Traditional Korean craft practices were historically closely connected to the environment. They relied on locally sourced materials, manual skills, and knowledge passed down through generations. Techniques such as natural dyeing, traditional weaving, and slow production processes reflect an eco friendly approach rooted in respect for nature and material integrity. These methods required time, dedication, and craftsmanship, positioning the artisan at the centre of production.
Today, however, the design industry is largely shaped by fast production, global supply chains, and cost efficiency. As labour costs increase and production speeds accelerate, many traditional craft methods have been repositioned as luxury or high end products. This shift makes them less accessible and weakens cultural identity, while environmentally harmful systems continue to dominate mainstream production.
As a Korean designer educated in both Korea and the UK, I aim to begin this project by focusing specifically on Korean traditional craft and artisan practices, highlighting their environmental logic and cultural value. The first stage of the project will involve research, documentation, and small scale discussions that introduce Korean eco friendly textile techniques and the philosophy behind them.
If supported through SIP funding, the project will expand into a broader participatory platform. Structured workshops and gatherings will invite design students, emerging designers, and individuals interested in cultural heritage and sustainability to engage in dialogue and material experimentation. Participants will be encouraged to share traditional practices connected to their own cultural backgrounds, creating a space for cross cultural exchange and collective reinterpretation.
Through this phased development, the project will move from a focused exploration of Korean traditional craft toward a wider collaborative investigation of global artisan knowledge. The outcomes, including textile samples and shared reflections, will be compiled into a publication or resource for broader dissemination.
By beginning with a concentrated study of Korean tradition and gradually expanding into a collective platform, the project aims to foreground artisan knowledge as a viable framework for contemporary sustainable design and to challenge dominant fast production systems.