The Gimhae Banjari, a traditional wooden furniture piece representative of Gimhae, will be showcased in a special exhibition for the public.
The Gimhae Wood Culture Museum announced that it will hold the 2026 special exhibition titled 'Furniture of Old Tastes: The Gimhae Banjari Exhibition' starting October 7 in its planned exhibition hall.
This exhibition will present the Gimhae Banjari, a local cultural artifact, alongside traditional banjari from across the country, highlighting the aesthetic lifestyle of past generations and the essence of woodcraft culture.
The banjari is a traditional storage furniture piece designed to open only the upper half of the front panel, widely used in households since the Joseon Dynasty.
The museum will display five representative pieces of Gimhae Banjari, comparing the types of wood, sizes, proportions, and metal decorations known as 'jangseok' from different regions, showcasing the unique characteristics influenced by each area's natural environment and lifestyle.
Notably, the exhibition will also feature works by contemporary artists who reinterpret traditional techniques, bridging the gap between past and present in woodcraft.
A key highlight of the exhibition is the 'jangseok,' which completes the functionality and aesthetics of the banjari. The intricate patterns carved into the jangseok carry auspicious meanings wishing for prosperity and longevity, while the traditional joinery technique, which does not use nails, exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship of traditional woodcraft.
Additionally, the museum will enhance the visitor experience by incorporating motion graphics of Korean paintings and traditional joinery tools, allowing attendees to better understand the production principles and cultural value of the banjari.
From October 9 to 11, there will be special live demonstrations by artisans in conjunction with the exhibition. Holders of national intangible cultural heritage, including a master woodworker, a master of traditional instruments, and a master of decorative arts, will demonstrate their crafting processes. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in various programs, such as making jangseok keychains, traditional folding fans, small gayageum instruments, and yun-do.
These hands-on programs are available for participants in the fourth grade and above and can be accessed for free through advance registration on the museum's official website.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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