We had the opportunity to go check out Icheon Ceramics Village a few weeks ago and it was an artist’s paradise. A wonderful mix of preserving the old techniques with the new and modern love of pop culture ceramic interpretations. Korean ceramics are among the most celebrated art forms in East Asia, renowned for their elegance, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.
Icheon: A Hub for Korean Ceramics
We started our morning at the Icheon City Museum learning about the history of Korean ceramics. Just outside of Seoul, the city of Icheon has been known as a center for ceramic production since ancient times due to its abundant clay resources. In the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Icheon became an official royal kiln site and produced ceramics for the royal family and court. The town is home to numerous ceramic workshops, studios, and cultural centers dedicated to preserving and advancing traditional pottery techniques.
A Short History of Korean Ceramics
Korean Ceramics can be traced back to the Neolithic period (circa 8000 BCE), when early Koreans began crafting earthenware for daily use. However, it was during the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) that Korean ceramics reached their artistic peak with the development of celadon pottery. Goryeo celadon, known for its jade-green glaze and intricate inlay techniques, remains one of Korea’s most cherished cultural treasures.
During the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), ceramic production shifted toward white porcelain and buncheong ware, which featured bold designs and minimalistic aesthetics. Joseon porcelain became highly valued for its refined simplicity and was widely used in royal courts and temples. Today, Korean ceramics continue to evolve, blending traditional techniques with modern tastes.
Popular Korean Ceramic Techniques
Korean ceramics are admired for their unique techniques, many of which have been passed down through generations of artisans. Some of the most notable are:
- Celadon (Cheongja, 접자): This technique, developed during the Goryeo Dynasty, features a translucent greenish glaze that gives the pottery a luminous quality. Many celadon pieces include intricate carved or inlaid designs of cranes, lotus flowers, and clouds.
- Buncheong (분청사기): A type of stoneware from the early Joseon Dynasty, buncheong pottery is characterized by its grayish-blue glaze and bold, expressive decorations, often created using stamping or brushing techniques.
- White Porcelain (Baekja, 백자): Valued for its purity and elegance, Joseon white porcelain became the preferred choice of the royal court. These pieces often feature minimalist aesthetics, with delicate blue cobalt or iron underglaze designs.
- Onggi (옹기): A more practical form of pottery, onggi refers to large earthenware vessels used for fermenting kimchi, soy sauce, and other foods. This rustic pottery is still widely used in Korean households today.
Visiting Ye’s Park in Icheon
Our next stop was Ye’s Park, Korea’s largest craft village with facilities for the creation, display, and sale of ceramics. A dream come true for ceramic lovers. You can shop many artist storefronts, often meeting the artists themselves, as well as learning about their inspirations and techniques. There was a common artistic theme of cats that ebbed through many of the galleries and I wasn’t mad about it. So many talented artists in one place, where you are free to wonder from store to store in a pedestrian friendly neighborhood. Would highly recommend spending some time here if you have the chance. You can take organized tours through Klook that make it easy. Some studios offer the opportunity to create your own ceramic pieces as well.
Korean ceramics are more than just functional objects; they are a reflection of the country’s artistic and cultural identity. Whether you are a collector, an artist, or simply an admirer, experiencing Korean ceramics is a beautiful display of Korea’s rich history.
