February 2021
February 2021
The traditional Korean craft of knotting is maedeup, which is derived from the early practice of using knots in fishing nets and agricultural tools. The art of decorative knotting, maedeupjang, is designated National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 22 by the Korean government.
Story and photos by
Honorary Reporter,
Laura Lopez Velazquez from Mexico
A variety of knots can be braided using one or two threads to form bilateral symmetry with a tassel (sul) at the bottom of the knot. Knots elsewhere in East Asia are flat or pattern-based like Chinese (letter shaped) knots and Japanese sorts (which are looser), while Korean knots are tighter and three dimensional.
Maedeup dates back to the Three Kingdoms period (37 B.C.-A.D. 668). Initially used around the waist to hold hunting and fishing tools such as axes and swords, it evolved into an accessory also symbolizing peace and happiness. These knots were used in royal courts and Buddhist ceremonies, plus as finishing touches to clothing, accessories, musical instruments, pockets and buttons.
Formal knots are portrayed in Buddhist murals and paintings from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) and in paintings and clay figures from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). During the Joseon era, maedeup emerged as an element of royal status, a sign of dignity and prestige.
London, United Kingdom
Hallyu Online
"Hallyu Con 2020" was streamed live on Oct. 4, 2020, on the YouTube channel (@thekccuk) of the KCC in the U.K. The event featured diverse facets of Korean culture: from fashion to music performances, K-beauty, cinema and Taekwondo. Hosted by a Hallyu club in the U.K. alongside the local KCC and supported by the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), the occasion is a celebration of Hallyu. "Hallyu Con 2020" was the first community-based Hallyu festival of the prior year (2020). As per the pandemic, Hallyu clubs or groups proceeded to gather online.
Dubai, U.A.E.
¡®Draw Your Korea¡¯
The KCC in the U.A.E. hosted an art contest from Oct. 15 to Nov. 14, 2020 to commemorate solidarity between the two nations. As per preventive measures mandated by the pandemic, the event was held online in order to cater to both locals (under lockdown) and those away from the U.A.E. region. Multiple nations from both near and far joined to contribute to stylistic directions in symbol, architecture and clothing amounting to a total 62 participants.
