The 39th Festival of Folk Arts brought together master craftspeople from around the world at the historic Buda Castle in Hungary from August 17 to 20, 2025. This year's festival featured a special Korean cultural showcase, with three distinguished master artisans invited by the Korean Cultural Center in Hungary to demonstrate their traditional craft techniques to international visitors.
The Korean pavilion offered visitors unique hands-on experiences with three distinct traditional Korean art forms. Master Sangbae Lee led workshops in Korean calligraphy and Muninhwa, also known as literati painting, which represents the scholarly artistic tradition of Korea. Visitors had the opportunity to learn brush techniques and understand the philosophical principles behind this refined art form.
Another highlight was the demonstration of Najeon Chilgi, the intricate art of mother-of-pearl inlay lacquerware, presented by Master Jongyoon Lee. This centuries-old craft involves embedding delicate pieces of abalone shell into lacquered surfaces to create stunning decorative patterns. Participants were able to observe the meticulous process and try their hand at this demanding technique under the master's guidance.
Master Suyeon Kim showcased Dancheong, the traditional Korean art of decorative coloring used on buildings, particularly temples and palaces. This colorful painting technique not only serves aesthetic purposes but also helps preserve wooden structures from weathering. Festival-goers learned about the symbolic meanings behind the vibrant colors and geometric patterns characteristic of this architectural art form.
The interactive format of the Korean presentation proved highly popular among festival attendees, who were able to move beyond simply viewing the artworks to actively participating in the creative process. Working directly alongside the Korean masters, visitors gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the complexity, beauty, and cultural significance of these traditional Korean crafts. The event successfully highlighted Korea's rich artistic heritage while fostering cross-cultural exchange through hands-on learning experiences.
