Korean knots

Korean knots is a traditional Korean handicraft. The finished knot has the same shape at the front and at the back, has bilateral symmetry, and can be made using one or two threads. While the practice is comparable to Chinese knots, Korean knots differ in their braiding technique and are tied without the use of tools. They also differ from Chinese knots in their historic development.

Traditionally, the knots were used primarily as hunting tools and their usage was initially limited to royal families, spreading later to common people. Today, modern Korean artists are using the traditional knots in their works.

History of Korean Knots

Prehistory

In prehistoric times, Korean knots were used solely for practical purposes.They were tied around the waist and used to carry stone-axes, swords, and other tools used for hunting and food. Tools from the Stone Age exhibit holes where thread was looped through and then knotted. Similar evidence is found in relics of the Bronze Age. The knots were strengthened by twisting or weaving multiple strings.