Lacquer of everyday objects or containers not only prevents damage from moisture and insect infestation, but also helps to withstand high temperatures. As a result, lacquerware was widely used from prehistoric times, and lacquerware decorated with colorful jewels appeared as they entered the historical era. During the Unified Silla Period, lacquerware decorated with expensive Western oaks and turtle shells appeared, and in the 9th year of King Heungdeok's reign (834), a ban on luxury was imposed. Since then, the decoration of the lacquerware has been made of shells commonly found around it. In other words, Najeon lacquerware became the only decorative lacquer in Korea.

Tradition has continued so far.

Bae Geum-yong, a native of Gochang, North Jeolla Province, started his career when he worked at a Najeon Chilgi workshop in Mapo. Later, he was taught skills by Shim Bu-gil (a holder of important intangible cultural heritage) and Choi Jun-sik, a former teacher at the Tongyeong Najeon Chilgi Training Center, a public technology school.

He also developed his own technique of inserting patterns into metal wires, and pioneered new areas of the lacquerware. In 1988, he was selected from the Cultural Heritage Administration (CPA) and won a number of awards and special prizes at the Dong-A Crafts Festival in 1989. In addition, he has won seven other awards at the 1990 Gyeonggi-do Crafts Competition.