The edge of the chinaware is decorated with diamond-shaped Swarovski gemstones.

Crown-shaped patterns in gold and red shine in a blue and white star burst in the center of the dishes and tea cups.

This is the Prouna Queen's Diamond Jubilee line of tableware which Hankook Chinaware released in 2010. Thanks to the luxury dish set, the firm was selected by the British royal family to produce the celebratory chinaware for the 60th Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, shining in the worldwide spotlight.

In fact, Hankook Chinaware can be often seen at other international functions apart from those held by the British Monarchy, as the firm is the main supplier of chinaware for Korean embassies and consulates worldwide.

Now recognized as Korea’s leading maker of chinaware, the history of Hankook Chinaware begins in 1943 in a small factory in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do (North Chungcheong Province). In the past, Korean ceramic makers produced goods domestically. The founder and chairman, Kim Dong-soo, and about 10 staff members began a business with the determined will to make the best quality pottery in Korea. However, the Korean War (1950-1953) and the influx of plastic food containers after the war led to poor sales and worsened the company's financial difficulties.

Kim did not give up and focused on developing new products. To upgrade the quality of his dishware, Hankook Chinaware imported transparent paper which was used to print patterns on pottery from the U.K. where some of the world's highest quality chinaware was made. In 1970, the company released its Old Country Roses line which quickly grew in popularity.

In 1973, Kim visited Cheong Wa Dae on invitation of the then First Lady Yuk Young-soo (1925-1974). She asked him to produce high quality chinaware so that she could serve high-profile officials and leaders from overseas with pride. At her request, Kim made Korea’s first line of bone china. Hankook Chinaware's bone china is thin and light, yet quite sturdy, and helps to keep food warm. Since then, the company has been supplying its chinaware to the presidential mansion.


The Vatican has also recognized the quality and technology of Hankook Chinaware. In 1990, the firm received a request from the Vatican to make a special line of chinaware. It now produces and supplies special chinaware decorated with pictures depicting the birth of Jesus and Jesus’ words. There is also a design depicting the signature of Pope John Paul II (1920-2005).



Hankook Chinaware made another leap forward in 2004 when it launched a new premium brand, Prouna. The Prouna dishes are decorated with crystals and involve handmade techniques, pursuing both the beauty and practicality of porcelain. Prouna is a combination word made from “proud,” “profound” and “una,” meaning "one" in Spanish. All Prouna products are made from top quality bone china that contains more than 60 percent bone ash. This porcelain is made from non-lead enamel, 24 karat gold and white gold, all of which are brought together through the technological prowess and craftsmanship of Hankook Chinaware.

Currently, Hankook Chinaware is ranked first in the Korean market, recording KRW 50 billion in sales last year.

The popularity of Hankook Chinaware continues overseas. Currently, the firm exports to about 50 countries, including the U.S., Europe, Turkey and countries in the Middle East. That accounts for approximately 30 percent of its total sales. Hankook Chinaware can also be found at well-known department stores such as Bloomingdale's in New York or Harrods in London.

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Hankook Chinaware
arete@korea.kr