Research on the Characteristics and Applicability of Traditional Materials

Lee Sun-myung, Jeong Seon-hwa
Researchers, Restoration Technology Division

The Research on the Characteristics and Applicability of Traditional Materials is a research project launched in 2022. Its goal is to identify the properties of traditional materials that are disappearing due to industrialization—or already lost—and to secure foundational technologies for restoration. The project also aims to establish an academic basis for the safe use of traditional materials in national heritage repair sites. The study has focused on three main materials: traditional Hanji (Korean paper), traditional Dancheong pigments, and traditional lacquer. Now in its third year, the project presents its academic, policy, and technical outcomes from the research on traditional materials.

Research on Traditional Hanji

Traditional Korean Hanji is globally recognized for its durability and excellent preservation qualities. However, in-depth scientific research on it has remained limited. In particular, traditional wallpaper Hanji is a unique Korean material with no equivalent in China or Japan. Given the lack of research on
the preservation conditions and characteristics of old wallpaper Hanji found in heritage sites, there was a growing need to establish a basis for its application. To address this, field investigations were conducted at major Joseon-era palace sites such as the Five Grand Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine to assess the usage of palace wallpaper Hanji. Samples were collected from these sites and related archives, and their material characteristics were analyzed. Through this work, baseline data was secured to support the restoration of Joseon palace wallpaper Hanji. The study also investigated the manufacturing processes of traditional Hanji used by nationally and regionally designated intangible cultural heritage bearers (Hanji artisans) and analyzed the properties of Hanji produced for conservation and restoration purposes. A comprehensive survey was carried out to document the craftsmanship, and a systematic scientific database framework is being established for inclusion in future research reports.

In 2024, based on the accumulated research, the team achieved a major milestone: they successfully proposed a new Korean Industrial Standard (KS) for traditional Hanji under the pulp and papermaking category, which passed the KS expert committee. Additionally, in support of authenticity and quality improvement in the repair of national heritage, a “detailed evaluation standard for Hanji certification” was newly established as part of the traditional materials certification system.

Research on Traditional Dancheong Pigments

Dancheong is the distinctive decorative painting found on traditional Korean architecture. Industrialization replaced its natural pigments with synthetic ones, disrupting traditional production and application techniques and hindering the authentic use of Dancheong in national heritage restoration. To address this issue, the research project aims to restore traditional Dancheong pigment manufacturing techniques, improve pigment quality, and establish an academic foundation to enable on-site supply and application of traditional pigments.
This involved not only identifying the materials used in traditional Dancheong pigments, but also analyzing existing samples of Dancheong paintings to establish a scientific basis for their painting techniques and preservation properties. Research on Dancheong painting characteristics and techniques is conducted by color group. So far, scientific analyses have been completed for red, yellow, and white pigments, followed by green and blue. To ensure the continued use of traditional Dancheong pigments, researchers have secured a variety of eco-friendly natural resources from Korea and are studying their applicability as coloring materials for Dancheong. This research has led to the creation of a scientific database on the material characteristics of white, red, and now yellow Dancheong pigments, categorized by raw material type. A particularly noteworthy achievement is the patenting of the traditional method for producing dongrok pigment—used to recreate the distinctive lotus-leaf green color in Dancheong—which was later transferred to a private company for practical application. This demonstrates how traditional materials research can play a leading role in revitalizing related industries. Additionally, the establishment of quality standards for traditional Dancheong pigments has enabled the official implementation of the traditional materials certification system. This has contributed significantly to identifying the authenticity of traditional pigments and improving quality control.

Research on Traditional Lacquer (Otchil)

Lacquer (ot) has long been used in Korea as a traditional material for coating and adhesion in crafts, household items, and architecture. However, material-based research to preserve the traditional authenticity of lacquer and promote its continued use has been lacking. Before launching a full-scale research initiative, a two-year pilot project was conducted to gather foundational data on lacquer, including analysis of historical texts and current research trends. Based on historical documents from the Joseon Dynasty, the study examined the terminology and significance of otchil, shifts in production sites and trade, and the materials and techniques used in lacquerware making. It also included an analysis of domestic and international research trends, analytical methods, and case studies on artifact analysis. The results were compiled into a report, and the original texts were made publicly accessible.