Kum Bak Yeon, Bukchon: royal gold-leaf craft since 1856

A 170-year family craft

According to the official website, the first generation, Kim Wan-hyeong, began working in gold leaf in 1856, under King Cheoljong of Joseon, at Naesusa, a royal household office. The second, Kim Won-sun, is named in the official record of Empress Myeongseong’s state funeral. After the third generation, Kim Gyeong-yong, the fourth, Kim Deok-hwan, became a recognized holder of the Geumbakjang (gold-leaf imprinting) heritage in 2006 and helped make the national seal in 2008. He was named an honorary holder in 2018 and died in 2019.

The shop is now run by the fifth generation, Kim Gi-ho, recognized as a holder in 2018, with trainee Park Su-yeong. A sixth-generation scholarship trainee, Kim Jin-ho, is also learning the craft, so the website speaks of six generations. Kum Bak Yeon is listed as Seoul Future Heritage.

The craft

Gold-leaf imprinting decorates a surface such as fabric with patterns in gold. At the royal court, the artisans who stamped it were called bugeumjang. Kum Bak Yeon works on silk as well as leather, wooden furniture and hanji paper.

In an interview with the Korea Heritage Service webzine, Kim Gi-ho said designing a new pattern and applying it to a garment takes about a year, and an existing pattern still takes two to three months. The same 2020 article said he was then the only living holder of the craft.

Shopping and commissions

Kum Bak Yeon also sells its pieces through its official Naver Smart Store and on Idus. The official website does not list prices; staff in the shop can quote them.

The workshop takes commissions. Customers share the pattern, material and budget they have in mind, and the workshop proposes a piece after consultation by phone or through the website’s contact form.

Gold-leaf stamping

Visitors receive an explanation of how the work is done. According to the Seoul Hanok Portal, those who book in advance can watch a stamping demonstration and try it. The fee, length and language of the session are not published. Bookings: 02-730-2067 or the website’s contact form.

Getting there and hours

The address is 24-12 Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, about 700 m or a 12-minute walk from exit 2 of Anguk Station on Line 3.

According to the official website and the Seoul Tourism Organization, it opens Tuesday to Friday 10:00–17:00 and Saturday 09:00–15:00, closing Sunday and Monday. The Seoul Hanok Portal lists different closing days, so a call before visiting is advisable. All times are Korea Standard Time.

For international visitors

The Seoul Tourism Organization says the shop’s website is available in Korean and English. Enquiries can also go to kumbakyeon@daum.net.

Foreign card payment, tax refunds, overseas shipping and English guidance on site are not confirmed in any official listing. The shop is closed on Sundays and Mondays.