For this project, I crafted an owl-shaped lantern using traditional Hanji paper. Interestingly, during this process, I learned the difference between owls and eagle owls—something I hadn’t known before. At first glance, they look very similar, but did you know that they can be distinguished by their ear tufts?
Eagle owls (called “bu-ung-i” in Korean) have prominent ear tufts on their heads, while typical owls (“ol-baem-i”) do not. Their rounder appearance gives them a softer look. Both are nocturnal birds of prey, and this makes them a great example when explaining how animals that seem alike can have distinct physical features.
One fascinating fact is that this distinction between “owl” and “eagle owl” is unique to the Korean language. In English, they are all simply called “owls.”
Interestingly, there are no owl species officially named “bu-ung-i” in scientific taxonomy. However, Korean names such as Eurasian Eagle Owl (Suri-buung-i), Brown Fish Owl (Chilk-buung-i), Long-eared Owl (Soe-buung-i), and Northern Hawk Owl (Sol-buung-i) all include the word "buung-i."
Historically, eagle owls were also referred to as “myo-du-eung,” meaning “falcon with a cat’s face,” because of their feline appearance. The Chinese character for “cat” (猫, myo) shares a similar pronunciation with a character symbolizing longevity, making the owl a cultural emblem of long life.
In Korean folklore, however, owl cries in the middle of the night were often seen as bad omens. It was once believed that if an owl cried while facing a village, someone in that village would soon pass away. In Eastern traditions, owls were even considered unfilial birds for supposedly eating their own mothers.
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.
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