Bringing Back Matches

[Anchor Lead]

Matches were once a household. They're rarely used or even seen in modern day Korea. Today, we introduce a group of people working hard to keep the ailing industry afloat. Let's take a look.

[Pkg]

In the past, matches were so popular that more than 300 match factories had to operate around the clock but often failed to meet the demand. However, the invention of lighters led to the disappearance of match factories. However, here is a match factory. It produces matches in a traditional manner that is rarely seen these days.

[Soundbite] Hwang Ki-seok(Match Factory Owner) : "In the past, we produced matches in octagonal boxes or small boxes. But there is no demand for it now. So we only produce matches for cakes."

Matchsticks are made with poplar wood, which is relatively easy to cut thinly. It is all handwork from coating the machine-trimmed sticks with flammable wax to making the bead-like match heads. Now, it's time to dry the matches well in sunlight. Defective products are sorted out by hand and a test is conducted to see if the matches are perfectly made.

[Soundbite] Hwang Ki-seok(Match Factory Owner) : "We have good memories about matches. I feel sad about their disappearance. I hope that matches will be redeveloped in various ways."

A store is working hard to preserve matches. Many young people are customers of this store, which sells unique matches. Young customers are fascinated by the packaging of matches, which has a modern touch.

[Soundbite] Hong Soo-jin(Customer) : "I thought matches are outdated and old-fashioned. But matches in this packaging are very pretty."

The packaging is created by two young designers. Disappointed about the dying popularity of matches, they decided to do what they could do as designers and began to design a new packaging for matches. These young people are connecting the past and the present. They also have ambitious plans.

[Soundbite] Shin So-hyun(Match Designer) : "I wanted to give a modern sense to old articles. I plan to work to keep matches used in our everyday lives."

These people's hard work is rekindling the popularity of matches.