February 20, 2026Feb 20, 2026
KCNA KCNA.kp (En)

Korean Ink Stick Famous for Its Quality

Date: 01/12/2021 | Source: KCNA.kp (En) | Read original version at source

Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) -- The Korean ink stick with a long history was well known to the world for its good quality and color.

According to historical records, Tam Jing, a monk active in the Koguryo Kingdom (B.C. 277 - A.D. 668), went to Japan in 610 to teach how to make ink stick. Hye Cho, a famous traveler of Korea, disseminated a method of making Songyon ink stick to a neighboring country on his way to India in the 8th century. Songyon ink stick, made of soot of resinous part of pine-tree, was famous for its soft color.

In Koryo period (918-1392), Maengju, Sunju and Phyongro ink sticks were very popular. They were exported to different countries. A certain country requested Koryo to send 10 000 ink sticks at one time in 1221. And a village in Maengju (now Maengsan) made 50 000 ink sticks for two months.

In the period of the feudal Joson dynasty (1392-1910), professional departments for making ink stick were set up in central and local governments to further develop its making technology. At that time, Tansanook and Haeju ink sticks were famous. Haeju ink stick had gained popularity after the 18th century. -0-

More From KCNA.kp (En)

Ninth Congress of WPK Opens with Splendor

Ninth Congress of WPK Opens with Splendor

Pyongyang, February 20 (KCNA) -- All the Party members and other people in the DPRK, absolutely convinced that the Korean

February 20, 2026

Pyongyang, February 20 (KCNA) -- All the Party members and other people in the DPRK, absolutely convinced that the Korean

Congratulatory Group of GAKC Arrives Here

Congratulatory Group of GAKC Arrives Here

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- A congratulatory group of the General Association of Koreans in China led by Chairwoman Choe Un

February 19, 2026

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- A congratulatory group of the General Association of Koreans in China led by Chairwoman Choe Un

Efficient Coal Depots Built in DPRK

Efficient Coal Depots Built in DPRK

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- According to Rodong Sinmun, several units in the coal industry of the DPRK have completed the

February 19, 2026

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- According to Rodong Sinmun, several units in the coal industry of the DPRK have completed the

People's Art Festival Closes in DPRK

People's Art Festival Closes in DPRK

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- The Third People's Art Festival for Celebrating February 16 closed in the DPRK. The festival

February 19, 2026

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- The Third People's Art Festival for Celebrating February 16 closed in the DPRK. The festival

Industrial Art Exhibitions Held in DPRK

Industrial Art Exhibitions Held in DPRK

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- Industrial art exhibitions on the theme of "New era of regional transformation and industrial

February 19, 2026

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- Industrial art exhibitions on the theme of "New era of regional transformation and industrial

Press Review

Press Review

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- Following are major news items and articles in leading newspapers of the DPRK on Thursday: - A

February 19, 2026

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- Following are major news items and articles in leading newspapers of the DPRK on Thursday: - A

National Ski Amateurs Contest Held

National Ski Amateurs Contest Held

Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- The 2026 National Ski Amateurs Contest was held at the Masikryong Ski Resort in the DPRK from

February 18, 2026

Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- The 2026 National Ski Amateurs Contest was held at the Masikryong Ski Resort in the DPRK from

Mt Paektu, Ancestral Mountain of Korean Nation

Mt Paektu, Ancestral Mountain of Korean Nation

Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Mt Paektu has been called the ancestral mountain of the Korean nation since olden times.

February 18, 2026

Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Mt Paektu has been called the ancestral mountain of the Korean nation since olden times.

Lunar New Year's Day Celebrated in DPRK

Lunar New Year's Day Celebrated in DPRK

Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- All the people across the country joyfully celebrated the significant lunar New Year's Day. Many

February 18, 2026

Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- All the people across the country joyfully celebrated the significant lunar New Year's Day. Many

Chairman Kim Jong Il's Birth Anniversary Celebrated in Japan

Chairman Kim Jong Il's Birth Anniversary Celebrated in Japan

Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Koreans in Japan significantly celebrated the auspicious February holiday, the birth anniversary

February 18, 2026

Pyongyang, February 18 (KCNA) -- Koreans in Japan significantly celebrated the auspicious February holiday, the birth anniversary

More Articles