The Korean Cultural Centre in Pretoria is hosting a comprehensive four-week short course on Korean traditional knots, offering participants the opportunity to learn the ancient art of maedeup, Korea's National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 22. The hands-on workshop will teach students to create beautiful bracelets and decorative scrolls using time-honored Korean knotting techniques.
Scheduled to run every Monday from June 2 through October 27, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, the course requires participants to attend all four sessions to complete the program and fully experience the creative process. The venue will be the Korean Cultural Centre South Africa, located at 267 Waterkloof Road, Brooklyn, Pretoria, and participation is free of charge.
Maedeup, the traditional Korean craft of decorative knotting, has deep historical roots that trace back to early practical applications in fishing nets and agricultural tools before evolving into a sophisticated form of decorative art. The distinctive appeal of Korean traditional knots lies in their unique structure and clean execution, creating a perfect balance between order and artistic form that sets them apart from other knotting traditions.
The program follows a structured four-week curriculum designed to progressively build participants' skills and knowledge. Week one focuses on introducing students to Korean traditional knots and familiarizing them with the basic tools required for the craft. During the second week, participants will apply their newly acquired knowledge by creating bracelets using fundamental knotting techniques. The third session expands their repertoire by teaching additional Korean traditional knots, while the final week culminates in the creation of decorative scrolls that showcase the advanced techniques learned throughout the course.
The workshop welcomes both beginners with no prior experience and those who have some familiarity with knotting techniques, providing an enriching journey into Korean craftsmanship for all skill levels. Participants will not only learn practical knotting skills but also discover the cultural significance and historical context behind each technique, allowing them to craft meaningful pieces that connect them to Korean heritage.
Interested individuals must register online through the provided Google Forms link at https://forms.gle/pU49Lg4w3tcrHKuq7, and attendance at all four sessions is mandatory to complete the course. For additional information or inquiries about the program, participants can contact the Korean Cultural Centre at 012 001 9204 or reach out via email at kccsa@korea.kr.
