Design Hunter's Journal

One of the unexpected things I have discovered during the pandemic: the addictive dramas of Korean television! Thanks to Netflix, my husband and I have watched shows like My Sassy Girl, Her Private Life and Forecasting Love and Weather. I am rapidly becoming hooked on these dramas and their fascinating, sometimes quirky characters.

The breakout success of the Squid Game in 2021 really brought Korean television to the world’s attention, but I tend to prefer historical costume dramas like My Sassy Girl, for the sumptuous costumes and other fascinating glimpses into Korean culture.

Everywhere I go in the real world, to craft shows and art exhibits in the Chicago area, it seems that I encounter Japanese and Chinese art, and very rarely anything Korean. Why is that?

So I was very interested to see the interiors of some of the traditional houses and palaces in these shows. I particularly love the carved wood lanterns that illuminate the interiors of My Sassy Girl:

Searching on Etsy for “Korean wood lantern” revealed several beautiful examples. These lanterns would work really well in my own home decor, which tends toward Mission Style, and would also complement minimalist modern decor:

Imagine two of these tall lanterns on either side of a fireplace or entertainment console! I can also imagine them complementing the decor in a Frank Lloyd Wright home. FLW was famously influened by Asian design, and the source for his inspiration is really apparent in Asian decor like these lanterns. They are handmade from paulownia and pine wood and sold by Wooju Corporation of South Korea.

Here is a smaller example from the same company. I love the colorful paintings and the carved ginkgo leaf in the top!

It is even possible to build your own Korean lantern, using a DIY kit like this one available on eBay:

The kit comes with wood panels, painted acrylic sheets, a hanger, and a LED candle.

My husband may be focused on the characters and story lines of these Korean dramas, but I am busy admiring the art, costumes, and home decor. To each his (or her) own, right??