A thousand-year legacy of Hanji paper transforms at Paris Design Week
In Paris from September 10 to 14, 2026, the Korea Craft & Design Foundation (KCDF) showcases a stunning evolution of Korean craftsmanship. At Maison&Objet, the ‘Hanji House’ exhibit reimagines ancient Hanji paper, originally crafted from paper mulberry bark fibers, into a versatile biomaterial for furniture, lighting, and architecture.
Reviving tradition with innovation
Supported by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and KCDF, this showcase repositions Hanji in a global design context. Historically used in writing, windows, and flooring, this material’s new applications span art restoration, furniture, and lifestyle products. Notably, it coincides with UNESCO’s 2026 decision on its cultural heritage status, making this exhibition.
Kyungbae Kim, President of KCDF, describes Hanji as a fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability, particularly relevant as we mark the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations.
For an exploration of design innovation blending traditional materials, Won Ji Lim’s Sculptural Odyssey offers a fresh perspective.
Innovative designs and collaborations
Within a pavilion designed around soft translucency and airflow, SWNA studio presents experimental furniture fusing Hanji with metals and stone. This creates striking floating lights, cabinets, and partitions that highlight Hanji’s application in modern minimalism. The exhibition involves contributions from studios like HANJI PARK Materials Lab, FIDES INTERNATIONAL Co., toolpress, SOMIDANG, marquage g, CURATED COLUMNS, and PULBAT, each showcasing Hanji’s potential in various functional design objects.
Heritage meets the future
The Hanji House is not just a display; it’s a bold statement of how traditional practices can merge with modern design. HANJI PARK Materials Lab pioneers new Hanji forms, while toolpress combines craftsmanship with modern aesthetics through hand-formed sheets and silkscreened designs.
PULBAT’s lighting, marked by distinctive Korean architectural motifs, demonstrates Hanji’s structural capabilities. Its designs range from towering forms to simple yet elegant vertical layers.
Event details
Explore the ‘Hanji House’ at Maison&Objet Paris 2026, hosted by the Korea Craft & Design Foundation (KCDF). Follow @kcdfglobal for updates. Held at Hall 5A – M76 to N75, Paris Nord Villepinte, from September 10 to 14, 2026, this event places Korean culture firmly within the modern design narrative.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the focus of the Hanji House exhibit?
The Hanji House exhibit at Paris Design Week showcases the transformation of traditional Korean Hanji paper into a versatile biomaterial for furniture, lighting, and architecture.
Who supports the Hanji House exhibit?
The Hanji House exhibit is supported by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Craft & Design Foundation (KCDF).
Where and when is the Hanji House exhibition held?
The Hanji House is held at Maison&Objet Paris 2026 in Hall 5A – M76 to N75, Paris Nord Villepinte, from September 10 to 14, 2026.