Seo Joo-hee

Paper is so deeply ingrained in the lives of Koreans, that Koreans cannot discuss their lives without mentioning it.

Since ancient times, Koreans were born on paper, lived their whole lives in paper and eventually were wrapped in paper and returned to earth. What being born on paper means here is being born on “hanji” (traditional Korean paper or mulberry paper) flooring. And living in paper means living covered in hanji wallpaper and window paper. And to be wrapped in paper means to face death and return to the ground wrapped in Korean paper.

The integral role of hanji in Koreans' lives has significantly contributed to its understanding among foreigners, which I believe is a key factor in “Hanji, Traditional Knowledge and Technology” being selected as a candidate for registration as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list for 2024. Demonstrating that relevant communities, groups and individuals are participating freely and widely in the inscription process, particularly those values emphasized by the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Convention, such as human rights and peace, will serve as........

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