Guest Contribution by Pascal Panagiotidis

The 'Chong-sa-cho-rong' is a traditional lantern covered with blue and red silk. Since a long time ago, Koreans used the 'chong-sa-cho-rong' lantern when welcoming guests to one's house or even meeting guests after dark. As a kind gesture, it represents a warm hearted welcome for guests. Korean industrial designer Cho hyung suk redesigns this traditional lantern from the beginning.

Chong-sa-cho-rong is widely used by Korean people for various social activities that usually take place out of their houses. Therefore it has been designed in a way to be easily transported. That implies the necessity for simple design and lightweight materials so that anyone may take it with him in order to meet other people on his way after sunset or just welcome his visitors at his doorstep. So, it is not a surprise that the 'Chong-sa-cho-rong' has become the emblem of the 'Visit Korea Year' some years ago.

Cho hyung suk managed to create a modern version of a typical Korean lantern which represents so much for the Korean people as an important social and cultural element of their society.  Four lamps have been grouped and surrounded by a wooden structure that keeps them together. On the top there is a chain that ends to a hand grip so that anyone may hold and transport the lantern everywhere. A great example of how a classic design object can be transformed in a modern one that not only is adapted to nowadays needs but also meets today's Design requirements.