Ancient Korean Paper and Papermaking

Paper was first introduced to ancient Korea through the Lelang Commandery, located in what is now northwestern Korea. However, there is no clear evidence of its use until the late 2nd century CE, when wooden tablets (mokgan) remained the dominant medium for writing. A major turning point came in the late 2nd century, marked by the emergence of writing tools and the establishment of papermaking workshops within the Lelang fortress. In addition to existing bronze and iron craft workshops, new facilities dedicated to papermaking were founded, signaling the beginning of maji (hemp paper) production. Goguryeo, through frequent interactions with the Lelang Commandery, became the first Korean kingdom to adopt both paper and papermaking techniques. Tomb murals from the period suggest that maji (hemp paper) was already being produced by the mid-to-late 4th century. Baekje also embraced papermaking via Lelang and began producing paper in the late 4th century. Historical evidence, including the colophon of the Avatamsaka Sutra housed at Hwaeomsa Temple, indicates that by the 6th to 7th centuries, skilled papermakers from former Baekje territories were producing high-quality jeoji (paper made from mulberry bark). In Silla, papermaking was typically carried out from the 9th to the 10th lunar month and continued through the winter until the following February. Both maji (hemp paper) and jeoji (mulberry paper) were produced in a range of colors and grades, and distributed through specialized markets known as jeojeon (paper shops). When large quantities of high-quality paper were needed—particularly for the transcription of Buddhist scriptures—skilled artisans from papermaking workshops near temples were commissioned for the task. Paper was generally manufactured in full sheets measuring 30 by 60 centimeters, sold in standard sizes and trimmed as required. Long scrolls of Buddhist texts were created by either attaching multiple sheets or cutting them into suitable sections. Given the rarity and value of paper, papermaking artisans were held in high esteem, with some even appointed to senior official positions equivalent to the fifth rank.