Hello, Hanji paper and craft enthusiasts!
Here is a blog post I wrote in 2018 that explained where to find Hanji paper and Hanji craft supplies in Seoul. Since the publication of this post, many things have changed, and I think it would be helpful to have more updated information.
Unfortunately, some of the updates I have to offer are rather disappointing, as two of the three shops are no longer open to the public.
While it is possible to order supplies and paper through their websites, it is no longer possible for shoppers to browse Doori Hanji and Il Shin Pil Bang shops in person.
Dong Yang Hanji is still open, but its location has changed. Please refer to the blog post below with the updates written in red.
If you know of any other shops in Seoul where you can buy Hanji craft supplies (beyond paper), please leave a comment below.
Thank you!
Natalie
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Many people visiting or living in Seoul have been contacting me over the years to ask me where I buy my Hanji paper and supplies.
Here are some of my favorite spots to find high-quality Hanji paper, tools, and supplies.
Insadong is *the* place
If you are looking for high-quality Hanji paper and Hanji craft supplies, I would recommend you head over to the Insadong district. Renowned for its lovely tea shops, art galleries and antique stores, Insadong is also a great place to get Hanji paper and craft supplies, as well as art supplies for calligraphy and painting.
Many shops in Insadong sell Hanji paper, but there are three specific Hanji craft shops that I like to visit when I go to Insadong: Doori Hanji (두리한지공방), Il-Shin Pil Bang (일신당 필방) and Dong Yang Hanji (동양한지).
Doori Hanji (두리한지공방)
If you are looking for Hanji paper and Hanji craft supplies, your first stop should definitely be Doori Hanji. You will find this shop tucked in on the top floor of a narrow building, at the end of a steep stairway. Do not let this fool you; once you get up there, you're in Hanji heaven!
Doori Hanji has a wide variety of Hanji paper, along with a great selection of tools, material and supplies, cardboard shapes, cut-out designs, souvenirs, etc. Everything you might need to start Hanji crafts can be found there. The owner is very friendly and speaks English; I have always been welcomed warmly there.
The front section of the shop is actually a workshop where you can see craftspeople work, and many beautiful items are on display, including tea tables, cabinets, lamps, and many others. I have heard that some classes and workshops are available, but I do not have details regarding that. I would suggest you ask the owner when you visit the shop.
What you can find at Doori Hanji:- Wide selection of plain-coloured and printed Hanji paper (made in Korea)
- Crafting tools (cutters, scissors, brushes, spatulas, cutting mats, punches, etc.)
- Cut-out designs (cardboard and paper)
- Cardboard shapes and kits to make countless types of items, including furniture, boxes, chests, tissue box cases, cell phone stands, hand mirrors, etc.
- Materials to create lamp shades
- Glues and varnishes
- Hardware (hinges, handles, etc.)
- Korean traditional souvenirs
Doori Hanji also has a great website where you can order supplies and paper:
www.doorihanji.co.kr.
It is my go-to page when I wish to order tools or materials to craft, and I couldn't be happier with the service and speedy delivery.
Address:
Insadong Gil 137-2, 3rd floor, Jong-ro, Seoul
서울 종로구 인사동길 9 3층Phone number:
02-734-6256Website (in Korean only):
www.doorihanji.co.kr
UPDATE: Doori Hanji does not have a physical store anymore. All craft supplies, including paper, shapes, hardware, and other items can be ordered online through their website.
Doori Hanji is open on weekdays from 9:00am to 6:00pm, and from 9:00am to 1:00pm on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays.
How to get there:
Take the subway to Jorong-3Ga (Exit 11).
It's on the main Insadong street, across from the Insa-Korea souvenir shop.
Il-Shin Pil Bang (일신당 필방)
Another great place to shop for Hanji paper and Hanji craft supplies is Il-Shin Pil Bang. This store is located on the same street (the main Insadong street) as Doori Hanji, across from Starbucks. You can see the beautiful lamps hanging in the window.
Il-Shin Pil Bang has a great selection of Hanji paper, along with tools, hardware, material and supplies, cardboard shapes, etc. It also sells calligraphy and painting supplies, which include brushes, ink stones and ink, paper, and scrolls.
The couple who owns this business is lovely; they are always kind and helpful, and I always enjoy visiting their shop.
What you can find at Il-Shin Pil Bang:- Wide selection of plain-coloured and printed Hanji paper (made in Korea)
- Selection of Japanese printed paper
- Crafting tools
- Cardboard shapes and kits
- Materials to create lamps and lamp shades
- Glues and varnishes
- Hardware
- Calligraphy supplies, including brushes, ink stones, and paper
- Painting supplies, including brushes, ink and scrolls
- Calligraphy and painting books
Il-Shin Pil Bang also has a website where you can order supplies and paper:
www.ilsindang.co.kr.
Address:
Insadong Gil 15, Seong-bo Building 2nd floor, Jong-ro, Seoul
서울 종로구 인사동길 15 (성보빌딩 2층)Phone number: 02-
733-8100Website (in Korean only):
www.ilsindang.co.krIl-Shin Pil Bang is open daily, from 10:00am to 7:30pm.
How to get there:
Take the subway to Jorong-3Ga (Exit 11).
It's on the main Insadong street, across from Starbucks
UPDATE: Il-Shin Pil Bang does not have a physical store anymore. All craft supplies, including paper, hardware and tools can be ordered online through their website.
Dong Yang Hanji (동양한지)
The last, but not least, shop I would recommend is Dong Yang Hanji.
What makes Dong Yang such a special place is the exquisite craftsmanship. Some of the paper you can find at Dong Yang is simply unique, not only in its quality but its originality.
If you are looking for high-quality, handmade Korean Hanji paper, Dong Yang is the place to go.
It is a rather small shop, filled to the rim with exquisite paper. The steep prices of certain items reflect their high-quality, so it isn't necessary a place for pure beginners.
Dong Yang is located on the same street (the main Insadong street) as Doori Hanji and Il-Shin Pil Bang, on the ground floor. You can see piles of colorful paper and canvasses at the entrance of the shop.
Dong Yang has a fantastic selection of Hanji paper, mainly handmade. They also sell an assortment of plain-coloured and printed Hanji, along with hand dyed and hand woven papers.
When you visit Dong Yang it's all about the paper; the owners aren't necessarily the warmest people, but the quality of their craftsmanship speaks for itself.
What you can find at Dong Yang Hanji:- Selection of high-quality hand dyed and handmade Hanji paper (made in Korea)
- Selection of plain-coloured and printed Hanji paper (made in Korea)
- Notebooks and stationery
- Canvasses and brushes
- Korean traditional souvenirs (fans, pencil cases, etc.)
Dong Yang has a website, but it is not possible to order paper online at this time:
hanjipark.modoo.atAddress:
Insadong Gil 5, Pagoda Building 1st floor, Jong-ro, Seoul
서울 종로구 인사동길 5 (파고다빌딩 1층)
Insadong Gil 4, number 7, first floor
서울 종로구 인사동4길 7 1층Phone number:
02-734-1881Website (in Korean only):
hanjipark.modoo.atHow to get there:
Take the subway to Anguk Station (Exit 6).
Walk down the main Insadong street, take a left on Insadong Gil 4 (there is a money exchange counter on the corner). It is four doors down, on your left.
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Do you happen to know any other great places to purchase Hanji paper and Hanji craft supplies in Seoul?
If you do, please do not hesitate to leave a comment to share the information with all the Hanji lovers out there!
Thank you!
