Kwak Kyungtae

Onggi Demo

31st August 2026 | 1 Day Demo | £225

Delve into the 7000 year old traditional ceramic craft of Onggi through this intensive one-day demo. Students will be able to see first hand Teacher Kwak Kyungtae utilizing the traditional techniques of Korean Onggi in a focused and engaging format. 

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Demo in Detail

This demo is ideal for those looking to experience first-hand the unique traditional techniques for creating large ceramic pieces.

Observers who wish to create bigger pieces in clay will gain insight into highly efficient Korean hand building and paddling approaches which can inform their work. Regardless of your prior experience—whether you have been working with clay for days or decades—you will find this time witnessing the Onggi process to be both an enriching learning experience and engaging spectacle as Kwak Kyungtae works with clay at a scale and with finesse that is fascinating to witness.

USEFUL INFO

What is Onggi?

Onggi has been popularised as Korea’s ‘large fermentation vessels’, but its meaning is not limited to large vessels. We explore how ‘Onggi’ encompasses a way of working with certain types of clay and with certain firing conditions. In this intensive session we uncover the deep roots of Onggi in Korean society and its role as a vessel for humanity, both literally and figuratively. We begin by exploring how specific cultural, geographical, and culinary contexts informed the development of this incredible set of techniques, then dive right into making.

Teacher Kwak Kyungtae forms an Onggi from start to finish, his apprentice will be translating his detailed commentary on each part of the process. One of the beautiful aspects of Onggi is that each movement has been developed and refined by generations of potters; you will witness the same movements that were being used thousands of years ago.

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Key information

  • DATE

    Monday 31st August 2026

  • DURATION

    1-day demo

  • LEVEL

    LEVEL

    Open to all levels as no participation involved

  • CLAY TYPE

    Stoneware

  • COST

    £225 (flexible payment plans available)

ARTIST STATEMENT

Kwak Kyungtae

A fascination with large Onggi vessels and the rough simplicity of Korean slipware led Kwak Kyungtae 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.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

What the day involves

  • Arrive 10am Monday 31st August 2026

  • AM: 10:00 - 13:00

    Lunch Break

    PM: 14:30 - 17:30

    • 6 hours of demo from Teacher Kwak

    • Translation by Teacher Kwak’s apprentice

    • Refreshments available throughout the day

    • A delicious two course lunch will also be provided

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

A delicious home cooked two-course lunch will be provided

As well as refreshments throughout the day.

Discover other workshops with Kwak

  • Wheel Throwing Masterclass

    26th - 30th August
    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.

    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 local accommodation to the studio for the duration of your course. There may be a small fee for this depending on where you are staying. If you know you will require transits please contact us to enquire before booking your accommodation. Please email the office team at info@theceramicstudio.co.uk.

    To see examples of local accommodation, click here.

  • Yes! During this Onggi Demo, you’ll be treated to morning and afternoon refreshments, including teas, coffees, sweet treats, and fresh fruit. You will also receive a freshly cooked two-course lunch, prepared here in the studio, with dietary requirements confirmed in advance.

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