루브르 종이전쟁 EP.3 | '한지장'이 들려주는 '한지'에 관한 이야기 | The special story about Hanji(ENG SUB) | feat.배두나

Summary

The transcript discusses the traditional Korean art of making hanji, a high-quality paper crafted from one-year-old paper mulberry trees. It highlights the meticulous, multi-step process, emphasizing natural methods without chemicals. The story also includes personal reflections, detailing the challenges faced by a paper artisan, from childhood experiences helping his brother-in-law to running his own paper mill. The video captures the balance between tradition and innovation, showcasing the dedication to quality and the generational knowledge passed down in hanji production, while also touching on the cultural significance of the craft.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Paper mulberry is cultivated rather than bought to ensure high quality.
• 📏 Joseon true paper mulberry is known for its unique properties and is mainly found in a specific region.
• 👷 The process of making high-quality hanji involves at least 12 complex steps, mostly done in winter to prevent rotting.
• 🔥 One-year-old paper mulberry is used to make natural lye, which is less strong but important for the steaming process.
• 💧 Steaming the mulberry for 8 hours is crucial, with any mistakes like steam leaks or water shortages leading to burnt material.
• 🪵 The outer and green layers of steamed paper mulberry must be scraped off, leaving only the white layer, with no chemical bleach used.
• ⛰️ The speaker recounts their difficult experience selling paper in harsh winter conditions, climbing mountains and facing heavy snow.
• 🏠 Hanji production was intertwined with agrarian society, made mostly in winter when farmhands were not working.
• 📝 The traditional hanji-making technique is passed down through generations, and despite partial automation, the principles remain the same.
• 🌍 There is hope of exporting hanji to culturally advanced regions like Europe, showcasing the potential global appeal of traditional Korean paper.

Q & A

Why is paper mulberry cultivated by hand rather than bought from suppliers?

Paper mulberry is cultivated by hand to avoid poor-quality products. The quality of purchased mulberry can vary, and cultivating it ensures better control over the material.

What are the challenges involved in steaming older paper mulberry trees?

Steaming older paper mulberry trees requires precise temperature and water adjustments. If the conditions are not optimized, the material may burn or not steam properly, leading to quality issues.

Why is winter considered the best season for hanji production?

Winter is the best season for hanji production because there is less rotting, and the durability of the paper is improved. Additionally, paper production was traditionally done in winter when farmhands were available.

What role does sap play in the quality of paper mulberry during the hanji-making process?

Sap between the bark and wood of paper mulberry must be reduced during steaming. If the sap doesn't decrease properly, the material becomes unusable, affecting the quality of hanji.

Why is natural lye preferred over chemical alternatives in hanji production?

Natural lye is preferred because it increases the strength of the paper without the use of chemicals, maintaining the purity of the fibers. Using chemical alternatives may compromise the quality of the final product.

How does the glue made from Abelmoschus Manihot contribute to the hanji-making process?

The glue, known as 'dakpul,' helps distribute the wood fibers evenly during the papermaking process. Without it, the fibers would clump together, leading to uneven paper.

What is the difference between Korean hanji and Japanese washi paper in terms of production techniques?

Korean hanji is made using a mold with open sides, allowing fibers to spread evenly in all four directions. In contrast, Japanese washi is made with a mold that has barriers on all four sides, which restricts the fiber movement.

What are some challenges faced by the narrator while selling hanji paper?

The narrator faced challenges such as harsh weather conditions, long journeys, and customers who either weren't home or delayed payments, often leaving him with only half of what he was owed.

How has the hanji-making process evolved over generations?

While the hanji-making process has partially automated, the basic principles and traditional techniques have remained the same, ensuring the quality and authenticity of the paper.

What is the significance of the process known as 'dochim' in hanji production?

'Dochim' is the process of flattening hanji paper for enhanced durability. It involves sprinkling water on the paper and then flattening it, which improves its overall strength and texture.