The key to making quality paper is using the bark from a mulberry tree.
That’s just one thing you’ll learn if you go to visit the Andong Hanji Paper Factory (안동 한지공장).
Anyone visiting Andong should definitely make the time to visit the Hanji Paper Factory to learn about the centuries-old tradition of making Hanji, the name given to handmade paper from the Mulberry tree in South Korea.
Though there is no exact timeline of when this technique began in Korea, based on the techniques historians have deduced that as the first paper was invented in China around the second century BC by Chae Ryun of the Han Dynasty it was brought here when Buddhism was in 372 during King Sosurim’s reign during the Goguryeo period.
The process didn’t change, but unlike China where they used yam and bamboo shoots, Koreans used the Mulberry tree.
Because of using this along with lye and hibiscus, there is Hanji paper that has lasted over 1000 years.
While many intricate art-forms and work from years ago are being lost as technology improves our daily lives, there are some that are enduring.
Here is just some of what you can learn when you visit this amazing spot that is teaching about one of the art-forms that is hopefully not lost with the movement of time.
A free tour is available that will start in the pulp storage area, proceed to the Hanji factory and then into the exhibition hall, factory shop and finally in the craft workshop where the optional experience programs are available.
Bark is harvested in the winter between December and March and then the bark is separated from the white pulp of the tree.
The white pulp is then shredded and dried to make the paper later.
Visit the factory to watch as skilled artisans use bamboo screens and work methodically to make layer after layer of paper.
Once the sheets have been laid out, they need to be dried.
This is done in a separate dry space and a large wooden block is placed on top to compress the sheets.
Hanji is the original eco-friendly option for saving information and educating others.
While visiting the historic Andong area it only makes sense to learn more about such a historic art-form on the peninsula.
Tourist Information
Address
Directions: From Andong Station, you can take bus #11 to Pungsan.
The bus will drop you near a gas station.
Walk down the road headed toward Daejeon and after about 10 minutes you’ll see an industrial area behind a large tourist restaurant.
That is where the Andong Hanji Paper Factory is located.
Hours: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm
Admission: It is FREE to take a guided tour Monday through Saturday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm,
but advanced registration is required.
The tour takes about 25 minutes and a maximum of 50 people can attend.
The hands-on experiences do require a participation fee.
To Register: Call 054-858-7007 or email daknamu25@hanmail.net
Experience options:
- Hanji Experience: Takes about 30 minutes and is available between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. It costs W3,000.
- Hanji Lamp: Takes about 30 minutes and is available between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. It costs W6,000.
- Five Colored Hanji Craft: Takes about 30 minutes and is available between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. It costs W6,000.
- Hanji Handmirror: Takes about 40 minutes and is available between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. It costs W6,000.
Website: http://andonghanji.com/
Tour Tips: Definitely take part in an experience program.
This is a budget-friendly opportunity to learn and make your very own Hanji paper in Korea.
More info about Andong Hanji(안동한지)
Andong Hanji Official Homepage
Map of Andong Hanji Factory
More info about Andong Tour
[Source: Gyeonsangbuk-do Culture & Tourism Organization(경북관광공사)]
