Kwak Kyungtae

Wheel Throwing Masterclass

26th - 30th August 2026 | 5 Day Workshop | £1,950

During this intensive five-day masterclass, Teacher Kwak Kyungtae will share and teach the traditional techniques of Korean wheel throwing in a focused and engaging format. Classes will be taught by Teacher Kwak with his two apprentices, providing an excellent teacher to student ratio. Experience a unique and immersive opportunity designed for pottery enthusiasts. 

Book your space 
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Course in Detail

This masterclass welcomes participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced potters. While the core curriculum is accessible to everyone, we provide personalized 1:1 guidance to cater to each individual’s level and aspirations throughout the class. 

 This course distills the essence of Korean throwing philosophy and deconstructs each step in the making process to provide a clear, direct, and repeatable framework for participants to follow. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and will be given the opportunity to see the master demonstrate a form they are interested in outside of our curriculum. 

Each student will have their own dedicated workspace and will receive plenty of individual attention from teacher Kwak and his team.

There will be opportunities for students to discuss their work with their fellow students and on a one-to-one basis with teachers.

Please note that course will be delivered by Teacher Kwak and his translator/ apprentice Tomi.

Please note there will be an additional firing charge for final pieces. Please see our Student Contract here for details.

what you can expect

Topics Covered

  • History and context of the Korean approach to clay sourcing, storage and preparation 

  • Spiral wedging (Gomak-milgi) and closing the spiral into a cylindrical form for more efficient centering 

  • Fundamentals of centering a large mass of clay for throwing off the hump, with emphasis on relaxing the clay for better clay response 

  • Exploration of sabal (teabowl) making, with a breakdown of steps to better understand each phase of the making process and finger placements 

  • Korean style trimming demo using handmade tools and understanding the harmonic relationship between throwing and trimming in relation to the final form 

  • Developing a more discerning “eye” for line and form by separating the structural and shaping phases of throwing 

  • Demo of cylinders, plates, and teapots off the hump with advanced techniques 

  • Large sabal (bowl), hangari (Jars), dalhangari (Moon Jar, 2 piece joining technique) 

  • Buncheong decorating techniques: Dipping Buncheong and Brushing Buncheong 

  • Discussion on developing a ‘practice’ on your own and progression outline for self-study

Book your space

Key information

  • DATE

    Wednesday 26th - Sunday 30th August 2026

  • DURATION

    5 day workshop

  • CLASS SIZE

    Maximum 10 students

  • LEVEL

    LEVEL

    Some knowledge of ceramics would be helpful

  • CLAY TYPE

    High quality stoneware clay

  • COST

    £1,950 (flexible payment plans available)

  • TOOLS

    A comprehensive Korean wheel throwing tool set valued at $50 is included for each student. And basic tools provided

  • REFRESHMENTS & LUNCH

    A two course lunch is provided every day and refreshments available throughout

ARTIST STATEMENT

Kwak Kyung-Tae

A fascination with large Onggi vessels and the rough simplicity of Korean slipware led Kwak Kyung-tae to develop his own voice in clay. He works exclusively in Onggi and Buncheong, taking his inspiration from the traditions of the Korean peninsula of his birth, particularly during the Joseon dynasty, and applying them in a modern context. His work is resonant of nature’s forms and structures through wheel-thrown and altered work, often including spontaneous marks and gestural brushwork on large pots. His works evoke a balance of the crude and the sublime power of nature’s imperfection, in large and small scale work. The austerity of his style is born from an honest, tacit relationship with clay developed and mastered over a lifetime. He has held solo and group exhibitions throughout East Asia and Europe. His pieces are sold in galleries and shops in Europe, Asia, and the USA.

day to day at the studio

The Schedule

  • Welcome Breakfast (from 9am - 10am). The session will start at 10am and will finish at 5:30pm.

  • On the second day the session will start at 10am and will finish at 5:30pm.

  • On the third day the session will start at 10am and will finish at 5:30pm.

  • On the fourth day the session will start at 10am and will finish at 5:30pm.

  • On the final day the session will start at 10am and will finish at 5:30pm.

  • A two course lunch is provided everyday. Please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

    Please Note: Firing service is not included; if you wish to fire your pieces an additional fee will apply based on the size of the items. 

Discover other workshops with Kwak

  • Onggi Demo

    31st August
    Delve into the 7000 year old traditional ceramic craft of Onggi through this intensive one-day demo.

    Find out more

  • Onggi Masterclass

    2nd-6th September
    This five-day masterclass offers a taste of traditional Korean Onggi-making techniques for making large jars.

    Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Ceramic Studio is located on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, and there are lots of lovely surrounding towns and villages offering numerous places to stay.

    We are happy to arrange transits to and from your accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. Please get in touch to arrange this. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk. To see examples of local accommodation, click here.

  • Teacher Kwak Kyung-Tae is accompanied by two other tutors on this workshop, Tomi and Maisie. Every student will receive plenty of attention and one-to-one tutoring throughout the course.

  • There is a small charge for fired work. Charges are as follows:

    £5 per 500g for glazed work

    £6 per 500g for glazed work with oxide

    £10 per 500g for any glazed work over 30cm in height or width

    £2 per 500g for work that is bisque fired but not glazed

    ·       Please also note that The Ceramic Studio does not offer a glazing service.

  • Yes, a comprehensive Korean wheel throwing tool set valued at $50 is included for each student. Basic tools will also be provided, you are welcome to bring your own as well.

  • Yes! During this Guest Potter Workshop, you’ll be treated to a Welcome Breakfast on the first day, plus morning and afternoon refreshments daily, including teas, coffees, sweet treats, and fresh fruit. A freshly cooked two-course lunch, prepared here in the studio, is also provided every day, with dietary requirements confirmed in advance.

  • If we haven’t quite answered your question please email us info@theceramicstudio.co.uk