DF Archive - Skinner Korean Kites

About the Skinner Korean Kites

At the end of the 16 th century, the Korean military defeated Japanese invasion twice. During this time, kites were used to transmit military battle orders. Developed by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, certain combinations of kites

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dictated different commands (i.e. attack, retreat, turn, halt,) during sea battle. When the Japanese troops surrounded and attacked Pyongyang, a minister within the city flew a combination of kites to report the enemy situation to rescue troops and the Korean navy.

Over time, knowledge and understanding of the meaning of these kites had been neglected and nearly lost.

Through the help of Orlando Onkingco, Scott Skinner president of the Board of Directors of the Drachen Foundation commissioned the construction of a full set of these ancient kites from traditional Korean kite maker Shin Kunsoo.

This collection is now posted for you to view and study.