A ¡°dojang¡± is a Korean word for personal stamps or seals. They are usually made of wood or stone. Their shapes are round or square.
Koreans commonly use dojangs in life and business. Using dojangs is like signing in Western society.
Dojangs were first introduced to Korea in approximately 2 BC. Dojangs used in the Goryeo Dynasty (918 - 1392) and Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1897) have been preserved.
There were two kinds of dojang - a private dojang and an official dojang used during the Joseon Dynasty period. The most important official dojang is called ¡°Oksae¡± or ¡°Guksae.¡± It is the national seal used by kings in important documents of the country.
Although signing has become popular in Korea these days, dojangs are still used on official and private business documents like official letters and certificates.
Sometimes, a dojang with the recipient¡¯s name can also be a good gift item.
Questions
1. What are the materials used to make a dogang?
2. When do Koreans use a dojang?