In Korea, papermaking started not long after its birth in China between the 3rd and the end of the 6th century, initially using crude materials such as hemp and ramie scraps. The Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–668 CE) saw each kingdom recording their official histories on paper, with significant advancements made in paper and ink production. The world's oldest surviving wood block print, the Pure Light Dharani Sutra, printed onto hanji around 704, stands as a testament to the sophistication of Korean papermaking during this era. Paper crafts flourished, and the Silla Kingdom, in particular, deeply integrated papermaking into Korean culture, referring to it as Gyerimji.

The Goryeo period (918–1392) marked the golden age of hanji, with a substantial increase in the quality and use of hanji, particularly in printmaking. Hanji was used for various purposes including money, Buddhist texts, medical books, and historical records. The government’s support for dak cultivation led to its widespread planting, enhancing hanji’s reputation for strength and luster across Asia. Noteworthy achievements of this period include the carving of the Tripitaka Koreana and the printing of Jikji in 1377, the world's oldest extant book printed using metal movable type.

The Joseon period (1392–1910) saw the continued proliferation of hanji in daily life, with its use extending to books, household items, fans, and tobacco pouches. Innovations included colored paper and paper made from a variety of fibers. The government established an administrative agency for paper production and even used paper armor for troops. However, the introduction of Western paper mass production methods in 1884 marked a significant shift, posing challenges to the traditional hanji industry.