The Bukchon Craft Workshop Festival on Oct. 17 carries on the legacy of Joseon royal court workshops, with exhibitions, hands-on experiences and side events; the Bukchon Traditional Craft Experience Center runs 46 programs year-round, led by artisans from 16 workshops.
Jongno-gu will hold the "2026 Bukchon Craft Workshop Festival" at the craft courtyard of the Seoul Museum of Craft Art on Oct. 17.
Bukchon was historically home to a concentration of "gyeonggongbang" — royal court craft workshops that supplied handmade goods to the Joseon royal family. To preserve that heritage, the district regularly organizes the Bukchon Craft Workshop Festival alongside other seasonal events, including the Jongno Gyeonggongbang Walk and a Chilseok celebration.
The festival brings together master artisans who have kept traditional craftsmanship alive in Bukchon and residents to share the beauty and value of Korean craft.
Visitors can view up close craft works bearing the artisans' touch and try their hand at a range of traditional crafts. The event offers an accessible introduction to Korean traditional culture through the artisans' stories and a look at how their works are made.
A variety of side events and activities suitable for families, friends and couples will also be on offer. The festival is open to anyone with an interest in traditional crafts, and admission is free. Details on individual programs and how to participate will be available on the district office website.
Beyond the festival, Jongno-gu is also focused on promoting the beauty and value of Korean craft to domestic and international tourists year-round through the Bukchon Traditional Craft Experience Center at 24-5 Bukchon-ro 12-gil.
The center runs 46 traditional craft experience programs led by artisans from 16 workshops. Hands-on making sessions — covering items such as cloisonné keyrings and hand mirrors, pojagi-patchwork bracelets and brooches, name tablets, chopsticks and scarves — rotate by day of the week, and finished works by the artisans are displayed alongside the programs.
The center operates year-round, closed only on seollal and chuseok. From March through October it is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; from November through February, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibitions are free; experience program fees vary by activity. Advance reservations can be made through the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public service booking system, and further inquiries can be directed to the Bukchon Traditional Craft Experience Center.
"I hope this festival gives residents a chance to experience the beauty of traditional craftsmanship up close, and serves as a meaningful occasion for the artisans to take pride in their work," Jongno-gu District Mayor Yoo Chan-jong said.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
