What kind of brand is “Mimyohan,” and how did it begin?

“Mimyohan” was founded in 2018 by two sisters, one a Korean painter and the other a design major. Rooted in the philosophy of bringing “the beauty of Korea into everyday life,” the brand began in a small studio in Gyeongju. It continues to reinterpret traditional Korean elements in a modern way and has since evolved into a fashion accessory brand that combines hanji (traditional Korean paper), gold leaf, and traditional patterns.

What inspired the creation of the “Nangdo Card Wallet”?

Although hanji is a traditional material, it has gradually faded from modern daily life. We wanted people to naturally experience the texture and warmth of hanji in their everyday routines. To achieve this, we layered multiple sheets of hanji to create a vegan-leather-like material and applied gold leaf featuring motifs from Korean painting and folk painting, expressing a harmony between tradition and modernity.

What was the most challenging part of the production process?

The biggest challenge was applying gold leaf evenly to hanji, whose surface is naturally uneven. After dozens of tests, we solved the problem by precisely adjusting the heat, pressure, and coating methods. As a result, the product now achieves both water resistance and durability.

What did you focus on most in the design?

We wanted to create not just a pretty wallet, but “an item that tells a story.” Each motif carries the aspirations and symbols of the Korean people, and we designed it so that every time you open the wallet, you feel as if you’re appreciating a painting.

What production method did you use with vegan leather?

The “Nangdo Card Wallet” was made with traditional hanji paper from Jeonju. By layering multiple sheets of hanji and bonding them with a high-fiber material, we created a type of vegan leather. It is an eco-friendly material that combines traditional elements with modern technology. During the bonding process, the surface was brushed to bring out a distinctive texture, then coated for waterproofing and sheen to enhance durability. We believe it represents a sustainable design that harmonizes the meaning of traditional hanji with the modern value of vegan leather.

What direction will “Mimyohan” pursue going forward?

We plan to expand the “Nangdo” series by adding everyday items such as pouches and keyrings. Furthermore, we aim to further develop hanji into an eco-friendly form of vegan leather and introduce Korean sensibility and sustainable design to the global market.