It seemed befitting that an educational center for traditional arts and crafts be situated next to Seolleung, a king's tomb. The tomb houses the remains of the Joseon Kingdom's 9th ruler, King Seongjong, and his second wife Jeonghyeonwanghu. Han Sang-soo, traditional Korean embroiderer was there Tuesday as a teacher overseeing students enrolled in an eight-week program. But Han, 81, is the country’s Important Intangible Cultural Property in Korean embroidery, known for her singular match of colors and almost modern sewing that makes her work seem alive. "That's because we use a lot of inner stitching to portray the highs and lows," she explained in an interview at the center in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul. Han said she wants to keep the interview short as she wants to concentrate on her future plans. But once she starts talking, her passion and energy were evident; even as she sped through her 60 plus years as an embroiderer, the interview lasted for nearly two hours. What caught the eyes as she spoke were her pretty and long-nailed fingers, and her hands that were surprisingly soft. "Needlework doesn't ruin your hands," said Han. "These nails are to help me arrange a line or a fold when I sew," said Han.