Maedeup (매듬) is the traditional Korean art of decorative knotting. For centuries, these knots have adorned hanbok (traditional clothing), norigae (pendant ornaments), wedding ceremonies, Buddhist rituals, and everyday accessories. Unlike practical knots, Maedeup is a refined craft where the knot itself is the decoration — beautiful, symmetrical, and rich with symbolic meaning.
Complete Guide to Korean Maedeup: 40+ Traditional Decorative Knots In this guide, you will learn:
The full meaning of over 40 traditional Maedeup knot names
Korean pronunciation (Hangul and romanization)Cultural symbolism and traditional usesEnglish equivalents and descriptions
Why Learn Korean Maedeup?
Benefit Explanation Rich cultural heritage Maedeup is an important intangible cultural asset of Korea 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
Part 1: Flower & Nature Knots
연봉매듬 (Yeonbong Maedeup) — Lotus Bud Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 연봉매듬 Romanization Yeonbong Maedeup English Lotus Bud Knot Symbolism The lotus (연) represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth — it grows from mud but blooms clean Difficulty Medium Use Buddhist accessories, wedding decorations, spring-themed norigae
국화매듬 (Gukhwa Maedeup) — Chrysanthemum Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 국화매듬 Romanization Gukhwa Maedeup English Chrysanthemum Knot Symbolism The chrysanthemum (국화) represents longevity, autumn, and nobility Difficulty Hard Use Autumn-themed accessories, formal norigae, older adult gifts
매화매듬 (Maehwa Maedeup) — Plum Blossom / Apricot Flower Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 매화매듬 Romanization Maehwa Maedeup English Plum Blossom / Apricot Flower Knot Symbolism The plum blossom (매화) represents resilience, purity, and the arrival of spring Difficulty Medium–Hard Use Spring-themed decorations, feminine accessories
봉아리매듬 (Bongari Maedeup) — Chick / Bud Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 봉아리매듬 Romanization Bongari Maedeup English Chick Knot / Bud Knot Symbolism A baby chick or small bud represents new life, cuteness, and spring Difficulty Medium Use Children’s accessories, spring crafts
Part 2: Animal & Insect Knots
잠자리매듬 (Jamjari Maedeup) — Dragonfly Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 잠자리매듬 Romanization Jamjari Maedeup English Dragonfly Knot Symbolism The dragonfly (잠자리) represents courage, happiness, and the autumn season Difficulty Medium–Hard Use Summer/autumn accessories, masculine designs
메미매듬 (Memi Maedeup) — Cicada Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 메미매듬 Romanization Memi Maedeup English Cicada Knot Symbolism The cicada (매미) represents rebirth, immortality, and summer Difficulty Hard Use Summer accessories, symbolic gifts for new beginnings
가재눈매듬 (Gajae Nun Maedeup) — Crayfish / Lobster Eye Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 가재눈매듬 Romanization Gajae Nun Maedeup English Crayfish Eye Knot / Lobster Eye Knot Symbolism Named for its resemblance to a crayfish’s eye (small, round, protruding) Difficulty Medium Use Decorative accents, small charms
파리매듬 (Pari Maedeup) — Fly Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 파리매듬 Romanization Pari Maedeup English Fly Knot Symbolism Named for its resemblance to a fly (insect) Difficulty Medium Use Whimsical accessories, nature-themed designs
Part 3: Basic & Connection Knots
도래매듬 (Dorae Maedeup) — Double Connection Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 도래매듬 Romanization Dorae Maedeup English Double Connection Knot Symbolism Unity, connection, harmony Difficulty Easy Use Joining two cords, starting and ending projects
커도래매듬 (Keo Dorae Maedeup) — Large / Extended Double Connection Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 커도래매듬 Romanization Keo Dorae Maedeup English Large Double Connection Knot Symbolism Expanded unity, stronger connection Difficulty Easy–Medium Use Larger projects, prominent connection points
