A marvelous stone, An artisanal record | Full Documentary | Korean inkstone | How to make inkstone

A marvelous stone, An artisanal record/How to make inkstone/Korean inkstone master

“I don’t want to give up until the very end.”

Inkstone Maker Shin Myeong-sik was born in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do Province, the “Home of Nampo Inkstones”, in 1952.
Although his father and grandfather had been renowned inkstone artisans, he had no intention to continue the arduous family business.
But after following his brother to Danyang in Chungcheongbuk-do Province, he finds himself searching for a mysterious purple ore, and by fate becomes an inkstone artisan.
He indulges in momentous prosperity while producing inkstones as
'presidential gifts' for retiring public educational personnel.
But a severe economic crisis hits when cheap alternative products take over the industry and people cease to manually grind ink sticks.
Then one morning, he is diagnosed with liver cancer, and the side effects of anti-cancer drugs devour his kidney.
His last remaining hope is his only son, who inherited the inkstone making techniques.

Director: Kim Daewoong
Director of Photography: Kim Byoungsoo
Writer: Youn Hye-seon
Produced by: MBC Chungbuk