Traditional Korean Maedeup: Complete Guide to 18 Decorative Knots

Maedeup (매듭) is the traditional Korean art of decorative knotting. For centuries, these knots have adorned clothing, accessories, wedding ceremonies, and Buddhist rituals. Unlike purely practical knots, Maedeup is a refined craft where the knot itself is the decoration — beautiful, symmetrical, and rich with meaning.

In this guide, you will learn:

• The full meaning of 18 traditional Maedeup knot names
• Korean pronunciation (Hangul and romanization)
• Cultural symbolism and traditional uses
• English equivalents and descriptions

This guide is based on information from the Korean Cultural Centre Australia (KCC Australia) , located in Sydney.

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Why Learn Korean Maedeup?

Benefit	Explanation
Rich cultural heritage	Maedeup is an important part of Korean traditional arts (along with hanbok, hanji, and jangseung)
Unique knot styles	Korean knots have distinctive shapes and symmetrical beauty
Symbolic meanings	Each knot carries wishes for luck, love, longevity, or protection
Used in modern crafts	Incorporate Maedeup into jewelry, keychains, bookmarks, and accessories
Meditative practice	Tying Maedeup requires focus and patience, similar to meditation

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Part 1: Basic & Connection Knots

1. 도래 매듭 (Dorae Maedeup) — Double Connection Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	도래 매듭
Romanization	Dorae Maedeup
English	Double Connection Knot
Similar to	Chinese 双联结 (Double Connection), Japanese 双連結び
Symbolism	Unity, connection, harmony
Difficulty	Easy
Use	Joining two cords, starting and ending many Maedeup projects

How to identify: Two interlocking loops that lie flat against each other. The most fundamental Korean knot.

2. 귀도래 매듭 (Gwidorae Maedeup) — Eared Double Connection Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	귀도래 매듭
Romanization	Gwidorae Maedeup
English	Eared Double Connection Knot
Meaning	“귀” (gwi) = ear — the knot has small ear-like loops on the sides
Difficulty	Easy–Medium
Use	Decorative versions of the double connection knot; often used at the ends of tassels

Difference from Dorae: Dorae is flat and minimal. Gwidorae has additional ear-shaped loops that extend outward.

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Part 2: Nature-Inspired Knots (Flowers & Plants)

3. 연봉 매듭 (Yeonbong Maedeup) — Lotus Bud Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	연봉 매듭
Romanization	Yeonbong Maedeup
English	Lotus Bud Knot
Symbolism	The lotus (연 / yeon) represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth — it grows from mud but blooms clean
Difficulty	Medium
Use	Buddhist accessories, wedding decorations, spring-themed norigae (traditional Korean pendant)

How to identify: A teardrop or bud shape, narrower at the top and rounded at the bottom.

4. 매화 매듭 (Maehwa Maedeup) — Apricot Flower Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	매화 매듭
Romanization	Maehwa Maedeup
English	Apricot Flower Knot (Plum Blossom Knot)
Symbolism	The apricot blossom (매화) represents resilience, purity, and early spring — it blooms while snow is still on the ground
Difficulty	Medium–Hard
Use	Spring-themed norigae, hair ornaments, feminine accessories

Note: In Korean, 매화 refers to the apricot blossom (Prunus mume), which is the same flower known as “plum blossom” in Chinese and Japanese contexts.

5. 국화 매듭 (Gukwa Maedeup) — Chrysanthemum Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	국화 매듭
Romanization	Gukwa Maedeup
English	Chrysanthemum Knot
Symbolism	The chrysanthemum (국화) represents longevity, autumn, and nobility
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Autumn-themed accessories, formal norigae, older women’s hanbok decorations

How to identify: A multi-petaled flower shape, similar to a daisy or mum, with many radiating loops.

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Part 3: Animal-Inspired Knots

6. 병아리 매듭 (Byeongari Maedeup) — Chick Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	병아리 매듭
Romanization	Byeongari Maedeup
English	Chick Knot
Symbolism	A baby chick (병아리) represents new life, cuteness, and spring
Difficulty	Medium
Use	Children’s accessories, cute keychains, spring crafts

7. 잠자리 매듭 (Jamjari Maedeup) — Dragonfly Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	잠자리 매듭
Romanization	Jamjari Maedeup
English	Dragonfly Knot
Symbolism	The dragonfly (잠자리) represents courage, happiness, and the autumn season
Difficulty	Medium–Hard
Use	Summer/autumn accessories, norigae, masculine designs

How to identify: An elongated knot with four wing-like loops.

8. 매미 매듭 (Maemi Maedeup) — Cicada Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	매미 매듭
Romanization	Maemi Maedeup
English	Cicada Knot
Symbolism	The cicada (매미) represents rebirth, immortality, and summer. In Korean tradition, the cicada sheds its skin and emerges renewed.
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Summer accessories, symbolic gifts for new beginnings

9. 암나비 매듭 (Amnabi Maedeup) — Female Butterfly Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	암나비 매듭
Romanization	Amnabi Maedeup
English	Female Butterfly Knot
Meaning	“암” (am) = female; “나비” (nabi) = butterfly
Symbolism	The butterfly represents joy and marital happiness. A female butterfly has rounder, softer wings.
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Wedding decorations, feminine accessories, paired with Sunabi

10. 수나비 매듭 (Sunabi Maedeup) — Male Butterfly Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	수나비 매듭
Romanization	Sunabi Maedeup
English	Male Butterfly Knot
Meaning	“수” (su) = male
Symbolism	A male butterfly has sharper, more angular wings
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Wedding decorations, masculine accessories, paired with Amnabi

Pairing: Together, 암나비 and 수나비 represent a happy married couple. They are often used together in wedding norigae.