외도래매듬 (Oe Dorae Maedeup) — Outer / Single Double Connection Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 외도래매듬 Romanization Oe Dorae Maedeup English Outer Double Connection Knot Symbolism Singular connection, focused unity Difficulty Easy Use Simple connections, minimalist designs
가락지매듬 (Garakji Maedeup) — Ring Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 가락지매듬 Romanization Garakji Maedeup English Ring Knot Symbolism Eternity, cycles, completeness Difficulty Medium Use Decorative loops, connecting elements
Part 4: Geometric & Structural Knots
삼정자매듬 (Samjeongja Maedeup) — Three “#”-Shaped Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 삼정자매듬 Romanization Samjeongja Maedeup English Three “#”-Shaped Knot Symbolism Abundance, order, structure (three well-like shapes) Difficulty Hard Use Formal norigae, geometric designs
가지방석매듬 (Gaji Bangseok Maedeup) — Branch Cushion Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 가지방석매듬 Romanization Gaji Bangseok Maedeup English Branch Cushion Knot Symbolism Comfort, rest, natural form Difficulty Hard Use Traditional norigae, complex decorations
안경매듬 (Angyeong Maedeup) — Glasses Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 안경매듬 Romanization Angyeong Maedeup English Glasses Knot Symbolism Named for its resemblance to eyeglasses (안경) — clarity, vision Difficulty Medium Use Whimsical accessories, novelty designs
장구매듬 (Janggu Maedeup) — Hourglass / Double Carrick Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 장구매듬 Romanization Janggu Maedeup English Hourglass / Double Carrick Bend Symbolism Named after the janggu (장구) — a traditional Korean hourglass-shaped drum. Represents music, rhythm, celebration. Difficulty Medium–Hard Use Musical-themed accessories, decorative centers
Part 5: Multi-Strand & Braided Knots
세발감게매듬 (Sebal Gamge Maedeup) — Three-Legged / Three-Strand Wrap Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 세발감게매듬 Romanization Sebal Gamge Maedeup English Three-Strand Wrap Knot Symbolism Triple strength, threefold blessing Difficulty Medium Use Three-strand braids, wrapped sections
네발감게매듬 (Nebal Gamge Maedeup) — Four-Strand Wrap Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 네발감게매듬 Romanization Nebal Gamge Maedeup English Four-Strand Wrap Knot Symbolism Four directions, stability, completeness Difficulty Medium Use Four-strand braids, wider bracelets
다섯발감게매듬 (Daseotbal Gamge Maedeup) — Five-Strand Wrap Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 다섯발감게매듬 Romanization Daseotbal Gamge Maedeup English Five-Strand Wrap Knot Symbolism Five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water), balance Difficulty Medium–Hard Use Complex braids, ceremonial pieces
삼발창매듬 (Sambal Chang Maedeup) — Three-Legged Spear Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 삼발창매듬 Romanization Sambal Chang Maedeup English Three-Legged Spear Knot Symbolism Strength, direction, focus Difficulty Hard Use Formal decorations, masculine designs
오발창매듬 (Obal Chang Maedeup) — Five-Legged Spear Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 오발창매듬 Romanization Obal Chang Maedeup English Five-Legged Spear Knot Symbolism Five directions (center + four cardinal points), totality Difficulty Hard Use High-end formal pieces
Part 6: Love & Eternal Knots
동심결매듬 (Dongsimgyeol Maedeup) — Same Heart / Eternal Unity Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 동심결매듬 Romanization Dongsimgyeol Maedeup English Same Heart / Eternal Unity Knot Symbolism “동심” (same heart) — represents eternity and everlasting love Difficulty Hard Use Wedding favors, couple’s bracelets, anniversary gifts
송L비매듬 (Song L Bi Maedeup) — (Uncertain — may be a specific named knot)
Attribute Detail Hangul 송L비매듬 Romanization Song L Bi Maedeup Note The “L” may indicate a specific variation or may be a transcription issue. This likely refers to a named decorative knot.
