The authentic Korean spirit you must experience.

Most tourists leave without experiencing this.

국가 무형유산 전통공예

Bring Korean traditional craft to the world.

A.OULL connects the stories of vanishing traditional craft with the world. Not behind glass in a museum but woven into your everyday life, through the hands of the artisans who keep it alive.

VISION

Do you know Tongyeong?

Land of the Sea, Tongyeong The name Tongyeong comes from Samdo-gunsu Tongjeyeong, the naval command headquarters of the Joseon Dynasty. In 1604, the headquarters moved to what is now Tongyeong, and the city has carried that name ever since a beautiful port surrounded by islands and sea, still breathing the history of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Korea's greatest naval commander.

It was here, a decade earlier in 1592, during the Japanese invasion of Korea, that Admiral Yi gathered master craftsmen at his base on Hansan Island to produce military supplies on their own the origin of the Tongyeong 12 Craft Workshops (1593). As the naval headquarters later settled in the city, the finest artisans from across Korea gathered here, and fans, lacquerware, traditional hats, and more the finest crafts of the Joseon Dynasty were born in Tongyeong. That tradition lives on here today.

Tongyeong

CRAFTED IN KOREA 전통이 일상이 되는 곳

(Mother-of-pearl Inlaying) 통영나전칠기제작소

Najeon is the art of cutting and inlaying iridescent abalone and shellfish onto lacquered wood creating furniture and objects of extraordinary beauty. Tongyeong, South Korea, is the most celebrated home of this tradition. Discover Korea's Mother-of-pearl lacquerware heritage, passed down for over 1,200 years.

Our Artisan Partners

Anchovy Chopstick Rest — crafted using traditional Najeon technique

Chiljang

Hairpin — crafted using traditional Najeon technique

Duseokjang

Jangseok are the ornamental metal fittings used to reinforce wooden furniture and craft locks, hinges, and decorative hardware. Duseokjang are the artisans who create these fittings from brass an alloy of copper and tin. In Tongyeong, one workshop has kept this tradition alive for five generations, since the Joseon Dynasty.

Hair stick — handcrafted in traditional Duseokjang style

Jangseok Bag — contemporary design meets centuries-old metalwork

Meet the Artisans

(Metal Craft) 충렬장석공방

AI docent

Meet Korea's traditional craft artisans through A.OULL,and experience a deeper journey through their stories. Guided by an understanding of their craft,we connect you to meaningful purchases and hands-on experiences.