Hailing from the heart of South Korea, Anseong Daejanggan is more than a brand—it’s a tradition. Enriched by the city’s renowned brass, stone, and iron crafts culture, this blacksmith shop has been the pulse of Anseong, keeping its rich, artistic legacy alive for generations.
Daejanggan, which translates to ‘blacksmith shop’, is headed by Master Shin In-young. Born into a lineage of artisans, Master Shin embarked on his journey in craftsmanship in 1966 under the tutelage of his uncle. Over the decades, his unyielding dedication to his craft has elevated him to the status of a Master, an honor bestowed upon him by the Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Heritage Center.
Master Shin’s prowess lies in forging and hand-hammering traditional Korean tools for kitchen, farm, and garden use. Each tool is a testament to the timeless Korean artistry, merging functionality with a unique aesthetic appeal. The Master’s technique—honed over years of practice—imbues each piece with a distinct character and resilience, making them not just tools but heirlooms to be passed down through generations.
In recognition of his expertise and contribution to the preservation of traditional Korean craft, Master Shin was chosen for the significant task of restoration work on the stone pagoda of the Mireuksa Temple in Iksan. Entrusted with the creation of the necessary stoneworking tools, he played a pivotal role in bringing one of Korea’s cherished historical sites back to its former glory.
Anseong Daejanggan, under Master Shin’s guidance, stands as a beacon of South Korean craftsmanship, uniting the past and present through each stroke of the hammer. The brand is a harmonious blend of heritage, culture, and craftsmanship, resonating with the vibrancy of Anseong and the spirit of its people.