Korea Welcomes the World with Korean Craft and Hanbok during the 48th Session of the World Heritage Committee

Date Jul 16, 2026

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The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister CHAE Hwi-young, MCST), together with the Korea Craft & Design Foundation (President KIM Kyung-bae, KCDF), will hold the Korean craft exhibition “Invitation to Korean Craft” from July 16 to 30 and “2026 Hanbok On-the-Go” from July 16 to 22 at Shinsegae Centum City in Busan on the occasion of the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee. The events are designed to introduce the beauty of Korean craft and hanbok, as well as Korea’s everyday culture, to domestic and international delegates and visitors coming to Busan during the committee session.

 

149 Works by 29 Craft Artists on Display; Pop-Up Store Offers Viewing and Shopping in One Place

 

Running from July 16 to 30, the Korean craft exhibition “Invitation to Korean Craft” invites domestic and international visitors into a space imbued with the beauty and spirit of Korean craft. A total of 29 craft artists working in diverse fields—including ceramics, textiles, glass, hanji (traditional Korean paper), and lacquerwork—will present 149 works.

The exhibition comprises “Dwelling – The Grove of Craft” and two “Empathy” sections: “Craft of Today” and “Everyday Craft.” “The Grove of Craft” welcomes visitors with the ambiance of a traditional Korean garden. The space features stools by Busan-based artist LEE Jung-hoon, who offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the sculptural beauty of traditional Korean architecture, and hanji lighting pieces by artist KWON Jung-mo, inspired by the latticed doors and windows of hanok (traditional Korean houses). The “Craft of Today” and “Everyday Craft” sections propose various ways of incorporating craft into daily life within an exhibition space modeled on a hanok. A total of 27 craft artists—including YOON Sang-hyun, who offers a contemporary interpretation of the aesthetics of Joseon white porcelain, and KIM Hyun-ju, who expresses the harmony of metal and mother-of-pearl inlay—will showcase the many ways in which craft can become part of everyday life.

A pop-up store titled “Sharing – Craft Garden” will also be operated. The store will offer visitors a wide-ranging experience of Korean craft, from viewing to purchasing. It will feature works by artists from Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do, products from the KCDF’s specialized craft platform “Craft Garden,” and outstanding craft products designated under the K-Ribbon Selection.

During the event, guided exhibition tours in Korean and English will be offered to help domestic and international visitors better understand the works. A special program combining Korean tea culture and craft experiences will also be held.

 

Eight Hanbok Brands Join “2026 Hanbok On-the-Go” Exhibition and Sales Event

 

“2026 Hanbok On-the-Go” will be held concurrently from July 16 to 22. A total of eight hanbok brands will participate, including the Busan-based brands Bunuri-ot and Hanwear, as well as LEESLE, CCOMAQUE by Dolsilnai, Ppobburi, ATTWAL, Oh My Gat, and OMYO.

More than 100 products—including traditional hanbok, everyday hanbok, and hanbok accessories—will be offered at discounts of up to 60%. Visitors can try on and purchase the products on-site. Customers who make a purchase will receive a free admission ticket to “2026 Hanbok Expo,” Korea’s largest hanbok exhibition and sales event, which will be held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in August. Various gifts will also be provided depending on the purchase amount. In cooperation with Busanjin Market, Busan’s leading hanbok specialty market, the event will also offer a special exhibition and hands-on programs introducing the market’s history and the stories of local artisans. Through activities such as trying on hanbok, receiving consultations on wedding hanbok, and making hanbok accessories, visitors can experience Busan’s hanbok culture firsthand.