A Study on the Strategic Collaboration System between Craftspeople and Enterprises for Sustainable Development in the Center of Creative Metropolitan City

Background South Korean craftspeople face several limitations in performing productive activities. This study aims to define the distinctive characteristics of craftspeople when compared to fine artists and designers to diagnose the current status of craft production in South Korea. Methods This study uses a comparative method, quantitative data analysis, narrative analysis, and a case study. The number of workers, Seoul’s physical infrastructure, the status of higher craft education, and the trend of corporate collaboration are considered. Craft-corporate collaboration is defined and classified based on craftspeople’s contribution in the collaborative process. This study also identifies a positive ripple effect from individual craftspeople to the country’s socioeconomic condition. Results Findings suggest that craft-corporate collaboration can apply to foreign countries in the same manner with the expectation of a positive impact. Conclusions This study analyses the specific conditions for modern craftspeople and the corporates in South Korean society in order for the healthy and innovative craft -corporate collaborations to take place.