Cho Seung-min

Born into a carpentry family that traces back four generations, Cho received traditional training from his father starting at age 12. He established Hana Traditional Woodworks in 1995 after spending two decades working on historic temple and palace restorations across Korea.

Experience: Master level with over 50 years of experience (10/10)

Favorite Jobs

• Traditional joinery
• Historic building restoration
• Training apprentices

When I cut wood, I listen to what it tells me about its past and future. Traditional Korean carpentry isn't just a profession; it's a spiritual dialogue between craftsman, materials, and the centuries of wisdom before us.

Physical Condition

Despite his age, Cho maintains remarkable strength in his hands and precision in his movements. Today he is experiencing some joint degeneration in his knees after decades of kneeling at low workbenches, but refuses to reduce his workload.

Favorite Place

The ancient Jogyesa Temple in Seoul where he completed his first major restoration project as a young carpenter. He often visits early in the morning before tourists arrive, touching the wooden beams he helped restore decades ago. The silence and spiritual atmosphere help him reconnect with the purpose of his craft.

Links

Works at Hana Traditional Woodworks