Jeonju Cultural Foundation (CEO Choi Rak-gi) announced the start of the '2025 Korean Craftsmanship School,' which aims to pass down traditional craft skills by working with intangible cultural heritage craftsmen in Jeonbuk.

The education program started with its first class on the 8th, focusing on a hands-on apprenticeship-based teaching method to preserve disappearing traditional skills and cultivate professional manpower.

The Korean Craftsmanship School is a program where Jeonbuk's intangible cultural heritage craftsmen directly participate as educators. It operates based on a 2-year academic system consisting of basic and advanced levels. The structure aims to activate the regional craft ecosystem in the long term and promote the modern succession of traditional skills.

This year's basic level includes recruitment of students in five areas: ceramics, knots, wood carving, dyeing, and bamboo weaving. There were 33 applicants for the total of 25 spots, showing high interest.

After individual interviews, the final students were selected, who will receive 1:1 apprenticeship training for 3 hours per week to inherit the craftsmen's skilled techniques and know-how.

The course will run for a total of 56 weeks, with 28 weeks for the basic level and 28 weeks for the advanced level. Those who successfully complete the basic level will qualify to participate in the advanced course, aiming to establish a long-term system for cultivating professional craft manpower beyond simple skill acquisition.

Outstanding graduates from last year's basic level will participate in this year's advanced level.

Each field of education is led by intangible cultural heritage holders in Jeonbuk: ceramics by Bang Hwa-sun, knots by Kim Sun-ja, wood carving by Kim Jong-yeon, dyeing by Kim Hye-mi-ja, and bamboo weaving by Kim Sun-ae.

Choi Rak-gi, CEO of Jeonju Cultural Foundation, expressed hopes for the Korean Craftsmanship School to nurture skilled craftsmen who can lead the local craft culture and pledged active support for the continuous succession of traditional skills into the future.

For more information on the Craftsmanship School, inquiries can be made to the Hanji Industry Team of Jeonju Cultural Foundation at 063-281-1552.