OIS ART OF CANADA introduced the Korean Traditional Gyubang Craft to Canadian citizens by a lecture about the Korean Traditional Gyubang Crafts and a Gyubang-Pin Cushion Making Workshop.

Gyubang was an exclusive space for women in Korean traditional houses. During the Joseon dynasty from 1392 to 1897, the conservative doctrine of Confucianism was the prevailing ideology and it completely restricted women’s outdoor activities. Gender inequality was pretty harsh for women in those days. Because women’s outdoor activities were highly prohibited, so they spent most of their time learning how to sew and make common goods such as thimbles, needle holders, patchwork, and pouches. Sometimes, they produced masterpieces of garments and folding screens. Therefore, the Gyubang where women used to stay were not just indoor spaces, but creative art studios!