Korean traditional embroidery shows the ultimate art of handicraft. With every stitch epitomizing the labor and dedication required, this traditional legacy is gaining momentum once again with slick 21st-century allure.<br />Let’s discover the beauty of Korean traditional embroidery.<br /><br /> This gallery is on Ganghwa-do Island, Incheon. A collection of over 100 pieces of Korean traditional embroidery has been on display since January, representing the zenith of Korean handicraft.<br /><br /> "This exhibition has been organized to highlight the value of traditional embroidery through Lee Jung-sook's artistry, which offers a modern twist to Korea's cultural heritage."<br /><br />From norigae , a Korean traditional ornament for the hanbok...To the traditional wrapping cloth bojagi, all kinds of everyday props become pieces of art with colorful embroidery. With its origins dating back to Cro-Magnon days, embroidery is commonly found in both eastern and western countries. Still, Korean traditional embroidery is in a league of its own with voluminous and dynamic impressions created by multiple, twisted strands of silk thread. Royal costumes offer the quintessence of Korean embroidery. Hwarot , a princess’s bridal robe, and a ceremonial coronet are also decorated with silk flowers patterns. <br /><br /> "I rarely see these types of embroidery pieces because they are less today, and I live in the city."<br /><br /> "I was impressed by the labor and dedication each stitch captures. I really enjoyed the artworks."<br /><br />All these colorful, exquisite pieces have been created by one master artisan. It’s Lee Jeong-sook, with over 40 years of her life dedicated to traditional embroidery.<br /><br /> "I believe tradition has the greatest global appeal. With that in mind, I decided to take up embroidery again in my 40's, which I used to do in my 20's as a hobby. My new goal is to globalize this cultural heritage using traditional techniques and develop it into an appreciated form of art."<br /><br />Since inheriting the Korean cultural asset, she’s been putting a modern twist on the traditional heritage, which used to only feature the country’s five basic colors, called obangsaek - red, black, blue, white, and yellow.<br /><br /> "This is an embroidered wedding bojagi, a Korean traditional wrapping cloth, with phoenix. I had a hard time, embroidering the gradation, but I really enjoyed the whole process."<br /><br />This is Lee’s studio where she spends most of her day. She’s been busy, decorating lucky bags. Production time varies depending on the size and complexity of embroidery, ranging from 5 to 6 hours to 4 to 5 years.<br /><br /> "When it's quiet, I can hear the needle and silk thread piercing the cloth."<br /><br />Lee combines traditional embroidering patterns and techniques with pastel-colored thread. The stark contrast between tradition and modernity further articulates the extravagant, voluminous and exquisite qualities of embroidery, satisfying the taste of today’s people.<br /><br /> "The production process begins with coloring thread based on the sign
