Where to Find the Best Hanji Paper in Jeonju

If you have a chance to visit the city of Jeonju, in the province of Jeollabuk-do, you will discover its rich and enticing culture! Jeonju is famous for many cultural treasures, including the beloved bibimbap and...  Hanji paper!

As I have lived in Iksan for nearly two decades, Jeonju has always been my go-to destination for everything related to Hanji. I remember discovering my dearest material of predilection back in 2004, when visiting the Hanok Village for the first time. Over the years, I have visited Jeonju countless times, and even participated in different editions of the Jeonju Hanji Festival, in 2015, 2016, and 2017. 

Here are my recommendations for the best places to shop for Hanji paper in Jeonju:

Pagoda Hanji (파고다한지)

The Pagoda Hanji store has been open for many years and has always been my favorite place to shop for Hanji paper. The owner is lovely and the shop is filled with gorgeous papers of all kinds, including patterned paper, thick paper for lamps and other projects, rolls of Hanji wallpaper, and more.

The selection is great and the prices have always been reasonable.  

When you visit Pagoda, you will be amazed by the wide range of paper available. The shop is filled floor to ceiling with piles of neatly stacked Hanji paper. Ask for help when shopping; the owner will assist you (she usually prefers to handle the stacks of paper herself, to avoid any mishaps). She is incredibly patient and sweet.

Pagoda also sell some lovely souvenirs and Korean traditional decorative items. It is a great destination to pick up some high-quality gifts made in Korea, including Hanji paper, ceramic, and other crafts.

Pagoda (파고다한지)

Phone: 063-285-3003

Address: 전북특별자치도 전주시 완산구 팔달로 154

 

Link to Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3R62p6Hb1gzWPGht7

Hang-Rim Dang-Pil Bang (한림당필방) 

Other good place to shop for Hanji paper in Jeonju is Hang-Rim Dang-Pil Bang. It is located on the same boulevard as Pagoda Hanji, and it's been only open a few years in its current location.

This shop offers a good selection of plain-colored and patterned (printed) Hanji paper, in an extensive range of colors. It also specializes in calligraphy supplies, including brushes, paper, ink, and books related to traditional Korean calligraphy.

It is worth mentioning that Hang-Rim Dang-Pil Bang has an interesting selection of metallic printed Hanji paper, including plain gold and silver printer paper. Its selection of traditionally made (handmade) Hanji paper is more limited than Pagoda, but if you are looking for something with more modern printing and patterns, it is the best place.

Hang-Rim Dang-Pil Bang

Phone: 063-284-9494

Address: 전북 전주시 완산구 팔달로 200 1층

Link to Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/11LDT6yt2BNRCGiUA

Hanji Traditional Paper Factory and Cooperative Shop (전주한지공동판매장)

This hidden gem is an absolute must-see for anyone interested in Hanji paper, and in Korean culture in general. It is tucked away in a back alley in the Hanok traditional village. There is an artisanal workshop where they still make the Hanji paper by hand; it is beautiful to watch, so make sure to visit in the morning or early afternoon while the artisans are at work.

After visiting the small factory, stop at their boutique to shop for the most beautiful handcrafted Hanji paper. You can also find amazing souvenirs including Hanji socks, ties, pouches, notebooks, etc.

전주한지공동판매장

Phone: 063-211-2011

Address: 전북 전주시 완산구 한지길 112-5

Website (in Korean only): https://www.hanjishop.kr/

Link to Google Maps: 전북 전주시 완산구 한지길 112-5

If you know any other good spots, please make sure to leave a comment below! 

Happy Hanji shopping!

Where to buy Hanji paper in Seoul (Post update - 2024)

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

* * *

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 3층
Phone number: 02-734-6256

Website (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: 02-733-8100

Website (in Korean only): www.ilsindang.co.kr

Il-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.at

Address:
Insadong Gil 5, Pagoda Building 1st floor, Jong-ro, Seoul
서울 종로구 인사동길 5 (파고다빌딩 1층)
Dong Yang Hanji has moved. Here is the address of their new shop in Insadong:
Insadong Gil 4, number 7, first floor
서울 종로구 인사동4길 7 1층
Phone number: 02-734-1881

Website (in Korean only): hanjipark.modoo.at

How 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.

* * *

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!

A new Hanji craft tutorial video is now available!

A new how-to video is now available on the HanjiNaty YouTube channel!

This is the second how-to video, that shows you who to cut and glue the inner colours of a Hanji craft design.

To see the first How-to video on "How to cut Hanji patterns by hand":
http://www.hanjinaty.com/2018/08/welcome-to-hanjinaty-youtube-channel.html

In the next few months, I will continue to create and upload new videos onto the HanjiNaty's YouTube channel, introducing the different steps of the creative process.

