South Korea has a long tradition of craftsmanship. “Pottery dating back 10,000 years was discovered near the Han River,” the river that runs through Seoul, said Kim Soo Jung, the director of the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. And over the centuries, artisans have developed techniques in skills such as mother-of-pearl inlay, lacquer work, enamel and carpentry.
But as a young woman, Jeong Eun Lee felt that Korean artisanal creations never enjoyed the same exposure and popularity of those of other cultures, so she decided to do something about it.
The result was Cheyul, a brand that now boasts a multilevel store and gallery featuring Korean crafts amid the upscale boutiques that line Garosu-gil, a popular street in the trendy Gangnam district. It opened in 2022.
In 2007, while studying for her bachelor’s degree in Buddhist art at Dongguk University in Seoul, “I took a leave of absence to go to New York and broaden my perspective in the cultural and arts field,” said Ms. Lee, now 37. “When I would walk up Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue to go the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I’d see all the stores of the luxury brands from all over the world. And I thought why doesn’t Korea have a luxury brand recognized around the world? New York is very important to me — it inspired me to found Cheyul.
“I persuaded my older sister and my father to help,” Ms. Lee continued. Her sister, Ji Eun Lee, had the right background, having earned a bachelor’s degree in ceramic arts from Ewha Womans University in Seoul. Now 39, she is the company’s executive director; Ms. Lee is chief executive.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The post A Brand That Focuses on South Korean Crafts appeared first on New York Times.
