Welcome to the Gangjin Exhibit, Workshop and Tour blog.
Our title photo was taken by Chris Wilks the partner of Elise Bishop one of the 2009 exhibitors who walked up the mountain above the Gangjin celadon complex to get this photo. This huge complex, for producing and promoting ceramics, is just one of at least nine such complexes in South Korea. Imagine, South Korea is only the size of Hungary in Europe and/or the state of Indiana in the USA. The photo illustrates the commitment South Korea has to ceramics. We will visit some of these ceramic complexes on our International Ceramic Artist's Tour of Korea. It would take us at least two weeks to visit all nine and also see just a few ceramic artists. The full photo is below and shows the bay and some islands in the distance.
Gangjin sits at the end of a large inlet and was the major port for shipping celadon. It is estimated that 80% of the ancient celadon in international major museums comes from Gangjin. There were also many ship wrecks of pottery found in the inlets and bays off the countless nearby islands. Nearby museums display these recovered ship wrecks. Six hundred years ago, pirates invaded this area many times ultimately leading to the diminished importance of celadon. During the Imjin or "Potter's War" Japanese ships invaded this area only to be driven off by some very innovative folk who created a scarecrow army. The entire area is rich in history and culture. Major Seon or "Zen" Buddhist temples known for Tea are nearby as is the Bosong tea plantation and many potters of all types live near here. Korean Seon Buddhism is the purest form of "Zen" in the world.
To follow this blog in sequence please cleck the word 'Next' at or near the end of each post.
This blog is public but intended for those who are considering joining us for the upcoming Gangjin Experience and International Ceramic Artist's Tour or have participated in The Gangjin Experience and one of our tours.
I hope that we will be able to answer your questions about these experiences.
We at Morning Earth Korea can develop similar tours on many topics for your group. Contact us if you are interested. But don't click this link if your interest is ceramics and the Gangjin Experience and International Ceramic Artist's Tour. That link comes later.
We at Morning Earth Korea can develop similar tours on many topics for your group. Contact us if you are interested. But don't click this link if your interest is ceramics and the Gangjin Experience and International Ceramic Artist's Tour. That link comes later.
NOTE:
Not everyone who applies is accepted but my personal goal is that everyone who is interested in experiencing Korean ceramics will have that opportunity. That is my pledge to you.
Would you like to learn about these events another way? Click onto these various links.
