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A master's workbench with hand planes, chisels and a cabinet frame joined without nails, in morning light through lattice windowsA master's workbench with hand planes, chisels and a cabinet frame joined without nails, lit by a lantern

Welcome, secret apprentice

Learn Korea's craft from its living masters.

Master Vault is opening the workshops of Seoul's master artisans to the world. Take their class, own their work. One technique, taught to one apprentice.

Meet the masters

File 001 · Somokjang 소목장

Six minutes at the master's bench.

Filmed in Seoul, 24 October 2026. English subtitles. Open the file and book a class

Three ways into the vault.

A craftsman's hands fitting two pieces of pine into a hidden joint

Take a class

Sit at the master's bench.

Small one-day classes in the master's own workshop, with English support at the bench.

Request a class
A traditional Korean wooden display cabinet with open shelves

Own their work

Take home a piece made by hand.

Furniture and objects, made by hand. From the master's bench to your home.

Apprenticeship

One technique, taught to one apprentice.

The master chooses who, sets the terms, and keeps the right to refuse.

Masters at large.

Every master is a sealed file. We open one when the filming is done.

  1. A furniture master's hands at the bench, fitting a frame togetherFile 001Open

    Somokjang 소목장 · 가구

    Wooden furniture. Joined without a single nail.

    Open the file
  2. File 002Coming soon

    Somokjang 소목장 · 창호

    Lattice windows and doors, joined by hand.

  3. File 003Coming soon

    Najeonjang 나전장

    Mother-of-pearl set into lacquer.

  4. File 004Coming soon

    Okjang 옥장

    Jade carved into jewellery and ornaments.

  5. File 005Coming soon

    Ipsajang 입사장

    Silver wire hammered into iron.

  6. File 006Coming soon

    Maedeupjang 매듭장

    Knots tied from silk cord.

  7. File 007Coming soon

    Chiljang 칠장 · 옻칠

    Lacquer from the lacquer tree, coat after coat.

  8. File 008Coming soon

    Eungongjang 은공장

    Silver shaped by hammer and fire.

Are you a master, or know one? Tell us about them · 장인이신가요? 연락 주세요

Keepsakes from the vault.

Small pieces made the masters' way, to carry home. Prices arrive with each master's blessing.

Collect your Master Dex.

Every master you meet takes a slot. Star the ones you want to learn from as their files open.

Join the vault.

Be first in when the first master's file opens. We only write when there is something to open.

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