The Gyeonggi Ceramic Fair, South Korea’s only exhibition dedicated to ceramics, will run from December 12 to 15 at COEX Hall B in Seoul. Organized by the Korea Ceramic Foundation, the event coincides with the Seoul Home Table Deco Fair, creating an opportunity for visitors to explore the latest trends in both ceramics and interior design. This year’s fair is themed “These Days Ceramics,” emphasizing the contemporary relevance of ceramics in daily life while celebrating their artistic and cultural significance.

The exhibition features a wide range of activities and displays, including exhibition and sales halls, special exhibition halls, and a promotional hall. In the exhibition and sales halls, 64 ceramic studios from Gyeonggi Province will showcase their work, ranging from trendy tableware to traditional ceramics, jewelry, and decorative objects. Visitors will have the chance to engage directly with the artists, gaining insights into their creative processes and purchasing items that resonate with their tastes.

The special exhibition halls delve deeper into current trends in ceramic tableware with curated displays that emphasize the intersection of ceramics with nature, emotion, and functionality. Highlights include “Nature Ceramics,” directed by Ha Soo Min of Flower Lab Grove, which explores the harmony between ceramics and the natural world using a palette of black, white, and green. Another notable display is “Ceramics in Still Life,” created by Sim Seung Kyu of Charida Studio and food stylist Kim Eun Ah, which reimagines ceramics as emotionally resonant objects rather than static decor. “A Piece of Sweet,” directed by Chung Chan Hee of IOE, focuses on dessert-themed ceramic objects, combining functionality and aesthetic beauty in plates, cutlery, and candles.

In addition to the exhibitions, the fair offers engaging lectures and demonstrations to enhance the visitor experience. Topics include “Functional Ceramics” by Ha Soo Min on December 12, “Korean Cuisine and Ceramics” by chef Lee Young Sook on December 13, and “Enriching Life Through Charida” by Kim Eun Ah and “Meet You at One Table” by Chung Chan Hee on December 14. These sessions aim to deepen understanding of the history, practicality, and evolving role of ceramics in modern life.

The promotional hall provides a platform for exploring innovative ceramic projects, including exhibitions by resident artists from the Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum’s Craft Hill and the Gyeonggi Craft Creation Support Center. A dedicated section for the Gyeonggi Smart Innovation Ceramic Workshop Support Project showcases advancements in ceramic production. The Korea Ceramic Foundation has also organized a business matchmaking event to connect local artisans with distributors and home shopping platforms, alongside a live broadcast on Naver Shopping Live to expand market opportunities.

Korea Ceramic Foundation CEO Choi Moon Hwan emphasized the fair’s significance, stating, “This year’s Gyeonggi Ceramic Fair not only showcases the excellence of Gyeonggi’s ceramic artists and studios but also highlights the diverse possibilities of ceramics in our everyday lives. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with ceramic culture up close.”

The Gyeonggi Ceramic Fair continues to bridge traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, offering a vibrant cultural experience that celebrates ceramics as both an art form and a practical medium. Visitors are invited to explore this harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, gaining fresh perspectives on the enduring value of ceramics in today’s world.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com