase their products and match business opportunities while 119 artists and designers chosen through a competition will showcase craftworks in the creative craft section.

Like last year, members of Atelier d’Art de France, an organization of French artisans, are invited to showcase their artwork. While the organization focused on introducing artistic objects last year, this time it will put more emphasis on small everyday goods and jewelry.

A popular booth for K-drama fans is expected to be actor Ji Jin-hee’s, where he will showcase and sell crafts he made. He is known to have an interest in crafts, and took this opportunity to learn skills from Jeong Yeon-taek, professor at Myongji University. Ji is also the goodwill ambassador of the fair.

You may register online for the fair in advance. On site, tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 733-9014 or visit craftfair.kcdf.kr

By Park Min-young (claire@heraldcorp.com)