Kim Young-soo

Young-soo has been with Hanyang Mokjae since its founding, as he was a childhood friend of founder Kim Jae-sung. He received traditional training from his own father and grandfather who were temple carpenters. His knowledge of traditional joinery techniques is unmatched in the company, and he now primarily focuses on training the next generation while working on the most prestigious traditional projects.

Experience: Over 45 years of experience with mastery of traditional Korean carpentry techniques (10/10)

Favorite Jobs

• Complex traditional joinery
• Restoration of historic structures
• Ornamental carved elements
• Mentoring apprentices

Traditional joinery is not just about connecting pieces of wood; it's about connecting to our ancestors. When I cut a dovetail joint the same way it was done centuries ago, I'm in conversation with all the masters who came before me.

Physical Condition

Suffers from arthritis in his hands and chronic lower back pain from decades of physical labor. Today his joints are particularly stiff due to the changing weather, and he moves more slowly than usual but still maintains precision in his work.

Favorite Place

Young-soo's favorite place is the ancient Beopjusa Temple in North Chungcheong Province with its remarkable five-story wooden pagoda. He participated in its restoration work as a young carpenter and feels a deep personal connection to the structure. He makes a pilgrimage there every spring to admire the cherry blossoms surrounding the temple and to quietly assess how the wooden structures are aging. These visits reconnect him with the purpose of his life's work and the enduring nature of properly executed traditional joinery.

Links

Works at Hanyang Mokjae Co., Ltd.