Bojagi refers to square-shaped fabric used for the packaging, storage, and transportation of various items. It comes in various sizes, materials, and assembly methods.
The name "Bojagi" embodies the spirit of Koreans. The term is derived from the Chinese character "복 (袱)," which sounds the same as "복 (福)," meaning fortune. The belief is that wrapping items with Bojagi is akin to wrapping fortune, creating a connection between the act of wrapping and bestowing blessings. Bojagi in Korean culture is associated with wrapping things as if wrapping fortune.
The Precious Message 2021-17 김시현
Bogaki Love official website
It is commonly used to wrap bedding, laundry, books, and various other items. There are also specific Bojagi for covering tables (식지보, 食紙褓). Bojagi is used to wrap infants, present valuable gifts, and has ceremonial uses such as weddings and in Buddhist rituals. The history and diversity of Bojagi in Korea are extensive.
Bojagi for table, 한국자수박물관
Bojagi made in 1875-1925, The British Museum
It was used across various social classes, from commoners to the royal court. Bojagi is divided into Gungbo (궁보, 宮褓) used in the royal court and Minbo (민보, 民褓) used by commoners. The distinctions between Gungbo and Minbo led to the development of different types of Bojagi.
Seoul Museum of Craft Art
Seoul Museum of Craft Art
The history of Korean Bojagi dates back to ancient times. Although the exact period of its origin is uncertain, there are legends that even about 2,000 years ago, the egg in which King Suro of the Gaya kingdom was born was wrapped in Bojagi. Bojagi is prominently mentioned in records from the Joseon Dynasty.
Bojagi became a practical item for Koreans due to its versatility and the constraints of small living spaces in the past. Its foldable nature allowed for easy storage when not in use, and it could wrap various items. Over time, Bojagi evolved in terms of packaging, knotting techniques, and design, becoming an essential item for Koreans.
Seoul Museum of Craft Art
In summary, the widespread use of Bojagi in Korea can be attributed to three factors: the cultural etiquette of treating people and belongings with care, the practicality of using a voluminous item in small living spaces, and the belief that wrapping with Bojagi symbolizes wrapping fortune.
FUN FACT: In the Korean game "scissors, rock, paper" (가위바위보), ‘paper’ sounds as "Bo" (보), which means Bojagi.
Patchwork Bojagi
"Patchwork Bojagi" also called as Jogakbo in Korean, refers to Bojagi made from patchwork fabric remnants. It was used as a daily necessity for wrapping and storing items. Commonly crafted by commoners, the name originates from the practice of using leftover cloth scraps. In contrast, the royal court, with ample fabric resources, did not engage in the creation of Patchwork Bojagi.
Seoul Museum of Craft Art
Patchwork Bojagi embodies the wisdom of reusing even the smallest pieces of fabric. In the past, household roles for men and women differed, leading mothers responsible for household chores to create Patchwork Bojagi. As time passed, the craft evolved into a unique and artistic form of craftsmanship with creative and artistic designs emerging. Various patterns and motifs, especially those depicting nature such as plants, fruits, and landscapes, were incorporated into Patchwork Bojagi.
Starting as a practical item crafted by mothers within families, Patchwork Bojagi evolved into a form of traditional art widely accepted by Koreans today. From the humble origins in the daily lives of poor families, both Patchwork Bojagi and Bojagi, in general, have transformed into an art form, symbolizing the warmth of a mother's embrace and capturing the aesthetics of Bojagi.
Korean Culture Center in Hong Kong
Modern Significance
Compared to bags with rigid structures, Bojagi is convenient for space utilization and environmentally friendly due to its recyclability. While tying it may require some skill, it becomes easy with practice. Bojagi, once used solely for wrapping and covering purposes, has been reinterpreted as a fashion and interior accessory. Many artists use Bojagi as a material for creating art pieces. Also, luxury fashion brands such as Hermes presented a scarf based on Bojagi.
Hermes, L'artdu Bojagi Scarf
Bojagi is an integral part of Korean history and culture, although its visibility has diminished in contemporary times due to improved living conditions and rapid modernization. However, some Koreans still use Bojagi for wrapping precious gifts, highlighting its enduring significance in Korean tradition. Bojagi encapsulates the history and essence of Koreans, so taking a journey into the world of Bojagi is an opportunity to explore Korea's practicality, aesthetic sense, and genuine emotions.
Sookang Kim, Bojagi 01
*The Seoul Museum of Craft Art holds a permanent exhibition titled "Bojagi, Embracing Daily Life." https://craftmuseum.seoul.go.kr/eng/exhibit/plan/view/32