A Study on the Characteristics of Traditional Hanji, Xuan Paper, and Washi for UNESCO Registration

Abstract

Hanji is defined as traditional paper manufactured according to Korea's unique manufacturing technology, using mulberry fiber produced in the Korean peninsula as the main ingredient. Although hanji has excellent characteristics such as preservation and durability and has historical and cultural values, it has not yet been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, unlike Chinese traditional paper, Xuan paper, and Japanese traditional paper, Washi. In the case of Xuan paper and Washi, it has already been registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and is receiving worldwide attention, and efforts are being made to preserve and inherit paper culture. Therefore, it is judged that Hanji culture needs to be listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to promote the excellence of Hanji, which is a unique heritage of Korea, and to preserve and inherit Hanji culture. Therefore, this study attempted to analyze the characteristics of traditional paper in Korea, China, and Japan, and to prove that Hanji also has unique and excellent characteristics different from Xaun paper and Washi. In order to analyze the characteristics of traditional paper in each country, optical characteristics, intensity characteristics, and surface characteristics were measured. Through this study, it is believed that this study can serve as basic data for the registration of Hanji culture as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.