Dominant Industry - Hyangwon

Dominant Industry Hyangwon - Ink drop

Hyangwon (향원) is the second ink created by Dominant Industry for the Spring 2025 Seoul Pen Show. Like the first ink, Buyong (부용), this ink is inspired by a royal pavilion in one of the five Joseon dynasty palaces in Seoul. Hyangwonjeong (Hyangwon pavilion) is located on an island in Seoul’s most-visited palace, Gyeongbokgung. The name Hyangwon translates as “far-reaching fragrance” and reflects the serenity and beauty of this royal retreat. The pavilion is surrounded by flowering trees and shrubs, and this inspires the color of the ink.

(Interestingly, in 1884, King Gojong contacted the Edison Light Co. to electrify the palace and illuminate the pavilion. Hyangwon pavilion was the first building in Korea to get electricity and electric light! Anyway, back to the ink.)

Dominant Industry Hyangwon Ink Swatch on Cosmo Air Light and Tomoe River Papers

Hyangwon is a soft and gentle chromoshading ink. The base color differs slightly depending on the paper you use, but in all cases, we find shades of lavender and violet. On some you’ll find it leans purple, on others more blue. Stroke centers show hints of plums, oranges, and pinks. It has a beautiful range. In writing, shading is quite nice, and stroke edges are well defined.

Dominant Industry Hyangwon Ink Swatch on Iroful and Takasago Bank Paper

Writing performance is as good as it looks. Flow is neutral, but not dry, and it’s consistently comfortable. I haven’t had any problems with feather or spread, and ghosting is minimal with no bleed. As for drying, it’s just a tiny bit beyond average, but very much within the normal range, so no problem at all.

Dominant Industry Hyangwon Ink Writing Sample on Cosmo Air Snow Paper

Hyangwon was a Dominant Industry pen show exclusive for the Spring 2025 Seoul pen show, so it won’t be easy to find. If I could send you all a bottle, I would! Hopefully they’ll release something close for their regular line. I can’t think of anything similar in their catalog, and this would be a popular choice!

Dominant Industry Hyangwon Writing Samples

Dominant Industry Hyangwon Fountain Pen Ink Swatch Card

Dominant Industry Hyangwon Ink Swatch Card Comparisons

Dominant Industry Hyangwon - 30 ml Bottle and Box