Andong Hanji – Andong Part 6

It’s late in the day and we’re getting a little tired. But there’s one last stop on our day tour of Andong before our return to Jirye Art Village. The SUV rolls up in front of a nondescript building. It’s only when we’re taken inside that we realize we’ve been given an unexpected bonus –an inside look within  a traditional paper factory, Andong Hanji. Our sense of wonder returns as our  guide here explains to us Hanji ( paper)  is made.

The bark from mulberry bushes is processed to produce the famous Andong hanji. The inner white pulp of the bark is the most valued part. The water softened pulp can then be processed either by hand or machine. A gluey extract from the mallow plant is then used to hold the fibres together. Most impressed with women workers here who have to strip off with their bare fingers the papers which are dried almost instantly on very hot flat  ‘ironing boards’.  

The hanji, which varies considerably in thickness, colour and texture, can be used as calligraphy paper, print material for Confucian scholars, documents for official matters, coverings for walls and floors ( vegetable oil is applied for the yellow paper used on floors). The exhibition room also is a revelation – there’s an amazing range of products made from hanji, including dolls, lanterns, clothes & furniture.

Those who love gift wrapping, scrap booking or  doing paper crafts like origami, be forewarned – you can spend a long time and a lot of won at the hanji shop here! If you do have time to spare, you can take part in hands-on activities to make traditional masks, hats or books. The factory cum showroom is near the entrance of Hahoe Village so it’s worth checking out before or after your visit to the village.

Photo credits and  Links: KNTO website 
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=805345
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=309610