Metal Inlay by Master Sculptor Kim Yong-woon at Cheonmisa

National Intangible Heritage No. 35 Jogakjang and Cheonmisa's 100-pyeong Workshop

Cheonmisa is a traditional metal craft workshop and exhibition hall located at 108 Deuran-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu (Dusan-dong). The Korea Tourism Organization describes this place as a combined workshop and exhibition space totaling 100-pyeong (approx. 330 sqm), primarily selling metal craft items. The Suseong Culture Map by the Suseong Cultural Foundation also classifies Cheonmisa (Morangraphy) as a metal workshop.

The representative of this place, Kim Yong-un, is a holder of National Intangible Heritage No. 35, Jogakjang. Jogakjang refers to the skill of engraving patterns or letters onto metal objects such as gold, silver, and copper, or the person who possesses that skill; the term 'Joijang' is also used. Cheonmisa is guided not just as a shop selling finished products, but as a place that operates traditional metal craft production, exhibitions, and craft/jewelry making programs.

Kim Yong-un's Inlay History Continuing Since 1972

Kim Yong-un studied traditional metal craft under Song Jae-hwan from 1972 to 1992 and received the Presidential Award at the National Folk Craft Contest in 1981. In the same year, he also served as the head of the judging committee for gold and silver smithing at the WorldSkills Competition. The character of Cheonmisa is defined by his career, which is not limited to jewelry making but extends to the reproduction, restoration, and repair of traditional metal artifacts.

Since 1983, he has reproduced, restored, and repaired Gaya and Silla metal artifacts. The Daegu Intangible Heritage Training Center records that he has handled over 150 pieces, including the Gold Crown, National Treasure No. 138. In 1997, he was recognized as a holder of the Daegu Metropolitan City Intangible Cultural Heritage 'Sanggam Ipsajang' (Inlay Master). He has exhibited his work and provided demonstrations and commentary at special exhibitions such as the 'Ancient Inlays of Korea' at the Gongju National Museum in 2015 and 'Metal Inlay' at the Daegu National Museum in 2016.

Understanding Metal Surfaces through Joi, Tachul, Tugak, and Metal Sanggam

The essence of Jogakjang does not end with simply decorating a metal surface. Joi is a method of expressing lines in intaglio by striking with a chisel, while Tachul (repoussé) uses the malleable nature of metal plates to create a three-dimensional effect by hammering both sides. Tugak (openwork) is a technique of revealing patterns by piercing or cutting out parts of the metal plate.

The 'Sanggam Ipsa' attached to Cheonmisa's name is best understood in connection with metal inlay. Metal Sanggam (Inlay) is a technique where the surface of an object is engraved with lines or planes, and then a different metal is filled in to create patterns through color contrast. Korean metal carving has been identified in artifacts from the Bronze Age, and Buddhist metal crafts from the Goryeo Dynasty are explained as examples showing high technical levels and originality.

• Joi: Expressing lines in intaglio by striking with a chisel
• Tachul: Hammering metal plates to create volume and three-dimensionality
• Tugak: Forming patterns by piercing or cutting out parts of the metal plate
• Metal Sanggam (Inlay): Expressing patterns through color contrast by filling in different metals

10:00~18:00, Why You Should Avoid Sundays and Public Holidays

Cheonmisa's official website is http://cheonmisa.com/, and the representative inquiry number is 053-768-0021. The listed operating hours are from 10:00 to 18:00, Monday through Saturday, and it is closed every Sunday and during public holiday periods. It is safer to call ahead to check that day's operation status before departing rather than expecting to view or purchase items before 10:00 AM or after 6:00 PM.

There is no separately announced paid admission fee, as it operates as a sales and exhibition space for the workshop's crafts. However, since fixed prices for purchasing works, schedules and costs for experience/jewelry making programs, and the possibility of group visits have not been confirmed, you should inquire in advance at 053-768-0021. Restrooms are available, but stroller rentals are not provided.

• Hours: 10:00~18:00
• Closed: Every Sunday and Public Holidays
• Inquiry: 053-768-0021
• Admission: No separate paid viewing fee announced
• Restrooms: Available
• Stroller Rental: Not available

Moving from 108 Deuran-ro to the Deurangil Dining Route

The address is 108 Deuran-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu, and the zip code is 42169. This area, Deurangil, was formed as a food town in the late 1980s when large restaurants from the city center moved here to escape traffic congestion and parking shortages. Therefore, Cheonmisa is in a good location to visit for craft appreciation followed by a meal at Deurangil, although operating hours and parking conditions vary by restaurant.

Public transportation information suggests bus routes 349, 403, 410, 410-1, 414, 414-1, Circular 3, and Circular 3-1 for nearby stops. As route reorganizations and stop locations can change, it is recommended to check a real-time public transportation app before boarding. Since there is no confirmed information regarding a dedicated parking lot or its fees, visitors using private cars should call the workshop first to ask about parking availability.

5 Things to Check in Advance for Wheelchair Visits and Artwork Appreciation

It is better to clearly define your purpose before visiting Cheonmisa. The necessary guidance differs depending on whether you want to see and purchase finished metal crafts, focus on the exhibition, or participate in a craft/jewelry making program. In particular, while it is confirmed that programs are operated for citizens, information regarding regular schedules, duration, minimum number of participants, and tuition fees is not publicly fixed, so phone confirmation is required.

Tourist information does not provide individually verified details regarding accessible restrooms, elevators for the disabled, designated parking areas for the disabled, or barrier-free main entrances. Therefore, visitors using wheelchairs or strollers, as well as those needing assistance, should call 053-768-0021 to check entrance width, internal steps, parking, restroom accessibility, and the availability of service in English or other foreign languages before visiting. If you are expecting an on-site experience, you should also ask whether a reservation is required.

• Whether it is open on the day
• Schedule and cost of experience/jewelry programs
• Possibility of group visits and reservation requirements
• Parking availability and fees
• Wheelchair/stroller access and foreign language guidance availability

2017 V&A Museum Collection and 2018 National Holder Recognition

Kim Yong-un's work was added to the permanent collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A Museum) in the UK in 2017. Subsequently, on December 29, 2017, he was recognized as a holder of National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 35, Jogakjang. Reports at the time noted that this was the first designation of a National Intangible Cultural Heritage holder in Suseong-gu. Although the institutional name has now changed to National Intangible Heritage, the category designation as Jogakjang No. 35 is maintained.

Jogakjang was designated as an Important Intangible Heritage in 1970 and has been protected and passed down as a National Intangible Heritage ever since. The significance of visiting Cheonmisa is not just in choosing souvenirs, but in understanding how the technical lineage of Gaya and Silla metal artifact restoration and Goryeo metal inlay continues in a workshop in Daegu. The production process for each work or the possibility of an actual demonstration may vary depending on the schedule.