Do you know where the heart of Korean pottery lies? Icheon, South Korea’s famous ceramics hub, seamlessly blends tradition with modern artistry. From interactive pottery workshops at Ye’s Park to the timeless charm of Sagi Makgol Village, Icheon is an essential destination for art and culture enthusiasts alike.

2 Days Trip to Icheon, Korea

In July 2024, we went on a journey to Icheon, South Korea’s renowned center of pottery and ceramics. Despite the rainy weather, the off-season atmosphere allowed for a peaceful and enriching exploration of this charming village. Known for its long history in ceramics, Icheon is home to numerous master artisans and hosts several attractions that highlight Korea’s ceramic artistry. During our visit, we explored three key locations—Ye’s Park, Cerapia, and Sagi Makgol Village—each offering a unique experience in pottery and craftsmanship.

Ye's Park: An Immersive Artistic Experience

Ye’s Park stands as one of Icheon’s most significant artistic hubs, an expansive complex that took a decade to complete. This vast space houses over 350 craft studios, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Korean ceramics. Ye’s Park offers far more than a simple shopping experience; it provides hands-on opportunities to engage with pottery, creating a deeper connection to the craft.

The park’s winding streets are filled with vibrant displays of ceramic art. From small, intricately detailed cups to imposing vases, the variety of pieces on display is remarkable. One of the park’s key attractions is the chance to participate in pottery-making workshops, where visitors can create their own pieces under the guidance of skilled artisans. The experience of shaping clay on a spinning wheel, adding patterns, and glazing the final product is both rewarding and educational.

Apart from pottery, visitors can also engage in glass-blowing workshops. Whether crafting a cup or vase, the experience is fascinating and provides a rare opportunity to explore a different medium. For those seeking a more accessible activity, painting pre-made ceramics is another option. Visitors can personalize bowls, plates, or decorative items, creating one-of-a-kind keepsakes to take home.

Ye’s Park also offers scenic walking paths, surrounded by nature, where visitors can take a break and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. After exploring the craft studios, one can relax with a light meal, sampling traditional Korean rice dishes and banchan (side dishes) that complement the day’s artistic endeavors.

What makes Ye’s Park truly special is the intimate connection visitors can form with the artists. Many of the master potters not only work in the park but also live on-site. This unique setup allows for deeper interactions with the artisans, offering insights into their creative processes. Visitors can ask questions, observe demonstrations, and witness the creation of extraordinary ceramics, making the experience all the more personal.

Cerapia: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

\

Cerapia is another essential stop on any visit to Icheon. Nestled near the Icheon World Ceramic Center, Cerapia is a fusion of traditional Korean pottery and modern ceramic art. This dynamic park showcases large-scale installations and sculptures, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with clay.

As we wandered through Cerapia, the Ceramic Pavilion stood out as one of the highlights. This exhibition hall features the works of both local and international artists, displaying a wide array of techniques and styles. From functional pottery to avant-garde sculptures, the diversity of ceramics showcased here demonstrates the versatility of the medium. The pavilion offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of ceramics, with each artist presenting their own interpretation of the craft.

Cerapia is also home to interactive workshops, where visitors can try their hand at pottery-making or simply observe the masters at work. The atmosphere here is tranquil, with beautiful gardens and walking trails providing a peaceful backdrop for the art. Strolling through the park, one can reflect on the connection between nature and art, as the installations blend seamlessly into the landscape.

Even if you are not an expert in ceramics, Cerapia’s unique combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary art creates an inspiring environment. It’s a place that encourages creativity and invites visitors to appreciate the timeless beauty of pottery.

Sagi Makgol Village: A Step Back in Time

For a more traditional experience, we visited Sagi Makgol Village, one of the oldest and most historic pottery villages in Korea. This quiet, picturesque village has been a hub for ceramic production for over 500 years. Walking through its narrow, cobbled streets, we felt transported back in time, as the village maintains much of its old-world charm.

Sagi Makgol is known for producing Baekja Daeho, or moon jars, a classic example of Korean pottery. These round, elegant jars are celebrated for their simple yet striking form and milky white glaze. Watching a master potter at work, shaping a moon jar from a lump of clay, was an awe-inspiring experience. The precision and patience required to create such a flawless piece of pottery highlighted the depth of skill passed down through generations of artisans.

The village also offers pottery workshops where visitors can learn about ancient Korean pottery techniques. Unlike the more contemporary experiences at Ye’s Park and Cerapia, Sagi Makgol focuses on the preservation of traditional methods. These hands-on classes provide a rare opportunity to understand the history and cultural significance of Korean ceramics. Visitors can also explore the village’s historical kilns, some of which are still used today.

Sagi Makgol’s peaceful and slower pace makes it a perfect destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in Korea’s rich ceramic heritage. The intimate atmosphere of the village, with its lush surroundings and time-honored pottery traditions, provides a more personal and contemplative experience.

2024 Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale

The Gyeonggi Museum of Contemporary Ceramic Art, located in Icheon, will be the main venue for the biennale. In addition to the exhibition, there will be a retrospective of previous winners of the international ceramics competition, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of ceramic art over the years.

The biennale will not only highlight Korea’s long-standing tradition of pottery but also demonstrate the global significance of ceramics as an art form. It’s an event that anyone with an interest in ceramics, art, or culture should consider attending.

The End.

Icheon is more than a city of ceramics; it’s a place where history, art, and nature harmoniously meet. From hands-on pottery workshops at Ye’s Park, to exploring contemporary ceramic art at Cerapia, and discovering the centuries-old traditions at Sagi Makgol Village, Icheon offers a unique experience for everyone. Its seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern creativity makes it a must-visit for both art lovers and casual travelers.

While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to try Icheon’s famous King’s rice, a delicacy known for its rich flavor and heritage. This locally grown rice, once served to royalty, perfectly complements your journey through the city’s artistic and cultural landmarks. Combining pottery exploration with a taste of Icheon’s finest cuisine makes for a truly memorable trip.

Ye's Park
57, Dojayesul-ro, Sindun-myeon, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Cerapia (World Ceramic Center / 이천 세라피아)
263, Gyeongchungdae-ro 2697 Beon-gil, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Sagi Makgol Village
24 Gyeongchung-daero 2993beon-gil, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea