Sungmin, Suwon was founded in 1973, the original mill site was built from the foundations up and print production started in 1976.

The founders, Mr Kyojang Hwang and his wife were determined to have a printing mill that could supply the worlds leading brands, printing to such a high quality level that it would set them apart from their competitors.

Printing and finishing machinery was imported from italy, Austria and Switzerland and skilled workers, with the experience of handling silk were employed and trained.

Originally all the printing was for the local market until in 1987 they were granted an international trading license and the business could expend to global buyers.

The Hwang family immediately went to Liberty London! Liberty were impressed with the colour reproduction, fine print quality and personal approach; they established a relationship that lasted over 20 years, until Liberty bought their own print mills closer to home.

The early stages of computerized colouration started in 1994, initially with beam dyeing plain fabrics.

At the same time they opened an office in New York and established an in house design department to fulfil the demand for original design and a complete, reliable service all under one roof and one management team.

In 2008, Sungmin invested in the first digital printing machines, establishing a trusted relationship with Mona Lisa, Italy and being permitted to import their machines to Korea, under their careful control and training. Every other mill has followed in their path, often using Sungmin for training and advice on digital print technology and production.

Sungmin opened Rushan Sungmin in Shandong, China to maintain the demand for hand screen printing and processing luxury quality silk at competitive prices but with Korean diligent quality control. An office was also opened in Shanghai to support the international visitors that were now regularly coming to Sungmin. They included Burberry, Ann Taylor, Michael Kors, BCBG to name a few. The fabric quality was excellent and the brands had clear visibility of the process from yarn to finished fabric.

With the demand for synthetics, Sungmin Suwon became the site for digital innovation, even printing very heavy nylons for luggage for Prada and outerwear nylons with water repellent finishes for sports brands like The North Face and K2.

The main focus and mills technical structure has been on printing wovens but the business recognised the importance of jersey and also the significance of printing and finishing viscose with beautiful handles. In order to achieve the best finishing and washability of viscose fabrics, in all weights, Justin Jang (MD) and his technicians have visited Italy many times to gain the knowledge and taste level to process the fabrics to the best handle and performance.

Sungmin listen to their customers, actively work to limit waste and maintain the welfare of their staff and suppliers, they respond to lifestyles changes and economical fluctuations whilst producing quality fabric with care, passion and longevity.