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Part 4: Geometric & Symbolic Knots

11. 가락지 매듭 (Garakji Maedeup) — Ring Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	가락지 매듭
Romanization	Garakji Maedeup
English	Ring Knot
Meaning	가락지 (garakji) = ring or bracelet
Symbolism	Eternity, completeness, cycles
Difficulty	Medium
Use	Simple decorative loops, connecting elements

12. 생쭉 매듭 (Saengjjak Maedeup) — Ginger Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	생쭉 매듭
Romanization	Saengjjak Maedeup
English	Ginger Knot
Meaning	Named because it resembles a ginger root (생쭉) — knobby and organic
Difficulty	Medium
Use	Textured accents, rustic designs

13. 삼정자 매듭 (Samjeongja Maedeup) — Three “#”-Shaped Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	삼정자 매듭
Romanization	Samjeongja Maedeup
English	Three “#”-Shaped Knot
Meaning	“삼” (sam) = three; “정자” (jeongja) = the character 井 (well / # shape)
Symbolism	The three well-like shapes represent abundance, order, and structure
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Formal norigae, geometric designs

14. 장구 매듭 (Janggu Maedeup) — Double Carrick Bend / Hourglass Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	장구 매듭
Romanization	Janggu Maedeup
English	Double Carrick Bend / Hourglass Knot
Meaning	장구 (janggu) is a traditional Korean hourglass-shaped drum
Symbolism	Music, rhythm, celebration
Difficulty	Medium–Hard
Use	Musical-themed accessories, decorative centers

How to identify: An hourglass or drum shape, narrow in the middle and wider at both ends.

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Part 5: Love, Eternity & Specialty Knots

15. 동심결 매듭 (Dongsimgyeol Maedeup) — Eternal Unity / Same Heart Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	동심결 매듭
Romanization	Dongsimgyeol Maedeup
English	Eternal Unity Knot (Same Heart Knot)
Meaning	“동심” (dongsim) = same heart / unity of mind; “결” (gyeol) = knot
Symbolism	Representing eternity and everlasting love. Two hearts becoming one.
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Wedding favors, couple’s bracelets, anniversary gifts

16. 안경 매듭 (Angyeong Maedeup) — Glasses Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	안경 매듭
Romanization	Angyeong Maedeup
English	Glasses Knot
Meaning	Named because it resembles a pair of eyeglasses (안경)
Difficulty	Medium
Use	Whimsical accessories, novelty keychains

How to identify: Two round loops connected by a bridge, like a pair of spectacles.

17. 가지방석 매듭 (Gajibangseok Maedeup) — Branch Cushion Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	가지방석 매듭
Romanization	Gajibangseok Maedeup
English	Branch Cushion Knot
Meaning	“가지” (gaji) = branch; “방석” (bangseok) = cushion / mat
Difficulty	Hard
Use	Complex decorative pieces, traditional norigae

18. 석씨 매듭 (Seokssi Maedeup) — Seok Family Knot

Attribute	Detail
Hangul	석씨 매듭
Romanization	Seokssi Maedeup
English	Seok Family Knot
Meaning	“석씨” (Seokssi) = the Seok family name — this knot may be named after a specific knotting master or family tradition
Difficulty	Expert
Use	Heirloom pieces, master-level work

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Part 6: Complete Quick Reference Table

#	Hangul	Romanization	English	Difficulty	Symbolism
1	도래 매듭	Dorae	Double Connection	Easy	Unity
2	귀도래 매듭	Gwidorae	Eared Double Connection	Easy–Med	Connection + ears
3	연봉 매듭	Yeonbong	Lotus Bud	Medium	Purity, enlightenment
4	매화 매듭	Maehwa	Apricot Flower	Med–Hard	Resilience, spring
5	국화 매듭	Gukwa	Chrysanthemum	Hard	Longevity, autumn
6	병아리 매듭	Byeongari	Chick	Medium	New life, cuteness
7	잠자리 매듭	Jamjari	Dragonfly	Med–Hard	Courage, happiness
8	매미 매듭	Maemi	Cicada	Hard	Rebirth, immortality
9	암나비 매듭	Amnabi	Female Butterfly	Hard	Marital joy (female)
10	수나비 매듭	Sunabi	Male Butterfly	Hard	Marital joy (male)
11	가락지 매듭	Garakji	Ring	Medium	Eternity
12	생쭉 매듭	Saengjjak	Ginger	Medium	Organic texture
13	삼정자 매듭	Samjeongja	Three “#” shape	Hard	Abundance, order
14	장구 매듭	Janggu	Double Carrick / Hourglass	Med–Hard	Music, rhythm
15	동심결 매듭	Dongsimgyeol	Eternal Unity / Same Heart	Hard	Everlasting love
16	안경 매듭	Angyeong	Glasses	Medium	Whimsy
17	가지방석 매듭	Gajibangseok	Branch Cushion	Hard	Traditional decoration
18	석씨 매듭	Seokssi	Seok Family	Expert	Master-level work

