Busan Shinsegi's K-Handicraft Rise... Korea Craft & Design Foundation to Operate 2026 Korea Handicraft Expo 'Hwanda' and Pop-Up Store

In Busan, where the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee is convening, a vibrant exhibition showcasing the pinnacle of Korean handicrafts is underway. The Korea Craft & Design Foundation (KCF) is successfully operating the 2026 Korea Handicraft Expo 'Hwanda' at Shinsegi Department Store's Centum City location. The basement-level exhibition features 29 artisans across ceramics, textiles, glass, and lacquer, displaying 149 works. Curated under themes of 'Murmuring - The Courtyard of Craft' and 'Empathy - Everyday Craft,' the exhibition highlights traditional Korean garden aesthetics through pieces like Lee Jeong-hoon's reinterpreted Joseon architecture stool and Kwon Jong-mo's paper lanterns. A companion pop-up store, 'Namu - Craft Garden,' offers direct access to works by Busan-Gyeongnam artisans, KCF's platform, and K-Ribbon's premium handicrafts. Meanwhile, a K-Heritage Goods Shop in the basement's event hall showcases collaborative items from Shinsegi and K-Goods brand Mimidar, featuring traditional motifs. The exhibition also highlights the 'Joseon Royal Wine Cap,' a premium gift awarded the 2025 Presidential Prize for Tourism Commemorative Goods, underscoring its appeal to UNESCO delegates.