To subscribe to the channel, simply click here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOymdp4A_0EOGvVLZbivLqw?sub_confirmation=1

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below! Enjoy!

Welcome to the HanjiNaty YouTube channel!

I am excited to announce the creation of the HanjiNaty's very own YouTube channel!

On this channel dedicated to Hanji crafts and Hanji paper, you will find tutorial videos explaining the different steps of the creative process, along with clips on Hanji paper making, Korean traditional culture, and other related topics.

The first How-to video, title "How to cut Hanji patterns by hand" is now available:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRvVl9UuDyc&t=85s

In the next few months, new videos will be periodically uploaded onto the HanjiNaty's YouTube channel, introducing the different steps of the creative process.

To subscribe to the channel, simply click here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOymdp4A_0EOGvVLZbivLqw?sub_confirmation=1

Enjoy!

Where to buy Hanji paper in Seoul?

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.

There are three specific 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 3층
Phone number: 02-734-6256

Website (in Korean only): www.doorihanji.co.kr

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: 02-733-8100

Website (in Korean only): www.ilsindang.co.kr

Il-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

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 isn't possible to order paper online at this time: hanjipark.modoo.at

Address:
Insadong Gil 5, Pagoda Building 1st floor, Jong-ro, Seoul
서울 종로구 인사동길 5 (파고다빌딩 1층)

Phone number: 02-734-1881

Website (in Korean only): hanjipark.modoo.at

How to get there:
Take the subway to Jorong-3Ga (Exit 11).
It's on the main Insadong street, two doors down from the 7/11 convenience store.

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!

A Crafter's Paradise in Seoul

Seoul is a paradise for shoppers : the mega city is packed with shops, outdoor markets, street vendors and mega shopping complexes. You can spend days, possibly weeks, browsing through the mazes of shops and store all over the city.

One of the most exciting places to visit is Dongdaemun Market, the biggest shopping district in Seoul. It is a full neighborhood, filled with countless shops, selling about everything you can dream of!

Today I want to take you to the Crafter's Paradise: the Dongdaemun Shopping Complex!


Six floors of Sewing and Crafting Supplies

The Shopping complex is a gigantic 7-floor building with thousands of vendors offer a head-spinning selection of crafting and sewing supplies.


Here is the detail of each floor in the Complex :

7F : Management / Offices
6F : Telecommunication Room / Headquarters / Offices
5F : Materials / Accessories / Beads / Buttons / Lace
4F : Various Fabrics / Cotton Fabrics
3F : Various Fabrics / Cotton Fabrics
2F : Various Fabrics / Silks / Hanbok / Curtains
1F : Bedding / Handicrafts / Plates / Curtains / Living Essentials
B1 : Various Threads / Blankets / Handicrafts / Curtains


The basement and the first floor are dedicated to sewing supplies: millions of buttons, kilometers of thread, ribbons and trim, tons of buckles, zippers, patches, embroideries, etc. Trust me, it will make your head spin!


The second, third and fourth floors are entirely dedicated to fabric. You can literally get lost in the sea of vibrant colors and textures, and the shopping complex is so unbelievably large and packed to the ceiling with goods.

The second floor is specializing in silk and luxurious fabrics chosen to make the Hanbok, gorgeous and colorful traditional Korean outfit worn for wedding ceremonies and other important events.




Take me to the 5th Floor, please!

For me, the party begins when I reach the fifth floor, dedicated to Jewelry and Accessory supplies!

There are hundreds of booths and the selection is mind-blowing : lace, ribbons, beads, charms, rubber bands, hair barrettes, pins and bands, feathers, leather, hardware, felt, polymer rings and bracelets, jump rings, fasteners, silver and gold chains, quilting supplies, etc.

Visiting this market can be very overwhelming. As most places in Asia, it's crowded, buzzing and loud and, most importantly, packed with stuff! Most of the shops have boxes and bags of goods literally piled up to the ceiling.






Welcome to the Bead Buffet

Many shops on the 5th floor sell beads and charms for jewelry making. Their tables basically look like bead buffets! You can pick and choose from their selection, using tiny bowls or baskets.

Most of the things can be bought individually (prices vary from a few cents to a few dollars per item), but you can also negotiate a better price for a larger quantity. Asian shop owners are used to bargaining, so do not be afraid to ask for discounts.

I would also recommend you pay cash for your purchases, as shop owners are more willing to give you interesting prices when you pay cash, rather than with a credit or debit card.




An overwhelming experience!


