Making Korea

A dazzling showcase of compelling design from one of the world’s most exciting creative cultures, told through the prism of 50 design stories that bridge traditional techniques and modern interpretation

The meteoric rise and global impact of Hallyu has made South Korea a cultural powerhouse, where popculture and cosmetic surgery co-exist with centuries-old shamanistic and Confucian rituals. This vibrant creative force, a potent mix of the traditional and hyper-new, informs Korean design today.

Drawing on the V&A’s renowned collection, this compelling publication explores social history and cultural heritage through the lens of its contemporary craft and design. Gleaming inlaid lacquerware, mass-produced ceramics, cutting-edge fashion, experimental architecture and digital pop metaverses are included in 50 design stories that reveal unexpected collaborations between today’s designers and craftsmen, the cross-pollination of ideas with international partners and exposure to a global audience.