A unique cultural exchange hosted by Roanoke College allowed students and community members to get a firsthand look at the ancient arts of Hanji papermaking and Korean tea ceremonies.
In a grant-funded residency, three artisans from Wonju, Korea, traveled to Roanoke and led hands-on workshops in these beautiful and complex traditions.
Hanji, a handcrafted form of paper with centuries of history in Korea, is made from mulberry bark and renowned for its exceptional quality and versatility. It can be used not only for writing but for wall coverings, umbrellas, artwork, clothing and more.
Korean tea ceremonies are likewise steeped in history with each step of the process interwoven with meaning and symbolism. The workshops allowed people to be immersed in ceremonies led by the director of the Federation of Korean Tea Masters Society, Park In-Ja.
Participants also got to create their own sheets of Hanji paper under the tutelage of Hanji master Jang Eung-yul, whose family has been experts in the art for three generations, and Hanji Art & Culture Foundation President Kim Chin-hi. For most students, it marked their first time creating their own paper.
“We saw an incredible level of interest, with many students returning for second and third visits during the residency,” said Stella Xu, Roanoke’s John R. Turbyfill Professor of History and coordinator of the East Asian Studies concentration. Xu organized the residency and served as an interpreter for the artists.
“Moments that really touched me were when, at the end of each class and event, at least two or three students would approach me to learn how to say thank you in Korean,” she said. “They could have expressed their gratitude in English, but instead, they chose to learn and practice Korean with me before thanking the artists. That small gesture reflects a wonderful sense of global sensitivity, and it made me incredibly proud of our students.”
Several students later asked Xu about taking Korean language classes or signing up for study abroad opportunities in Korea.
Roanoke has a history of ties with Korea going back to the 1800s. Kim Chin-hi said it was particularly meaningful for her to visit campus given that rich history.
She also praised the sincerity and eagerness of students to learn about another culture. “Roanoke College students are superb,” she said.
The two-week residency was made possible by support from the ASIANetwork and the Jordan Endowment for Humanities. It coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Wonju, Korea, and the City of Roanoke.
In addition to working with Roanoke College students, the artists led workshops in the community for the Taubman Museum of Art, Salem Presbyterian Church, Hollins University, Roanoke Catholic School and North Cross School. In all, over 600 people were able to share in the experience and gain a deeper understanding of global artistry and traditions.
“It was very inspiring to be able to see their culture and learn from them,” said Niyia Fields ’27, an Environmental Studies major and East Asian Studies concentration student. Fields was able to take the Hanji workshop and use some of the Korean language skills she developed last summer while doing a study abroad program in Seoul.
“To become a Hanji master, it takes a lot of work,” she said. “There is a lot that goes into the process. That’s something to appreciate.”
-The Salem Times-Register
Courtesy photos
