Lisa C.
5/5
A cultural treasure trove! I recommend this to Korean culture and art enthusiasts in the Jeollanamdo area. You can make your own pottery here!
About a 10 minute walk from the train station, you will find Muanyo Ceramics Center, accross from rice fields. A gallery which includes relics from the Goryeo Dynasty, also boasts pottery made by master potter, Kim Ok-su.
It is very small, so if you are not a ceramicist enthusiast, you might be finished quite quickly, however the pottery is gorgeous. You will be inspired!
The main draw of the studio is the pottery classes offered to groups of 4 or more by appointment.
Currently, there is no English language website, but it is possible to have classes conducted in English by Lux, 5th generation son of the family.
The process to get your pottery is a minimum of one month due to drying times, firing, sanding, glazing and firing for a second time. So this is great if you are in Gwangju or surrounding area for an extended period of time, but not if you're just passing through on a visit--unless you have friends who can collect and mail you the pieces.
Lux was very accomadating to a small group of us expats recently, giving us a tour of the space and kiln and where the clay is harvested. He and his family went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and interested. We met the master potter and Lux translated his father's expert knowledge about ancient pottery.
I hope there will be more ways for foreigners to experience this pottery journey in the future. There is also a gallery in Gwangju where you can take classes and drink tea or experience tea ceremony etiquette.
But if you want to enjoy the countryside for a day trip, why not go to Mongtan, Muan only about 40 mintes from Gwangju? Just be aware, train service is very limited, so you should check train schedules in advance.
