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Adidas Superstar Hanji Lantern: A Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary Culture

We were commissioned to create a Hanji lantern in the shape of the iconic Adidas Superstar sneaker to celebrate the opening of the new Adidas flagship store in Myeong-dong—one of Seoul’s hottest retail spots. This wasn’t our first encounter with Adidas; we had previously collaborated during the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Daegu, where we helped operate the brand's interactive promotion booth. It wasn’t a perfect experience, but looking back, it certainly felt like the beginning of a lasting connection.



Drawing on our prior experience designing a 4-meter-tall sneaker lantern for the 2016 National Sports Festival for All, this project was technically familiar. However, what stood out most was the incredible attention to detail shown by the Adidas project manager. Their sense of responsibility and eye for design left a strong impression—qualities that clearly contribute to exceptional results. Although I haven’t had the chance to visit the installation in person due to a busy schedule, their passion made me think I should make the time to stop by.



The Adidas sneaker lantern was designed as a photo zone centerpiece for the newly opened Myeong-dong store. It sits atop a blue MDF-crafted shoebox, mimicking the brand’s classic packaging. To ensure visitors could capture both the lantern and themselves in a single photo frame, the structure was carefully scaled to 2500 mm in width and 1750 mm in height. The design featured minimal color, which meant that capturing the right frame structure was crucial. We focused on replicating the shoe’s overall stitching pattern to define its form accurately.


Pricing Policy (Purchase, Lease-to-Own, Rental)

There are three pricing options for traditional Korean paper lanterns (Hanji lanterns) used in festivals: purchase, lease-to-own, and rental. Purchase refers to the standard method where the client owns the lanterns after production and delivery. Lease-to-own means that while the lanterns are custom-made, ownership reverts to Geurimtorie after the festival. In this case, the price is typically set at 60–70% of the full production cost. If the same client chooses to reuse the lanterns in the following year, they may rent them at a lower price than the original lease-to-own fee. This option is cost-effective for clients who have difficulty storing or maintaining the lanterns after the festival, and it also reduces initial costs.

Rental fees vary from 8% to 60% of the production cost, depending on the rental duration. For long-term rentals exceeding 30 days, separate consultation is required.

Production Specifications

The frames are made from wood, metal, and bamboo, and the exterior is covered with single- or double-layered Hanji (traditional Korean paper). The base structure is composed of wood and metal. Unless specifically requested otherwise, Geurimtorie does not use fabric for lanterns, only traditional Hanji.

Production Process

All Hanji lanterns are handcrafted, which requires considerable time. First, we build a frame using wood, metal, or bamboo. Then, electrical wiring is installed. Afterward, the design is shaped with wire based on blueprints or illustrations. Once the shape is complete, it is covered with Hanji, dried, and then painted. After painting, we apply a waterproof coating at least three times and allow it to dry between layers. This strengthens the Hanji and includes a special treatment to prevent insect damage.

Production Consultation

For consultation, please contact Geurimtorie Studio at 031-946-2533 or via email at finux@naver.com. For quotations, we recommend using the inquiry board. For urgent matters, contact us via mobile phone for a quicker response. Please note that phone calls may not be answered during noisy working hours, so mobile contact is preferred.

Comments

Posts that include advertising, slander, off-topic content, price comparisons, or other content that goes against community etiquette or the intent of the Geurimtorie website may be deleted or edited without notice. During production, responses may be delayed, so for urgent matters, please contact us by mobile phone. All images are the property of Geurimtorie and are protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction or commercial use of any text or image is strictly prohibited.

A/S Policy (After-Sales Service)

Our after-sales policy applies to floating lanterns, sky lanterns, and DIY experience kits, excluding festival lanterns. Production and delivery time may vary depending on the quantity, so please inquire in advance.

As all Geurimtorie products are handmade, shipping and installation costs may vary by region and quantity. Experience kits require a minimum order quantity and may require separate consultation. For products excluding festival and wish lanterns, logo printing is available at an additional cost.

If a product defect occurs due to a shipping error or operational issue on the part of Geurimtorie or a third-party provider, return shipping costs will be covered by Geurimtorie or the provider. However, due to the customized nature of festival and wish lanterns, returns are not accepted after production begins. Repairs for defects are fully handled by Geurimtorie. Ongoing maintenance requires a separate maintenance contract.

Exchange/Refund Policy

Returns, exchanges, and refunds are only available within 7 days of receiving the product. Due to the nature of festival and wish lanterns, returns are not possible, so please finalize your decision after thorough consultation.

Refunds for card or real-time transfers will be processed through card or transfer cancellations. For bank transfers, refunds will be issued in cash. Please ensure that the payment is made under the purchaser's name.

If only part of a multi-item card purchase is canceled, the uncanceled items will need to be reprocessed for a new payment, after which the full original payment will be canceled. Partial card payment cancellations may take 5–7 business days (excluding holidays) due to confirmation procedures with the card company and vendor.

Even if a product appears defective, Geurimtorie may require an inspection before processing a refund or exchange.

For returns due to a change of mind (such as size, color, texture, or dimensions), customers are responsible for round-trip shipping fees. Festival lanterns are excluded from this policy.


Copyright 2013 by glimtory. All page contents are property of glimtory.

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