K-Dreams. . .K~Culture

한지 (Hanji)

2009-06-28T12:41:00.001-07:00

One of the most beautiful and impressive techniques I've come across involves the manipulation of paper into art. In Korea, paper art has been a tradition passed down over many generations. The paper is long-fibered and handmade from a mulberry tree (chomok). There are many types of mulberry trees in Korea and because each is different, specific types of paper can be made based on the tree and for a specific purpose. The paper and the art form is known as 한지 (Hanji). Hanji became a very important factor in Korean daily life because it was constantly utilized for everything, from their books to parts of their houses (windows/floors). What's wonderful about Hanji is the fact that it lasts for a long time.

The pictures above are samples of Hanji pieces my mom owns. They were given to her as a gift from her Korean friend, Giein, who makes crafts out of Hanji. These crafts are small snack trays completely made of Hanji paper. The layering of different colored paper, which also differs in texture, creates the images.

If one were asked what word they would associate when they think of Hanji, a word that would most likely come up is doll. Hanji dolls are three-dimensional and are simply amazing. Most of them are created in the likeness of traditional townspeople, (often depicting lives of Koreans in Hanbok). In addition to the other gifts sent to my mom, Giein also made a special Hanji doll for my parent's 22nd wedding anniversary last August. This doll represents a traditional Korean dancer. My mom lovingly named it 별 (Star). Giein is an outstanding Hanji artist and shares many pictures of her work on her blog, so please check it out here.

*Sources*:

Koreanpaper Arts...Dolls & Pictures
Korean Paper
Art 'N' About in Korea
Korea Sparkling: Hanji (Korean Paper)

What the BANG? Part II

2009-06-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Bang (방): means room in Korean. There are many different types of rooms, which are used for entertainment and other leisure. These rooms have a variety of themes.

The second type of room I will touch upon is the PC Bang. "PC" (피시 or 피씨방 ) stands for personal computer . It's exactly what it means, as it is a room full of computers. Most individuals go to PC Bangs to play LAN-based multi-player games. PC Bangs also provide a variety of snacks and thus is a very popular destination for young students.

Check out K-Pop idol, Super Junior members at a PC Bang:

*Source:www.joystick.com*

*Vid. credits:Ninjakittening*

What the BANG? Part I

2009-05-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

I'm starting the K-Culture section with a series I'm calling "What the Bang?".

Bang (방): means room in Korean. There are many different types of rooms, which are used for entertainment and other leisure. These rooms have a variety of themes.

Noraebang or 노래방 is the "song" (norae) room (bang). So what do you do in the song room? You sing of course! It's KARAOKE!! Karaoke is a well-loved, well-known, and fun activity in Korea. Unlike western karaoke venues where most individuals expose themselves to an audience, noraebangs consist of individual rooms which can be rented without having to sing in front of people you don't know. These rooms vary in size and are equipped for comfort with sofas. They contain everything you need to have a wonderful karaoke experience. It's complete with microphones, screens for music videos, and large song selections (subtitles are also provided). Many provide refreshments too. Now, what more could you need?

Check out the video below for a glimpse into Korean Noraebangs:

*Vid. credit:simonandmartina*

K-Dreams. . .*K~Culture*

한지 (Hanji)

What the BANG? Part II

What the BANG? Part I

K-Dreams. . .K~Culture