Traditions meet contemporary sensibilities at the K-Lifestyle Platform Preview, where modern designs and ideas reinterpret traditional Korean culture.
Organized by the Korea Craft and Design Foundation and hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the exhibition brings together 69 traditional culture businesses presenting products inspired by Korean traditions.
Collections span crafts, lifestyle products, fashion, food and beverages. Participating businesses include Mujagi, Somoksobok, Catnalop, Kira, Leesle, Omyo and Chowol.
The exhibition previews the K-Lifestyle Platform, set to open in 2027. It aims to provide a space for exchange, connecting the creation, distribution and consumption of traditional Korean culture through the work of artists and startups.
Alongside the exhibition, the preview offers a market and hands-on introductions to traditional materials and craft-making techniques. Activities include one-day cooking classes, making paper flowers using "hanji," Korea's traditional paper, and wrapping gifts with "bojagi," traditional Korean wrapping cloth and traditional knots. Participation is available through reservations.
The exhibition also features Hanji House, a special exhibition previously presented at Maison & Objet in Paris, France. The exhibition walks through techniques and cultural practices in making hanji. The hanji craft is set to be inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity this December.
"The K-Lifestyle Platform Preview offers more opportunities to enjoy traditional culture while bringing businesses and consumers together," Kim Kyung-bae, president of the Korea Craft and Design Foundation, said in a statement. "We hope the interests, choices, and responses shared here will help participating businesses better understand their audiences and explore new possibilities."
The exhibition runs through Wednesday at The Heritage, located inside Shinsegae Department Store Main Store in Jung-gu, Seoul.
mjcha@heraldcorp.com