Visiting this market (like most large shopping centers in Asia main cities) can be an overwhelming experience. The place is large and there are people everywhere; the concept of "personal space" is more or less inexistent in Korea, so you can expect to be pushed and pulled, and have people standing "in your bubble" all the time!


To make things easier and more pleasant, make sure to go there without any shopping bags or large backpacks, as navigating the narrow alleys can be challenging. Also, I would recommend you visit the market when you have enough time to browse through the numerous booths and compare the different products available. The prices do not vary that much from a booth to another, but the selection does.



Find your way

The booths are numbered with a system similar to street addresses, so make sure to pick up the business cards of the shops you especially like, as you might have a hard time finding them again.

Finally, remember that you can request your goods to be shipped directly to you by the merchant (ask for taekbae, 택배). This is very convenient, especially if you are purchasing heavy or large items.

The cost of delivery on the Korean peninsula is between 3,000 or 4,000won ($3~$4), and it usually gets to you within 2 days.



What did you buy?

Maybe are you wondering : what did Naty buy at the Shopping complex?... Well, this time I was looking for some hair accessory supplies, and I have found beautiful stainless steel Alligator clips, along with sturdy metal headband.

I also purchased nice stainless steel key chains and key rings (did you know that Korea is famous for its high-quality stainless steel products?), glue and other trinkets.

I have also found these very nice wooden discs with a slight convexity that will be perfect for new HanjiNaty earrings!

How to get there?

The easiest way to get there is to take the Seoul subway, to Dongdaemun Station. 

Take Exit no.8 and walk along the waterside. The Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is next to the JW Marriot Hotel.

For more information (in English) :
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=273734

Thinking Outside The Box

Hanji kits are widely available in Korea.

When I started creating Hanji items, I naturally bought pre-cut frames and forms that are easy to handle and offer perfectly straight lines and edges.

As choosing the colors and the patterns has always been my favorite part of the Hanji creative process, I quickly moved away from "kits", that come with the frame and the Hanji paper. They're easy to find and they can be quite tempting: the paper is already measured, the patterns already cut, the colors already chosen. All you have to do it to clue the paper onto the form and voilà! You are done.

My very first Hanji creation!

For me, Hanji crafts have always been more than that. From my very first lesson with my Hanji teacher, I insisted on cutting all the designs myself.

She was quite surprised, but she didn't try to discourage me: she pulled out this gigantic folder, overflowing with designs of all sorts and sizes, and she let me choose. I chose traditional Korean ducks (a symbol of marital love and companionship) for my tissue case.

It took forever, but I did it. The cutting wasn't perfect, the lines weren't as sharp as I wanted them to be, but it was all MINE. My work. My effort. My creation. And it's always meant the world to me. And after making one I knew that I wouldn't stop anytime soon!


Thinking Outside the Box

After using only forms for a while, I decided to purchase some large sheets of sturdy single-core cardboard and cut it myself, in order to create my own objects. Blisters and cursing were to be expected!

After much effort (and way-too-many measuring attempts), I was able to construct a small desk organizer with two long drawers to hold pencils and a larger open part to hold post-it notes, small notebooks and other ephemera. It took me a while to make it, and it's far from straight (my two grandfathers being carpenters, I should have been good at this! but well... we are who we are, I guess) but it's all mine. And I love it! It's been following me from desks to desks in my different schools, and every time I look at it it reminds me of what Hanji means to me.

From then on I started to cut my own cardboard to create square magnets. I couldn't find squares of the desired size already cut so I had to make them myself! Same thing with the hair barrettes that are now one of the most popular items in my Etsy shop; I cut the thick cardboard myself to suit my needs, and it allows me a flexibility and countess possibilities that I would never give up again.

  

Beloved Leftovers

For the longest time I didn't know what to do with Hanji paper scraps. They were everywhere on my desk, on the floor of my office and even sometimes in my cats' water bowl!...

I didn't have any use for the tiny strips of paper, but I didn't have the heart to throw away such precious material. Therefore, I kept stuffing the craps in a cardboard box with the vague idea of "doing something with it later", which should probably be our motto, us crafters and craftoholics...! No kidding, how many have you said yourself this beloved sentence?

Believe it or not, the time came to finally "do something" with all these little scraps and strips of paper. One day, I was trying to decide what to do with small rectangles of sturdy cardboard when the idea struck me : how about Hanji jewelry? I started playing around with scraps and made my very first pair of earrings that day!

I have been making dozens of pairs of earrings ever since, and I am slowing extending my collection to include key chains, phone pendants, and possibly other small items!

