Art of Bojagi: Korean-style gift wrapping for the holidays

MANILA, Philippines — It's just a few days away before Christmas, and for those who want to hand-out an extra special gift, there is a special Korean fabric that one can use as a wrap. 

Bojagi is a traditional Korean wrapping cloth. It is a square cloth used to cover, wrap, or safely keep an object. It is believed that items wrapped in Bojagi bring good luck and fortune. 

It is often a beautiful fabric that can be recycled for other uses. Thus, a Bojagi does not only look good but also helps the environment. 

With the popularity of Korean dramas, many other Korean items have become known all over the world, and the Bojagi has been seen in many dramas displaying its purposes. 

Apart from being a special gift wrap, it has other functions. According to the Korean Culture and Information Service, it can become a mat, something to cover the knees when wearing a skirt, or a shield when one forgets an umbrella. 

"A long time ago, it's very simple but these days, we make very beautiful Bojagi. And when we give some precious gifts to somebody, we wrap it with Bojagi," said Chef Lily Min. 

Chef Min showed how to wrap a present using a Bojagi at the recent Kimchi-making workshop held in the Korean Cultural Center in Taguig City. — Video by Kathleen A. Llemit, editing by Martin Ramos

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