Paris Design Week: Hanjimania

To mark Paris Design Week and European Heritage Days, the Hôtel de la Marine is hosting Hanjimania, an exhibition dedicated to the dialogue between French and Korean designers centred on traditional hanji paper.

Hanjimania is, above all, a long-standing friendship between two curators, both aesthetes, who share a passion for art and design. For this exhibition at the Hôtel de la Marine, Catherine Lurault and An KangEun have chosen to create a dialogue between two cultures and to bring together the finest French and Korean craftsmanship centred on an exceptional material, traditional hanji paper, soon to be inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. 

The Hôtel de la Marine, which served as the Crown’s furniture repository in the late 18^th century and embodies the decorative arts in all their forms, is a vibrant space for cultural transmission where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary forms of expression.

This iconic monument on the Place de la Concorde is therefore the ideal setting to showcase, within the exceptional surroundings of the state rooms, a Franco-Korean cabinet of curiosities. 

Six renowned French designers, including Studio KO, Pierre Yovanovitch, Constance Guisset, Aline Asmar d’Amman, Harry Nuriev and Jérémy Pradier-Jeauneau will interpret this millennia-old craft, Hanji paper, drawing on the talent of Korean artists such as Sim Jiseon, Lee Sun, Kim Woncheon, Studio Foh, Ko Somi, Yang Ji-Yoon, Yoo Ehwa, Jin Hyoseung, Kim Yongho, Kim Heewon and master artisans (Living National Treasures) Kim Samshik (Mungyeong Hanji) and Lee Byung-Seop (Andong Hanji).

A unique walking tour will also be offered through the heart of the stewards’ apartments, where works by renowned Korean artists will punctuate the exhibition route.

This programme is co-organised with Gyeongbuk Province. It forms part of the celebrations marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea in 2026.

Photo credits: ChangKi CHUNG

Originating in Korea over a thousand years ago, Hanji paper is made from mulberry fibres, crafted using ancestral techniques passed down through the generations. A true symbol of Korean culture, it has established itself over time as an iconic material, both aesthetic and functional.Once used for writing, painting, screens, clothing and even windows, Hanji paper played a central role in everyday life and Korean arts and crafts. Even today, it continues to inspire artists, craftspeople, designers and restaurateurs around the world. Recognised as an exceptional traditional craft, hanji paper is in the process of being inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, thus bearing witness to its universal significance and living heritage.

Paris Design Week is a flagship event for contemporary design which, every year, transforms Paris into an open-air creative journey, bringing together designers, craftspeople, galleries, publishers and cultural institutions. Over the course of ten days, the event showcases new forms of creativity, craftsmanship and the dialogue between heritage, innovation and the arts and crafts.