VANK and Korea Paper Culture Foundation Promote Unique Identity of Korean Paper Folding Globally

The cyber diplomatic organization VANK, in collaboration with the Korea Paper Culture Foundation and the World Jong Ie Jupgi Association, is launching a global campaign to register the traditional Korean term 'Jong ie jupgi' (Korean paper folding) in major overseas dictionaries. According to Yonhap News on the 24th, this campaign is an extension of VANK's promotional activities that began after signing a business agreement with the Korea Paper Culture Foundation and the World Jong Ie Jupgi Association in 2022 to raise global awareness of the term 'Jong ie jupgi.'

The Japanese term 'Origami,' which refers to the tradition of Japanese paper folding, became internationally recognized in the 1950s through Lillian Oppenheimer, the founder of the American Origami Association. Since then, the Japanese terminology and methods have become the global standard, and today, 'Origami' is used as a universal term encompassing all paper folding practices.

In fact, when searching for 'Jong ie jupgi' on Google, it is often translated as 'Origami.' According to VANK's research, major dictionaries and encyclopedias such as the Oxford English Dictionary and Wikipedia define 'Origami' as a traditional Japanese art. VANK pointed out, "There is a significant risk that Korean paper folding will be misunderstood as a derivative concept of Japanese culture, which could dilute the uniqueness and identity of traditional Korean culture."

However, Korean paper folding is an independent culture with origins and traditions distinct from Origami. According to VANK, the 'Gokkal' (Samsin hat), used in shamanistic rituals during the Three Kingdoms period, is considered the prototype of Korean paper folding. The Nihon Shoki records that the Goguryeo monk Damjing introduced paper and ink to Japan in 610, suggesting that paper folding culture may have been transmitted to Japan at that time.

Global Campaign Poster Promoting the Inclusion of 'Jongijopgi' in Major Overseas Dictionaries. VANK

VANK emphasized, "Jong ie jupgi has been used in various fields such as religious ceremonies, daily play, and artistic activities, forming a unique aesthetic tradition. To ensure that Korean paper folding, with its long history and independent tradition, is properly understood by the international community, it is crucial to preserve and widely promote its original name."

Regarding this campaign, Noh Younghye, Chairperson of the Korea Paper Culture Foundation, stated, "Jong ie jupgi, which has a long-standing history, is a convergence-type cultural content that can expand beyond essential emotional development and creativity/character education in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) to science, art, and industry. It is the optimal tool to convey the value of Korean culture to the world."