The Korean Cultural Centre Canada hosts the Korean Traditional Gyubang Craft-Pin Cushion Making Workshop at the KCC on Saturday, March 9, 2024. This Saturday workshop comprises two classes: one in the morning and the other in the early afternoon. These are free events, but you must register through the link below to participate in the workshop. 

https://forms.gle/FQSdAqf38raMjt7y6

In traditional Korean culture, “Gyubang” is a literary expression of “Anbang,” which means a room of the lady of the house. It was in “Anchae”, a living space for women – a hidden area from the outside and the main gate. As such, men, including family members, were not allowed to enter the space at will. “Anchae” was a homemaking space where the day of the house prepared food and made seasonal clothes and blankets for the entire family. It was also a place where a woman, as a wise mother, raised children who would someday carry on the family line.  

Women’s sewing skills were considered necessary because every household made its own clothes. Since childhood, women have practiced sewing by making jogakbo, patchwork wrapping cloth, and using fabric scraps left over from their mother’s or grandmother’s clothes. Women also made ornaments by learning embroidery and knot crafts. In particular, skilled women embroidered various household items and norigae, women’s accessories, with floral and geometric patterns using colored threads, patterns symbolizing their wish for the family’s wellbeing and happiness. 

As such, sewing tools and a brazier were considered the most essential items in women’s living space. The seven essential sewing tools of rulers, scissors, needles, threads, thimbles, an ironing box, and a flat iron were referred to as Gyubangchiru, the seven friends of a boudoir.

Made with leftover clothes, a pin cushion is on which a needle is stuck when not in use. Various decorations were also added frequently. 

About the Lecturers

Jenny Lee

Jenny Lee is a chair and founder of OIS ART OF CANADA. She has organized numerous arts and cultural projects for the community. She achieved over 50 events related to culture, arts, economics while she worked as an executive director at the Korean Canadian Cultural Association between 2015 and 2017. She studied Human Services Management & Leadership for the Non- profit Organization (certificate program) at the University of Toronto. She constantly works with various local community organizations such as the Women’s Artist Association of Canada, Arts and Letters Club, Toronto Korean Canadian Youth Centre, Korean Traditional Performers Association of Canada to promote cultural exchange between Korea and Canada by hosting seminars, workshops, performances, and exhibitions. 

Eunjung Kim: Artists & Workshop Instructor

Eunjung Kim is a traditional Korean Gyubang craft artist and traditional Hanbok (traditional Korean costume) designer. She made numerous traditional Korean costumes by herself and presented them by Hanbok fashion show at the various multicultural events in Toronto. Her work made with traditional Korean paper “Hanji” was exhibited at the Assembly Art Gallery in South Korea in 2015. She has contributed to promote traditional Korean Gyubang art in Canada through a number of workshops and activities since she moved to Canada.

In addition, after completing a Korean traditional etiquette course at Ewha Womans University, she has held and participated in traditional wedding demonstrations and Hanbok exhibitions in Korea and North America.

The Korean Traditional Gyubang Craft-Pin Cushion Making Workshop

Saturday, March 9, 2024, 10:00 am-12:30 pm/ 13:30-16:00 pm

Korean Cultural Centre Canada (101-150 Elgin Street, Ottawa)

Registration: https://forms.gle/FQSdAqf38raMjt7y6

Inquiry

Korean Cultural Centre Canada (101-150 Elgin Street, Ottawa)

canada@korea.lr/ 613-233-8008