Expanding Korean Traditional Gold Leaf Craft to Global Culture & K-POP Projects
In November, our brand GLEAF, Korea’s leading traditional gold leaf (돌금박) lifestyle brand, officially signed an MOU with Spain’s K-culture platform KPOPHUB during the Grand Sourcing Fair 2025, held at COEX in Seoul.
This partnership marks far more than a business agreement.
It represents the growing global recognition that Korean traditional gold leaf craft—reinterpreted through GLEAF’s modern design approach—holds strong artistic and cultural value worldwide.
At GLEAF, our gold leaf work is rooted in authentic Korean craftsmanship:
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We follow the original Joseon-era technique—applying gold leaf by hand and hammering it repeatedly to achieve its final shimmering texture.
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Our craft has been passed down two generations, built on decades of accumulated expertise.
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We incorporate Korean Obangsaek (오방색) and traditional auspicious patterns (吉祥文樣) into fashion, home goods, and modern lifestyle products.
During the fair, the KPOPHUB team examined our gold leaf work up close and said:
“This craftsmanship fits perfectly with K-POP stage costumes, official merchandise, and cultural projects.”
Hearing this in person was deeply rewarding—another moment confirming the global potential of traditional Korean gold craft.
KPOPHUB operates a wide range of Korean cultural programs in Spain, including:
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K-POP concerts
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Cultural festivals
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Workshops and educational programs
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Fan events and merchandise collaborations
Throughout the event, both teams discussed how GLEAF’s gold leaf craft, traditional patterns, and design expertise could be integrated into K-culture content in Europe.
Through this MOU, GLEAF and KPOPHUB will explore various partnership models:
✔ Expanding GLEAF product distribution in Spain and across Europe
✔ K-POP event goods & official merchandise production
✔ Gold-leaf stage accessories and performance costume design
✔ Cultural workshops featuring Korean gold craft & traditional patterns
✔ Collaborative exhibitions and pop-up space design using gold leaf art
In short, GLEAF’s traditional gold leaf techniques and pattern design will now be applied to international cultural and entertainment projects.
One of the most memorable experiences at the fair was seeing how deeply international buyers understood the symbolism behind Korean traditional patterns.
Patterns such as:
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Yonganmun (Dragon Eye Pattern)
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Moran (Peony)
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Ilwol-Obongdo (Five Peaks & Rising Sun)
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Haetae
…were received with genuine curiosity and admiration.
Many described our work as having a “handcrafted resonance” that feels uniquely Korean—something Europe values highly due to its appreciation for artisan-made, heritage-based products.
With this MOU, GLEAF will expand its traditional gold craft into various cultural and creative projects across Europe:
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Official K-POP fan merchandise
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Gold-leaf accessories for performances
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Stage and venue art direction
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Interactive cultural workshops
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Market-specific lifestyle products for European consumers
We will continue focusing on what we do best—bringing Korean traditional gold craft into real cultural experiences for global audiences.
To me, Korean gold leaf is more than a craft.
It is a cultural asset, shaped by time, tradition, and human hands.
The collaboration achieved at the Grand Sourcing Fair 2025 reaffirmed our belief that
Korean traditional gold craft has a meaningful place in the global cultural landscape.
GLEAF will continue bridging heritage and contemporary design,
introducing the beauty of Korean tradition to audiences around the world.
Thank you for supporting our journey.
More updates are coming soon.
