The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister YU In Chon, MCST) together with the Korea Craft & Design Foundation (Director JANG Dong Kwang, KCDF) will host the “Korean Craft Show in Milan 2024” in Italy during Milan Design Week from April 15 (Mon) to 21 (Sun) under the theme “Thoughts on Thickness.” First Vice Minister of the MCST JEON Byeong Geuk will visit the Korean Craft Show in Milan to listen to opinions on the overseas market entry of Korean crafts and seek concrete support measures.

Now in its 12th year, the “Korean Craft Show in Milan” is an annual showcase of the charm of Korean crafts to the world, held during Milan Design Week every April. This year’s show will feature lacquerwork by PARK Gang Yong, Intangible Cultural Heritage of Jeollabuk-do No. 13, and various contemporary interpretations of lacquerwork by artists LYU Nam Gwon and HUH Myoung Wook, among others, from all craft fields, including ceramics, wood, fiber, and glass, with a total of 25 individuals or teams participating, presenting over 630 various craftworks.

Presenting the Multidimensional Aspects of Korean Crafts: Expansion from Tools of Utility to Contemplative Existence

This year’s craft show comprises two main exhibitions and an outdoor space. Part 1, “In Variation, In Thickness,” showcases craftwork that reveals the depth of the artists’ contemplation on materials. Meanwhile, Part 2, “SOBAK,” introduces Korean tea utensils, displaying the ethos of simplicity, a representative attitude toward life in Korea, through such tools. The outdoor space “MADANG” captures the communicative essence of a yard, a place connecting the interior and exterior spaces of a traditional Korean house. The show will also host several side events, including interactive cultural programs that allow participants to enjoy traditional Korean tea and snacks, as well as consultations for overseas buyers. Detailed information and images of the works on display can be found on the official website (http://kcdfmilan.kr).

Artistic Director CHOI Joo Yeon, overseeing the show, said, “After examining the deep artistic contemplation of the artisans who explored materials and techniques, we planned this so that one can be roused to the senses of reality through everyday tea tools. We hope to explore the multidimensional aspects of Korean crafts, which have expanded as beings of thought beyond mere tools for utility.”

Creating Opportunities for Korean Crafts in Paris in September and Dubai by Year-End

Expanded Support for Participation Fees in Overseas Fairs and Shows, Providing Custom Export Consultation for Korean Crafts

Moreover, starting with this exhibition, the MCST will accelerate its efforts to target overseas markets. During the Paris Design Week in September, a “Korean Craft Showcase” (September 5–14) will be held to display the originality and aesthetic values of Korean crafts. In addition, by the end of the year, a permanent exhibition hall for Korean crafts will be established in the K-Brand Overseas Promotion Center planned in Dubai, supporting the entry into the Middle Eastern market. The Ministry plans to support the global market entry of Korean crafts in various ways, including providing up to KRW 50 million in support for participation fees for overseas fairs and shows and offering custom export consulting, such as drafting contracts and providing customs advice, to help artisans and workshops struggling with export contracts with overseas buyers.

First Vice Minister JEON Byeong Geuk expressed, “We hope to widely promote the charm of Korean crafts not only in Italy but also worldwide by introducing capable Korean artists and their works at the world’s largest Milan Design Week. As the influence of K-culture grows globally, we will not spare policy support to ensure that Korean crafts, encapsulating Korea’s cultural identity and artisan spirit, become the new protagonists of K-culture.”