Seoul Tower Hwatu

Published January 05, 2017 Updated April 26, 2022

This special ‘Hwatu’ card set has all the traditional 48 flower cards given a modern graphic treatment.

2008 KoreaArt & DesignMiracle FishHwatu

Seoul Tower Hwatu published by Miracle Fish ©2008

Tradition and Modernity are not contradictory or exclusive. The question is: “which traditions live and change, and which do not?”

Both the deck and the game have now become part of Korean tradition, with new ‘branded’ or ‘themed’ versions being devised. This unique ‘Hwatu’ card set has all the traditional 48 flower cards given a modern graphic treatment - which also extends to the Jokers and extra cards. In addition, the suits are given symbolic meanings which are printed on each card. The set is presented in a special plastic case, inside a draw-string bag, inside a nice cardboard box, all superbly customised by ‘Miraclefish’ and ‘The Bang’, and made in Korea.

See also: Diamond HwatuWaddamda HwatuRoyal Hwatu.

Seoul Tower Hwatu published by Miracle Fish ©2008 Seoul Tower Hwatu published by Miracle Fish ©2008 Seoul Tower Hwatu published by Miracle Fish ©2008 Seoul Tower Hwatu published by Miracle Fish ©2008

Above: Seoul Tower Hwatu playing cards published by Miraclefish, 2008. 48 cards + 3 Jokers + 4 extra cards, presented in a special plastic case, inside a draw-string bag, inside a customised cardboard box. Cards sourced by Adam Wintle & Jinny Puprasert.

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By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.

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