New award for So Joong-Han, Korean furniture designer maker

Above: So Joong-Han using a Korean tanggae (frame) saw to rip a board.

Awards continue to flow for Korean designer maker So Joong-Han who is featured in the current issue of Australian Wood Review.

So Joong-Han recently received the Presidential Award at the 55th Korea Craft Competition. Organised by the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Korea Federation of Craft Cooperatives, this competition is the nation’s largest craft event and has been held annually since 1971.

Mini-stands, pen boxes and Joseon-era tobacco box made by So Joong-Han

Among the awards presented, the Presidential Award represents the highest honour of the competition, recognising the most distinguished achievements in the field of crafts.

Joong-Han's father, So Byung-Jin, is a master carpenter who is designated as Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Asset No. 55. Issue 128 of Australian Wood Review magazine features an extensive article on So Joong-Han which highlights how he seeks to reinterpret traditional furniture forms through a contemporary lens.

The print edition of Australian Wood Review magazine sells in newsagents and select retailers throughout Australia and New Zealand. Digital editions are available through Zinio where you can also subscribe, especially if you want to receive the December issue which will contain 100 shortlisted Maker of the Year Awards entries.

Photos: Ho-Young Ahn
Learn more about So Joong-Han at www.gobjet.com