The showroom of the Korean Heritage Preservation Society "Yeol" / Courtesy of Korea Craft and Design Foundation
Having already conquered global airwaves with K-pop and streaming screens with K-dramas, Korea is placing its next big economic bet on an older, more tactile asset: its rich tradition of handmade crafts.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism unveiled Tuesday a comprehensive five-year road map aimed at transforming local artisanal crafts — dubbed "K-craft" — into a high-value, export-ready industry. The initiative seeks to leverage the global momentum of the Korean wave to supercharge the country's interactive travel experiences.
Central to the strategy is a push to turn cultural heritage into an immediate draw for international travelers.
Under the new plan, the government will establish a network of high-profile immersive cultural centers in major tourist hubs heavily frequented by foreign visitors. These dedicated spaces will function as hybrid experiential zones, allowing travelers to try their hand at traditional craft-making techniques before purchasing authentic, locally made goods.