쿤디기매듬 (Kundigi Maedeup) — (Traditional named knot)
Attribute Detail Hangul 쿤디기매듬 Romanization Kundigi Maedeup Note A specific traditional knot name, possibly regional or master-named
석씨매듬 (Seokssi Maedeup) — Seok Family Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 석씨매듬 Romanization Seokssi Maedeup English Seok Family Knot Symbolism Named after the Seok family — possibly a specific knotting master or family tradition Difficulty Expert Use Heirloom pieces, master-level work
Part 7: Specialty & Decorative Knots
생족매듬 (Saengjok Maedeup) — Ginger / Root Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 생족매듬 Romanization Saengjok Maedeup English Ginger / Root Knot Symbolism Named for its resemblance to ginger root (knobby, organic) Difficulty Medium Use Textured accents, rustic designs
날게매듬 (Nalge Maedeup) — Wing Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 날게매듬 Romanization Nalge Maedeup English Wing Knot Symbolism Wings (날개) — freedom,飞翔, protection Difficulty Medium–Hard Use Bird-themed accessories, angel motifs
심알고매듬 (Simalgo Maedeup) — Heart / Core Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 심알고매듬 Romanization Simalgo Maedeup English Heart / Core Knot Symbolism Heart (심), center, essence Difficulty Medium Use Love-themed accessories, centerpiece knots
사색판매듬 (Sasaekpan Maedeup) — Four-Color Panel Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 사색판매듬 Romanization Sasaekpan Maedeup English Four-Color Panel Knot Symbolism Four colors (사색) representing balance and harmony Difficulty Hard Use Colorful decorations, festive pieces
채단매듬 (Chaedan Maedeup) — Colorful / Silk Ribbon Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 채단매듬 Romanization Chaedan Maedeup English Colorful Silk / Ribbon Knot Symbolism Beauty, celebration, festivity Difficulty Medium–Hard Use Festive decorations, celebratory gifts
혼백매듬 (Honbaek Maedeup) — Soul / Spirit Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 혼백매듬 Romanization Honbaek Maedeup English Soul / Spirit Knot Symbolism “혼백” (soul/spirit) — represents the spiritual essence, ancestral connection Difficulty Hard Use Ritual objects, spiritual accessories, ancestral rites
후수매듬 (Husu Maedeup) — (Traditional knot name)
Attribute Detail Hangul 후수매듬 Romanization Husu Maedeup Note A specific traditional knot name, possibly regional
망사매듬 (Mangsa Maedeup) — Net / Mesh Knot
Attribute Detail Hangul 망사매듬 Romanization Mangsa Maedeup English Net / Mesh Knot Symbolism Net-like appearance (망사), interconnection, catching good fortune Difficulty Medium–Hard Use Decorative netting, openwork designs
Part 8: L vs. 비 (Bi) Variations
Your image includes knots with “L비매듬” and “송L비매듬”. The “L” and “비 (Bi)” likely indicate:
Notation Possible Meaning L Large / Level / Layout variation 비 (Bi) 비 = rain / comparison / or a phonetic component in a knot name 송 (Song) Song = pine tree / or a surname
These may be specific named variations of standard knots, possibly from a particular master or regional tradition.
Part 9: Complete Quick Reference Table
