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2021 ASEAN Market

The cool breezes of fall have finally arrived, but travel still isn’t an option for most people due to surges of COVID-19 and the continuation of social distancing in many countries. Don’t be too disappointed, though! The ACH is pleased to present an opportunity that is similar to an outdoor market in an ASEAN country: ASEAN Market, which will be held for three days from October 8! This year’s market will showcase not only the Korean companies that have consistently sold ASEAN handicrafts at our annual ASEAN Market, but also stalls from which ASEAN citizens will sell products from their home country, including painstakingly made handicrafts and nature-inspired, eco-friendly items. The market, which will give Koreans a chance to feel (albeit indirectly!) the atmosphere and vibe of ASEAN, will also feature handicrafts by noted Korean artisans. Don’t forget to drop by the events that will be held alongside the market, including: taste tests of ASEAN coffees and teas, one-day cooking classes and open discussion with prominent figures, coloring ASEAN flags, performances, quizzes, and on-the-spot giveaways. For those who are unable to visit in person, the ACH’s YouTube channel will offer a livestream of the market. Some of the items on offer will also be made available for online purchase through “guerilla live commerce” sales. We hope that all visitors to this year’s ASEAN Market, which offers sights, tastes, and entertainment from ASEAN both on- and offline, can feel as if they are in an ASEAN country, alleviating (at least in part!) our collective desire for pre-pandemic travel.

Mini Interview Mina Kim CEO of Elu Trip

Please introduce Elu Trip to our ACH Monthly readers. We’re a craft workshop that has introduced and sold handmade, everyday objects from countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR to Koreans since 2015. We introduce many high-quality materials, like organically- dyed thread and hand-woven cotton, that are not yet common in Korea. The most important thing for us is to not cause harm to humans or the environment.

How did you become interested in ASEAN crafts? Through my travels in Thailand, Lao PDR, Nepal, and India, I came into contact with many objects that reflected the values and hopes of the people who made them. I was shocked by the strength of these values and hopes, as well as the beauty of these items; some were exquisitely crafted and others were for everyday use. Regardless of their function, I was amazed by the beauty of the life cycle of these objects, which were clearly not meant to be set on a pedestal but rather to be used often, after which they would be returned to the Earth once they lost their usefulness.

What do you think are the most defining traits and strengths of ASEAN crafts? Many handicraft items are used for real purposes in people’s daily lives. There’s a lot of variation in terms of craftsmanship and things like size, but all of the handicrafts that I’ve seen have clearly reflected the nature of the user’s life. Another benefit is that ASEAN crafts, which are made for mundane purposes and for a broad consumer base, are very affordable. The biggest advantage by far, however, is the fact that they can replace their plastic and leather counterparts.

Please note that ASEAN Market 2021 will be held in strict compliance with the Korean government’s rules on preventing and minimizing the spread of COVID-19, and that the ACH prioritizes visitors’ safety above all else. Some aspects of the market may be subject to change depending on social distancing regulations in place at the time of the market’s hosting.