IFEZ Journal

Green Celadon Pottery Class at the Global Center

The Only  pottery Created by My Own Hands

The Global Center of IFEZ provides various living support and cultural programs for international residents in IFEZ. 

The center’s Green Celadon Pottery Class held in July was an excellent opportunity for residents to experience traditional Korean culture.

The Charms of Korea Experienced by Foreigners

Here is a lecture room in the Global Center, located on the first floor of the IFEZ building. A few foreigners entered the room to take a seat, and the number soon grew to 20. They all gathered here to take part in the Green Celadon Pottery Class, which was planned by the Global Center to help international residents better understand Korea’s history and to introduce green celadon pottery, an aspect of cultural heritage for Incheon. At the center of it all was Kim Gap-yong, a pottery master who served as the class’ instructor for the day, and the students’ curious eyes could not help but be drawn in by Kim’s mastery as he sat at a pottery wheel, effortlessly working the clay.

Global Center info

Address 1st floor, 175 Art center-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

Operating Hours Mon.-Fri. 09:00~19:00

Contact ☎ 032-453-7350 

E-Mail ifezglobal@korea.kr 

The Process of Creating My Own Piece

“Today, we will work on the porcelain bottom part and design,” Kim said. In the first session, last week, international students completed the basic shapes of pottery. In today’s class, they are ready to move on to the next level. They put their work on the table and pay attention to the instructor’s words. “Dig out the middle of the bottom. You should handle it carefully so as not to ruin the shape.” After listening to these instructions, the students started working on their own. No matter how careful they were, most students’ pieces became bumpy, highlighting the challenges of digging the pottery out smoothly. Some had to re-knead the clay for maintenance work. In the end, the instructor helped them all shape their pottery to some extent. It was regrettable that they could not complete the whole process entirely on their own, but the students were still enthralled by their work while listening to the instructor’s explanations.

Over the course of an hour, the students barely managed to complete the bottoms of their pieces, but it now came time to add a few personal touches. The students agonized over which pattern to choose for their design before engraving the bottom or side of the work. They drew various patterns, such as comb patterns, wave patterns, leaves, and fish, according to their tastes. They were earnest about making their one-of-a-kind pottery pieces. “If you engrave patterns too deeply, it may break your work when baked. Be careful.” The instructor’s advice made the students more focused.

While engrossed in design work, the students did not even realize it was time to wrap up the second session. Looking at the results of their hard work, some students were disappointed, while others were more satisfied. They will complete their pieces during the final session next week. With great anticipation for the results to come, the instructor and students promised to meet again soon. The students in attendance commented, “The subtle color and texture of green celadon is beautiful and attractive. The experience of touching the soil and turning the pottery wheel was amazing and fun.”

1. Yessica Nicolas (Mexico)

At first, I felt weird when I touched the clay. I couldn’t imagine how such soft clay would become hard pottery.

It was hard to follow because I’m not good at English or Korean, but I made my pottery well.

2. Nagendran Rajalingam (India)

It was a really new experience. I knew what pottery was, but I had no idea how to make it.

Learning the process of making it in detail was meaningful through this lecture.

I can’t wait to see what the final result will look like.

3. Firsova Galina (Russia)

At first, I was afraid that I would not be able to make pottery properly, but with the teacher’s help, I managed to create a beautiful piece. 

It’s my first time, but I think it suits my aptitude. My only complaint is that the three-session class is too short. It should have been longer.

4. Shakira Daniel (United Kingdom)

It was an honor to meet the master potter. Making pottery was very difficult, but it was just as fun and rewarding.

I have lived in Songdo for two years and have taken several programs at the Global Center. I look forward to other fun programs.