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Part 7: Traditional Use — Norigae (노리개)

Maedeup knots are most commonly seen on norigae (노리개) — traditional Korean pendant ornaments worn by women on their hanbok (traditional clothing). A typical norigae consists of:

Component	Description
Maedeup (knot)	The decorative centerpiece
Sulp (술)	Tassel hanging below
Pendant	Jade, silver, or gold ornament attached below the tassel

Different knots are used for different occasions:

• Weddings: Butterfly knots (Amnabi/Sunabi), Eternal Unity (Dongsimgyeol)
• First birthday (dol): Lotus, Chick
• Spring: Apricot flower (Maehwa)
• Autumn: Chrysanthemum (Gukwa), Dragonfly (Jamjari)
• Buddhist ceremonies: Lotus (Yeonbong)

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Part 8: Maedeup vs. Chinese & Japanese Knots

Feature	Korean Maedeup	Chinese 中国结	Japanese 結び
Cord material	Silk (often thicker)	Silk, satin, nylon	Silk, kumihimo
Typical colors	Bright (red, blue, yellow, pink)	Red, gold, green	Muted, natural, indigo
Shape style	Rounded, full, symmetrical	Geometric, loop-heavy	Delicate, fine, layered
Typical use	Norigae (pendants)	Wall hangings, gifts	Obijime (kimono cords)

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Part 9: Korean Knotting Vocabulary

Hangul	Romanization	English
매듭	maedeup	Knot
노리개	norigae	Traditional pendant ornament
한복	hanbok	Traditional Korean clothing
술	sul	Tassel
도래	dorae	Double connection
귀	gwi	Ear
연봉	yeonbong	Lotus bud
매화	maehwa	Apricot blossom
국화	gukwa	Chrysanthemum
나비	nabi	Butterfly
잠자리	jamjari	Dragonfly
매미	maemi	Cicada
동심결	dongsimgyeol	Same heart / eternal unity

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Common Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake	Cause	Fix
Confusing Maehwa (apricot) with Gukwa (chrysanthemum)	Both are flower knots	Maehwa has 5 petals; Gukwa has many more
Butterfly knots look the same	Need to see male vs. female	Female (Amnabi) = rounder wings; Male (Sunabi) = sharper wings
Dorae and Gwidorae mixed up	Both are double connections	Gwidorae has extra ear loops
Janggu (drum) knot collapses	Hourglass shape not pinned	Use pins to hold the narrow center while tightening
Norigae tassel uneven	Cut without measuring	Wrap tape around the tassel before final trim

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Meta Tag	Suggested Content
Title	Traditional Korean Maedeup: Complete Guide to 18 Decorative Knots
Meta Description	Learn 18 traditional Korean Maedeup knots, including Dorae, Yeonbong, Maehwa, Butterfly, Dragonfly, Cicada, and Dongsimgyeol. Meanings, uses, and cultural context.
URL slug	/korean-maedeup-knots-guide
Keywords	Korean maedeup, 매듭, traditional Korean knots, dorae maedeup, yeonbong maedeup, norigae, Korean Cultural Centre Australia
Alt text for image	Traditional Korean Maedeup knot chart from the Korean Cultural Centre Australia showing 18 knot names in Hangul and English including Dorae, Gwidorae, Yeonbong, Garakji, Saengjjak, Maehwa, Samjeongja, Janggu, Dongsimgyeol, Gukwa, Byeongari, Seokssi, Amnabi, Sunabi, Jamjari, Angyeong, Maemi, and Gajibangseok

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Final Pro Tip: Visit the Korean Cultural Centre

Your image includes the address of the Korean Cultural Centre Australia:

Detail	Information
Location	Ground floor, 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Hours	Weekdays 10am–6pm
Website	koreanculture.org.au
Email	info@koreanculture.org.au
Phone	02 8267 3400

If you are in Sydney, visit the centre to see traditional Maedeup demonstrations, attend workshops, or view historical norigae in person.

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Summary: You Can Now Identify 18 Korean Maedeup Knots

Category	Knots
Basic connections	도래 (Dorae), 귀도래 (Gwidorae)
Flowers	연봉 (Lotus), 매화 (Apricot), 국화 (Chrysanthemum)
Insects	병아리 (Chick), 잠자리 (Dragonfly), 매미 (Cicada), 암나비/수나비 (Butterflies)
Geometric	가락지 (Ring), 생쭉 (Ginger), 삼정자 (Three #), 장구 (Hourglass)
Love & eternity	동심결 (Eternal Unity)
Specialty	안경 (Glasses), 가지방석 (Branch Cushion), 석씨 (Seok Family)

Bookmark this guide and refer back whenever you encounter Korean Maedeup in traditional crafts, museum collections, or modern jewelry designs.