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Hwamunseok mats, also known as ‘balseok,’ were first fabricated in Korea sometime in the mid-Goryeo period. This specialty product of Ganghwa-gun is crafted from pure white rushes, which grow almost exclusively in this part of the Korean peninsula. The beauty of these hand-woven mats has made them one of the most famous specialty products of Ganghwa-gun, and one of the most beloved traditional Korean crafts.
Crowds flock to Ganghwa Island every summer to buy these highly absorptive mats, which are great for keeping dry. In addition to large mats, a number of other small craft items are produced in Ganghwa Island from white rushes, such as floral rush baskets and cushions, are especially popular among foreign tourists.
- Sales Point: Ganghwa Hwamunseok Specialty Product Complex +82-32-933-2300
- Inquiries: Ganghwa-gun
(Dept of Regional Economy +82-32-930-3352, Office of Tourism Development +82-32-933-8011)
Although there are no written records of the origin of hwamunseok mats, it has been established that their production began sometime in the mid-Goryeo Dynasty as a home-based industry. Hwamunseok craft, as it is known today, has its direct ancestry in the work of a certain Han Chung-gyo from Yango-ri, a resident of Songhae-myeon of Ganghwa-gun, who designed and developed rush mats on a special royal order from the Joseon court, some 90 years ago.
Combining brilliant as well as sober designs, hwamunseok can suit all tastes. These fine and elegant mats are great decorative items that are also highly practical. Rushes keep the floor dry in summer, while providing great insulation against the cold in winter. They are extremely durable and do not easily fray or tear, preserving their beauty and sheen over an extended period of time.
Hwamunseok (Floor Mats)
- Characteristics: Thanks to the rushes that these mats are made from, hwamunseok help to keep dry in summer, and protect against the cold in winter. They are also highly durable, with lasting gloss.
- Recommended Use: These intricate handicrafts with elaborate designs are elegant enough to brighten up a living room, and distinctive enough to be used to decorate a room for festive or ceremonial occasions.
Hwabangseok (Floral Cushions)
- Characteristics: The high absorptive capacity of rushes makes Hwabangseok a perfect summer cushion. Their classical designs, such as Buddhist swastika, phoenix and ying-yang, make them pleasing to the eye as well.
- Recommended Use : Hwabangseok are most often used on chairs. These attractive cushions are well appreciated as decorative items.
Kkotsamhap (Set of Three Floral Lidded Baskets)
- Characteristics: These sets of three nested baskets come with designs like Buddhist swastika, flower, yin-yang, or phoenix. The adorable lidded-baskets can be appreciated as they are, or used to keep jewelry or other small items of importance.
- Recommended Use: Traditionally, these baskets were chiefly used as sewing kits, or as storage/serving baskets for dry pastries. Nowadays, they are used mostly as jewelry boxes or decorative items.
