Treasure Box of the Najeonjang

- Korean Craft Workshop -

Co-presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York and the Seoul Museum of Craft Art

Thursday, October 30, 2025 @ 6 pm
Friday, October 31, 2025 @ 6 pm 

Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)

Admission: Free (Pre-registration is Required)

* RSVP is required and seatings are first come, first served.

* Reservations will close when at full capacity.

rsvp

The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) is delighted to present a special program entitled “Treasure Box of the Najeonjang”, co-presented with the Seoul Museum of Craft Art.

Discover the timeless beauty of Korea’s traditional lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl (najeon chilgi) through this immersive craft education program. Inspired by the Seoul Museum of Craft Art’s representative collection, Lacquered Chest with Ten Longevity Symbols, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistry, history, and techniques of one of Korea’s most celebrated crafts.

This program makes Korean traditional craft both engaging and approachable—offering participants the chance to learn, create, and take home a piece of Korean heritage.

🔳 Program Overview

  • Genre: Craft exploration & hands-on workshop

  • Theme: The Treasure Box of a Lacquerware Master

  • Objective: To introduce participants to the history, materials, processes, and techniques of Korean mother-of-pearl lacquerware through guided learning and hands-on activities. Using a specially designed craft box and workbook, participants will gain both knowledge and appreciation for this traditional art form, culminating in the creation of their own “Lacquerware Treasure Box.”

🔳 Program Details

  • Multimedia Lecture (40 min)
     Introduction to Korean lacquerware: definition, history, characteristics, patterns, and uses.

  • Craft Box Exploration (20 min)
     Examine shells, mother-of-pearl pieces, and lacquerware samples to explore the craft’s materials, process, and unique techniques.

  • Hands-on Lacquerware Workshop (60 min)
     Learn and apply traditional techniques such as jurumjil (chipping) and kkeun-eumjil (cutting) with real mother-of-pearl to create and decorate your own “Lacquerware Treasure Box.”

🔳 Instructors

  • Areum Ko, Curator & Educator, Seoul Museum of Craft Art

  • Ahram Kim, Art Instructor, Seoul Museum of Craft Art

🔳 Seoul Museum of Craft Art

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art (SeMoCA), the first public museum of craft art in Korea, opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Jongno-gu in July 2021 after renovating five buildings of the former Pungmoon Girls’ High School. SeMoCA studies and shares not only works, but also information, records, people and environments concerning craft art with the goal of becoming a dynamic platform for experiencing the technical, practical, artistic and cultural values of craft.

SeMoCA holds a collection that comprises various crafts and craft materials covering various fields and eras from the traditional to the present. SeMoCA also holds exhibitions that feature the history of craft from traditional to contemporary craft as well as local craft and children’s craft, along with programs that utilize the museum’s craft installations, craft archives, craft library, and craft resource management system.

The site of the museum has deep historical roots as it was once the site of Andong Byeolgung, a detached palace constructed as a royal residence for King Sejong’s son Prince Yeongeung, and served as a venue for royal celebrations, such as the wedding of King Sunjong. The site is also at the center of Jongno-gu where Joseon-era master artisans (“gyeonggongjang”) of the royal palace produced and delivered works of craft. Visitors can also experience various cultural experiences as it is near Bukchon, Insa-dong and Gyeongbokgung Palace. We appreciate your continued interest and support for the museum’s journey at this symbolic site to become a “craft hub” that connects tradition with the modern, Seoul with the world, and art with life through the medium of craft.

https://craftmuseum.seoul.go.kr/eng/main 

* This program is presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York and the Seoul Museum of Craft Art and is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea and the KOFICE (Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange) as part of the "Touring K-Arts" project.

Inji Jung