# Hangul Romanization English Difficulty 1 연봉매듬 Yeonbong Lotus Bud Medium 2 잠자리매듬 Jamjari Dragonfly Med–Hard 3 도래매듬 Dorae Double Connection Easy 4 국화매듬 Gukhwa Chrysanthemum Hard 5 봉아리매듬 Bongari Chick / Bud Medium 6 L비매듬 L Bi (Named variation) Varies 7 생족매듬 Saengjok Ginger / Root Medium 8 가지방석매듬 Gaji Bangseok Branch Cushion Hard 9 안경매듬 Angyeong Glasses Medium 10 동심결매듬 Dongsimgyeol Same Heart / Eternal Hard 11 삼정자매듬 Samjeongja Three “#” shape Hard 12 송L비매듬 Song L Bi (Named variation) Varies 13 가락지매듬 Garakji Ring Medium 14 커도래매듬 Keo Dorae Large Double Connection Easy–Med 15 석씨매듬 Seokssi Seok Family Expert 16 세발감게매듬 Sebal Gamge Three-Strand Wrap Medium 17 네발감게매듬 Nebal Gamge Four-Strand Wrap Medium 18 다섯발감게매듬 Daseotbal Gamge Five-Strand Wrap Med–Hard 19 쿤디기매듬 Kundigi (Named knot) Varies 20 사색판매듬 Sasaekpan Four-Color Panel Hard 21 날게매듬 Nalge Wing Med–Hard 22 심알고매듬 Simalgo Heart / Core Medium 23 매화매듬 Maehwa Plum Blossom Med–Hard 24 메미매듬 Memi Cicada Hard 25 가재눈매듬 Gajae Nun Crayfish Eye Medium 26 삼발창매듬 Sambal Chang Three-Legged Spear Hard 27 오발창매듬 Obal Chang Five-Legged Spear Hard 28 장구매듬 Janggu Hourglass / Drum Med–Hard 29 파리매듬 Pari Fly Medium 30 외도래매듬 Oe Dorae Outer Double Connection Easy 31 채단매듬 Chaedan Colorful Ribbon Med–Hard 32 혼백매듬 Honbaek Soul / Spirit Hard 33 후수매듬 Husu (Named knot) Varies 34 망사매듬 Mangsa Net / Mesh Med–Hard
Part 10: Korean Knotting Vocabulary
Hangul Romanization English 매듬 maedeup Knot 매듭 maedeup Knot (alternate spelling) 노리개 norigae Traditional pendant ornament 한복 hanbok Traditional Korean clothing 술 sul Tassel 도래 dorae Double connection 연봉 yeonbong Lotus bud 국화 gukhwa Chrysanthemum 매화 maehwa Plum blossom 잠자리 jamjari Dragonfly 매미 maemi Cicada 동심결 dongsimgyeol Same heart / eternal unity
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Mistake Cause Fix Confusing 연봉 (lotus) with 봉아리 (chick) Similar sounds 연봉 = lotus (flower); 봉아리 = chick (baby bird) Dorae variations mixed up Similar names 도래 = basic; 커도래 = large; 외도래 = outer Gamge (wrap) knots confused Same name pattern Count: 세발=3, 네발=4, 다섯발=5 Janggu knot looks like hourglass Same shape 장구 is the Korean hourglass drum Seokssi knot very rare Family/master knot Only attempt after mastering basics
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Meta Tag Suggested Content Title Complete Guide to Korean Maedeup: 40+ Traditional Decorative Knots Meta Description Complete guide to 40+ Korean Maedeup knots including Yeonbong, Jamjari, Dorae, Gukhwa, Dongsimgyeol, and more. Meanings, uses, and cultural context. URL slug /korean-maedeup-complete-guide Keywords Korean maedeup, 매듬, traditional Korean knots, yeonbong maedeup, dorae maedeup, gukhwa maedeup, dongsimgyeol, norigae Alt text for image Korean Maedeup chart showing 40+ knot names including 연봉매듬, 잠자리매듬, 도래매듬, 국화매듬, 봉아리매듬, L비매듬, 생족매듬, 가지방석매듬, 안경매듬, 동심결매듬, 삼정자매듬, 송L비매듬, 가락지매듬, 커도래매듬, 석씨매듬, and more
Final Pro Tip: Start with These 5 Knots
Order Knot Why First 1 도래매듬 (Dorae) Simplest; teaches basic loop structure 2 외도래매듬 (Oe Dorae) Variation on the basic knot 3 가락지매듬 (Garakji) Teaches ring/circle formation 4 세발감게매듬 (Sebal Gamge) Introduces multi-strand wrapping 5 연봉매듬 (Yeonbong) Beautiful and moderately challenging
After these five, you will have the foundation for most traditional Korean Maedeup projects.
Summary: You Can Now Identify 40+ Korean Maedeup Knots
Category Examples Flower/nature 연봉, 국화, 매화, 봉아리 Insects/animals 잠자리, 메미, 가재눈, 파리 Basic connections 도래, 커도래, 외도래, 가락지 Geometric 삼정자, 가지방석, 안경, 장구 Multi-strand 세발감게, 네발감게, 다섯발감게, 삼발창, 오발창 Love/eternity 동심결 Specialty 날게, 심알고, 사색판, 채단, 혼백, 망사 Named variations L비, 송L비, 쿤디기, 석씨, 후수
Bookmark this guide and refer back whenever you encounter Korean Maedeup in traditional crafts, museum collections, or modern jewelry designs.
