| Onggi clay pottery, both glazed and unglazed, has been indispensable in Korean everyday life until several decades ago. They were not just utensils and vessels but household items in their own right. Korean ancestors would store fermented foodstuffs such as Kimchi, and also salted seafood in Onggi pots, because of their permeability. |
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The pots are very much aerated, thus keeping their content from rotting. The Onggi's properties enable the food to keep at a certain temperature, making it a catalyst for fermentation. This way, foods like Kimchi, Doenjang, Ganjang and salted seafood do mature and preserve well. For all these reasons, Onggi is called a breathing pot. The pottery does also have antiseptic properties, so even rice and seeds do not rot easily.
The Onggi Folk Museum is a private museum built to unveil Onggi pottery as a cultural asset. Over 2,000 pottery items used by long gone Koreans are displayed under a beautiful ceiling. In addition, over 3,000 items which show unique Korean folk culture such as earthenware, everyday household items, and stoneware are on display.
The Onggi gallery in the basement houses liquor jugs, Kimchi pots, fire pots, chamber pots, memorial service vessels, etc. Are also displayed: Cupping recipients where pus would be put after being removed from an inflammation; pots which were used to make the King's medicine; spoon stands with dragon design, and many other items that are true witness to Korean ancestors' way of life.
The outdoor gallery houses traditional farming tools, stone tools and sculptures.
Courses are held within the Onggi Folk Museum. Visitors can take part. There are various programs: on-spot learning programs, ceramic art course, folk painting, tea ceremony course, etc.
Tel 02-900-0900
Opening hours 10:00¡18:00 (Closed every Monday)
Admission fee Adult 2,000won, Children 1,000won
How to get there Get off at Suyu station off line no. 4 then take the bus no. 6 or 6-1 or 8, and get off at Seorabeol middle school. The museum is 100 meters away from Seoul bank street. You will see a red brick building. Go up to the 3rd floor.
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| 13-06-2001 |
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