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Baekseolgi

Baekseolgi is a traditional Korean paper-making craft that has been around for a very long time. It involves making paper by hand, using a special technique.

First, people start by collecting materials. They gather materials like mulberry bark, which comes from the bark of a tree called mulberry. Mulberry bark is perfect for making paper because it is strong and flexible. They also collect other things like flowers, plants, and even bits of colorful cloth to make the paper look pretty.

Once they have all their materials, they start the process by boiling the mulberry bark. This helps to soften it and makes it easier to work with. After boiling, they remove any rough parts and pound the bark with a wooden mallet until it becomes a soft, pulpy substance. This pulpy substance is like a mushy mixture that they can spread out on a screen or a bamboo mat.

They take this pulp and spread it out evenly on the screen or bamboo mat, making sure it covers the entire surface. They press down gently to make sure everything sticks together. Then, they let it dry in the sun for some time. The sun helps to dry out the paper and gives it a nice texture.

Once the paper is dry, they carefully peel it off the screen or bamboo mat. Now, they have a beautiful handmade paper that is ready to be used for different things. They can use it to write letters, make drawings, or even create beautiful artwork. Baekseolgi paper is special because it is strong, soft, and has a nice texture.

Many people still make baekseolgi paper today, and it is also considered a part of Korean cultural heritage. People enjoy making it because it connects them to their ancestors and reminds them of the past. It is also a fun and creative way to make something useful out of simple materials.

In conclusion, baekseolgi is a traditional Korean craft of making paper by hand. People collect materials like mulberry bark, boil it, and pound it to make a soft, pulpy substance. This pulp is then spread out on a screen or bamboo mat, dried in the sun, and peeled off to create beautiful handmade paper.
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