Author: Rosalie Kim
Publisher: Victoria + Albert Museum, expected Oct 2026
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The meteoric rise and global impact of Hallyu has made South Korea a cultural powerhouse, where pop-culture 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.