     

I still have mountains of scraps in my workshop (I seem to be producing scraps faster than I can use them!) but now at least I know that they will be put to good use in the near future!

Do you have any other ideas to use all these scraps of cardboard and strips of Hanji paper? Leave a comment on the Blog!

To read more about my Hanji adventures and projects :

My love story with Hanji : 

http://www.hanjinaty.com/2013/04/my-love-story-with-hanji.html

Off the Walls : 

http://www.hanjinaty.com/2013/08/off-walls.html

My meaningful Hanji trip to Seoul :

http://www.hanjinaty.com/2014/03/my-meaningful-hanji-trip-to-seoul.html

My Meaningful Hanji Trip to Seoul : Discoveries, Connections, and Projects!

Yesterday, I had the great joy and pleasure to go on a very special "business trip" to the Capital city of Korea : Seoul!

My day started with a visit to the crafty neighborhood of Insadong (인사동), where you can find many Hanji and calligraphy shops, as well as numerous tea shops, art galleries and antique shops.

A tiny Hanji shop in Insadong, Seoul.

I got my fill of gorgeous papers and art supplies, and I purchased quite a few sheets of unique Hanji paper.

I usually buy my Hanji paper in my favorite shop in Jeonju (Jeollabuk-do province). It was a nice change for me to visit some of Seoul's shops, to see what they have to offer! I quickly noticed that the price of each sheet is higher than in Jeonju (Insadong is a famous tourist attraction, so the prices are crafted with the tourists and foreign visitors in mind!) but I didn't mind paying a little more for some exquisitely different patterned and textured papers.

After lunch, I headed over to NamDaeMoon Market (남대문시장) to purchase some more supplies, along with wrapping and packaging material. I made a mandatory stop at Alpha, a massive 5-floor stationery and art supply paradise where you can find anything and everything for craft and paper lovers : art supplies, stationery, tools, office supplies, paper of all kinds, stickers, toys, etc.!

"Hanji, after Korea"

Afterwards I took the subway to Itaewon, the most cosmopolitan neighborhood in Seoul. At 4 in the afternoon, I had the great chance to meet some craft lovers in a tiny art space called "Jankura Art Space".

I attended a talk titled "Hanji, after Korea" given by Jan Coveney, a very talented and experienced Hanji artist who now lives and teaches Hanji crafts in the United Arab Emirats (U.A.E.). Jan and I had been in contact for the last year or so via blogs and social media sites, but it was the first time we actually met. She was visiting Korea with a few of her Hanji students and friends, and there was no way I would pass on the opportunity to spend a little bit of time with them !

Hanji paper is easily accessible in Korea, but can
be quite hard to find in other countries. 

In her lecture, Jan talked about the challenges that she encountered when she left Korea; she wanted to continue doing her crafts, but was facing some problems : where to get actual Hanji paper? How to find the proper tools, adhesives and supplies? What are the available alternatives if you just cannot find what you are looking for?

Jan gave us some useful tips to find supplies, or suitable alternatives that can be purchased in most Western countries. She also shared her story with us, from the moment she started doing Hanji in Korea over a decade ago, all the way to the establishment of her own Hanji studio in the U.A.E.. We also talked about her future projects, of course!

Connecting with other Hanji craft aficionados

This encounter was extremely meaningful to me. I was thrilled to be sitting there, surrounded by enthusiastic craft lovers who share my excitement for Hanji, and everything it has to offer. There were about a dozen of us, sitting together and talking about our passion, ideas, struggles, challenges and questions, and it was wonderful to be a part of it. What an energizing experience!

You need to know that, most of the time, I am alone with my Hanji. Alone with my designs, my glue, my joys, my doubts, and my mountains of paper. Of course I am surrounded by loving people who care about me and my craft, but I hadn't had a chance (before yesterday!) to meet and chat with other Hanji lovers who understand and share my passion for this craft. What a wonderful moment!

Jan Coveney (Hanji Happenings)
and Natalie Thibault (HanjiNaty)

After the talk I had a chance to continue my conversation with Jan, Anna, Trish and their loving family members over food and drinks. It was unbelievably exciting to talk about our journeys, as expats, teachers, and Hanji craft artists! We quickly discovered how much we have in common, and how much we can share and learn from each other's experiences abroad.

I feel privileged to have met such wonderful people, who are now not only like-minded Hanji lovers and creators, but now dear like-minded friends.




Ready for our next gathering!

We were even dreaming and planning our next meet-up! How about a "Korean Hanji Tour", where we could gather and visit some important places in Korea (Hanji paper factories and workshops, museums, etc.), go on Hanji shopping sprees and, why not, do some crafts together! I am ready, Ladies!