By Margareth Theresia
Photos and video = Park Daejin

Walking along a mild slope leads to the sight of low-rise buildings of diverse shapes and colors. The front yards of the buildings are filled with colorful pottery and handicrafts, making this village appear like one giant exhibition.

This is the first impression of Icheon Ye's Park, aka Icheon Ceramic Art Village, in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do Province. The venue is one of this year's "Local 100," a list of provincial tourist destinations, for its historical significance and the artistic value of the city's ceramic culture.

More than a mere tourist attraction, this living cultural space houses about 200 workshops that naturally bring artists and visitors together.

The main appeal of the park is to experience Korean ceramic culture in one place, ranging from traditional moon jars made of porcelain and everyday ceramics to the experimental works of young artists.

Visitors can explore quiet valleys, admire artworks and buy the ones they like. A perfect place for a day trip by families and foreign tourists, the village sports stylish cafes and restaurants tucked away in all corners of the alleys for a relaxing atmosphere.

 

Visitors can touch and work with the clay instead of just viewing under guidance of the artists. Fifty-four workshops at the park offer programs such as pottery making and wheel experiences and painting.

One-day classes are also available in disciplines like carpentry and the making of ukuleles, jewelry or soap.

Korea.net visited the ceramics workshop "Under the Sky" hosted by ceramic artist Kim Chang Seb. Even novices of any age can make their own plates or cups if they follow the artist's instructions and spin the potter's wheel, learning about Korean ceramic culture firsthand.

The finished pieces are fired in kilns and delivered right to a recipient's doorstep through courier.

Korea.net later visited Gallery Mieum, whose director, ceramic artist Kim Il Wan, showcases original sculptural works that combine ceramics with mechanical structures.

"I'm interested in expressing through ceramics angular forms, which are hard to make with clay, and mechanical images," he said.

He uses clay's limits such as its tendency to warp and shrink during the drying and firing processes as a new starting point for his art.

The natural distortions created by fire are blended with intricate geometric forms, creating a taut tension in each piece.

A place where tradition, experimentation, appreciation and experience coexist, the village is a prime provincial destination to experience up close the country's rich ceramic culture.

Tips on visiting Icheon Ye's Park

Directions: Take bus No. 24 from Sindundoyaechon Station on the Gyeonggang Line, get off at the stop "Reservoir entrance" and walk to the park. Taking a taxi is also possible.

Preliminary check: Each workshop has its own programs and hours, so checking them on the official website (www.2000yespark.or.kr) in advance and making a reservation are highly recommended.

Best time to visit: The annual Icheon Ceramics Festival from April to May offers the year's widest variety of exhibitions, performances and large interactive events.

margareth@korea.kr