Hands-on Cultural Exchange Workshops: Korea, Japan and Taiwan

The Hands-on Cultural Exchange Workshops formed a central part of Re-Seed Asia’s Cultural Exchange Day. Organised and produced by Dr Min-Ji Seo and Claudine Rousseau, the workshop series brought together contributors from London College of Fashion, Bunka Gakuen University, and Fu Jen Catholic University to introduce cultural knowledge through participatory creative practice.

The programme featured contributions from Eunju and Claudine from London College of Fashion, Sayaka from Bunka Gakuen University in Japan, and Jo Chen from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. Together, the workshops created a shared platform for exploring Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese cultural perspectives through materials, craft, design, and collaborative making.

Rather than presenting East Asian cultures only through exhibitions or formal presentations, the workshops invited participants to engage directly with cultural practices. Through hands-on learning, participants could exchange skills, ask questions, interpret cultural ideas, and develop connections with contributors and other participants from different backgrounds.

24 June: Hands-on Cultural Workshops

[Session 1: Korean Textile Jogakbo Coaster Workshop]
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, hosted by University of the Arts London

This hands‑on workshop explores traditional Korean textile techniques, focusing on Jogakbo, a historic patchwork method originally developed as a way to reuse leftover fabric pieces. Participants will learn how Jogakbo transforms fabric remnants into new, meaningful textiles that reflect sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.

In this workshop, participants will:

1. Explore traditional Korean textile practices through the Jogakbo technique
2. Learn about the cultural and sustainable principles behind fabric reuse
3. Create a handmade Jogakbo‑inspired textile coaster to take home

[Session 2: Sashiko Japanese Embroidery Workshop]
13:30 PM – 3:30 PM, hosted by Bunka Gakuen University

Discover the timeless art of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese embroidery technique rooted in the philosophy of Mottainai—the idea of reducing waste and valuing materials.

Participants will:
1. Learn the history behind Sashiko
2. Explore traditional pattern symbolism
3. Practice embroidery techniques
4. Learn visible mending skills for garment repair
5. Materials provided by Daruma Thread.

This workshop series is ideal for:
1. UAL students and academics
2. Fashion professionals
3. Exhibition visitors
4. No prior experience is required.

[Session 3: Taiwanese Upcycled Tea Sachet Workshop]
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM, hosted by Fu Jen Catholic University

Discover innovative circular design practices by transforming used tea sachets into creative objects while learning about sustainability through Taiwan’s tea culture. Participants will:

1. Learn about circular fashion practices
2. Explore sustainable material innovation
3. Transform tea waste into creative design pieces
4. Experiment with upcycling methods

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