London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

The Folding Plug

Korean designer Choi Min-kyu fixes clunky UK 3-pin plugs. Ingenious. “I was on my way to college once and put my laptop in my bag, but when I took it out again there was a huge scratch across the surface which had been made by my plug,” said Mr Choi, who moved to the UK … [Read More]

Crossfields: Young Korean artists at the KCC

Claire O’Connell was among the crowds at the opening of Crossfields: the KCC’s latest show. This was the launch of “Crossfields”, a new exhibition at the KCC showcasing the work of 23 young Koreans who are all promising artists, architects, illustrators, photographers and designers. All the artists have studied in London at some point and … [Read More]

London Koreans in demand in Italy

Two separate exhibitions at opposite ends of Italy have featured the work of London-based Koreans. In the Milan Furniture Fair last week, Jackie Choi London was exhibiting in the Salone Satellite, 22-27 April. The Salone Satellite is designed to showcase the work of young designers under the age of 35. The Choi sisters, Jackie and … [Read More]

Hangul=Spirit: Inspired by Korean Characters

Notice of the upcoming show at the KCC. An Exhibition of Hangul featuring four very different Korean Artists ranging from Fashion to Typography AHN Sang-Soo, CHUN Kyung-Woo, KIM Jong-Won and LIE Sang-Bong 30th March 2009 ~ 16th May 2009 Centred around and inspired by the Korean writing system Hangul, the Korean Cultural Centre is pleased … [Read More]

KCC previews Seoul: World Design Capital 2010

Notice of an upcoming exhibition in the Korean Cultural Centre, coinciding with the London Festival of Architecture 2008. The London Festival of Architecture 2008 (20 June – 20 July 2008) will be the biggest event of its kind in the world with over 400 events happening throughout London. As part of the brilliant festival, Korean … [Read More]

Han style comes to London

It seems that Hanbok events are like buses. You wait for ages, and then three come along at once. The first week in November brings the opportunity to (1) admire, (2) try on and (3) buy your own (genuine antique) hanbok, at (1) the Royal College of Art, (2) the V&A and (3) Linda Wrigglesworth. … [Read More]

The Han Style campaign

Realising that the Hallyu may not last for ever, and recognising that the best marketers do not stake the financial health of the company on just one product, the Culture and Tourism ministry earlier this year decided to diversify their product portfolio. Recognising that some of the key differentiating features of Korean culture are designated … [Read More]

Jackie Choi London at 100% Design and Somerset House

Jackie Choi London, the Korean designers whose “Eye” chair was featured on Graham Norton’s show, are showing new designs at 100% Design 2007 (Earls Court, 20-24 September). The sideboard above was inspired by Lucio Fontana and his “Slash” series of works, (example right). The Choi sisters will also be launching a pewter candelabra (left) in … [Read More]

Graham Norton sits on the best of Korean design

Congratulations to Korean-born Jackie and Lloyd Choi of Jackie Choi London for winning one of the Mayor of Hackney’s annual Business Awards 2006. The awards are designed to “celebrate entrepreneurs with business acumen and innovative ideas that generate jobs throughout the borough”. The awards were presented on 14 November, and the Choi sisters won in … [Read More]