TRACE 2026 in Jeonju: Works by Intangible Heritage Masters

TRACE 2026 presents 231 works by 102 designated masters and transmission educators at Jeonju’s National Intangible Heritage Center, September 22–October 18. This free special exhibition focuses on traditional craft and the time embedded in making. Avoid Monday when placing it within a Jeonju itinerary.

Visit details

• Dates: 2026-09-22 – 2026-10-18
• Venue: Special Exhibition Hall, National Intangible Heritage Center
• Address: 95 Seohak-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju
• Hours: Closed Mondays; confirm daily special-exhibition hours on 063-280-1432
• Admission: Free

TRACE 2026 and the time behind objects

The exhibition looks beyond a finished object toward repeated practice and the maker’s accumulated experience. The annual masters’ exhibition began in 1973; this edition treats transmission as one generation’s achievement becoming another’s starting point. A useful question is what repeated actions might have been needed to achieve the form in front of you.

Three themes across different materials

The curatorial themes are density, refinement and perseverance. Wood, lacquer, ceramics, jade, metal and clothing bring different material questions into that framework. Compare how a theme might appear in an elaborately decorated work and in one with a restrained outline. Simplicity of appearance does not by itself establish simplicity of manufacture.

A hat and ornaments close to the body

The officially illustrated works include Park Changyeong’s Dangu Hwangchalsul Gat and Kim Yeonghui’s White Jade Triple Norigae. Compare silhouette and the connections between decorative components. Other announced works include Go Heunggon’s lacquered, mother-of-pearl haegeum and An Chiyong’s hanji leather. Begin with labels and uses rather than assuming a photograph establishes texture or sound.

Check special-exhibition hours

The announcement confirms free admission and Monday closure, but does not specify daily entry hours for this exhibition. Contact 063-280-1432 before travelling; permanent-gallery hours should not automatically be substituted. Leave time for journeys between the center and other Jeonju stops, and keep the October 18 closing date in mind. Images here are official object photographs rather than installation views.

More cultural routes

Hwangnyongsa Buddhist Relics: Gyeongju Exhibition Closing October 11

Official sources

• Official sources 1

Information checked: September 26, 2026