KWAK KYUNG TAE X TERRAPOTTER STUDIOS
Terrapotter Studios is delighted to host Korean potter Kwak Kyung Tae for a ‘5-Day Onggi Masterclass’ and ‘5-Day Wheel Throwing Masterclass’.
This series of masterclasses welcomes participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced potters. While the core curriculum is accessible to everyone, personalised 1:1 guidance is offered to cater to each individual’s level and aspirations throughout the class.
The course covers Korean pottery philosophy, history and regional differences, as well as traditional techniques and methods - some of which have been used by generations of Korean potters, and some of which focus on streamlining workflow.
The course is ideal for those looking to diversify their techniques, acquire new skills, and to work with larger volumes of clay to build strong vessels efficiently.
5-Day onggi masterclass
Join us for an intensive 5-day masterclass where Teacher Kwak will share and teach the traditional techniques of Korean Onggi making in a focused and engaging format. Classes will be taught by Teacher Kwak with support from his two apprentices. Experience a unique and immersive opportunity designed for pottery enthusiasts.
Traditional Onggi techniques - those used when making storage and fermentation vessels - have been learnt and used by generations of Korean potters; you will learn the same movements that were being used thousands of years ago to build strong vessels efficiently.
This course is ideal for those looking to work with clay at a large scale. It also suits those who have experience with handbuilding and wish to acquire new skills, streamline their workflow, or diversify their techniques. Regardless of your experience—whether you have been working with clay for days or decades—you will find the Onggi process to be a rewarding and enriching learning experience that deepens your connection with this versatile medium.
ONGGI: DETAILS
DATES
→ 4 March 2027 (Thursday) - 8 March 2027 (Monday)
WHAT IS INCLUDED
→ 6 hours of daily practice and tutelage with Teacher Kwak
→ All materials
→ Set of Onggi tools to take home (valued at $400, includes 7 tools)
→ Lunch daily, Farewell dinner on last day
COSTS
→ $820/day ($4100 total)
→ Firing not provided, but available at extra cost
→ Payment plan options available
Onggi: Topics
Topics covered:
Regional influences, i.e how geographical limitations influenced subtleties of form and making techniques
Clay sourcing, storage, and preparation for making onggi, historical and contemporary approaches
Practical method to stretch coils (Taryeom) on the table from a block of clay
Making the base disc and compressing it flat with the pang-mang-i (wooden striking tool)
Coiling process (Taryeom-jil), simultaneously attaching the coil and creating height in the wall of the piece in a rhythmic set of micro techniques that become one collective movement
Paddling the form (Surae-jil) using wooden tools inside and outside to compress, thin, and shape the form on the wheel
Final Shaping (Geun-gae-jil) using metal rib tools for smoothing the surface while altering the line of the final form.
Rim forming and refining using a traditional long shammy cloth (Jeon-tae)
Scribing of lines and decorative motifs, historical significance and their role in accentuating form
Lifting the freshly made onggi off the wheel with traditional cloth method
Teacher Kwak’s interpretation of traditional onggi techniques in his artistic practice, along with an invitation to using traditional tools and techniques to inspire new ways of thinking and working
5-Day wheel throwing masterclass
Join us for an intensive 5-day masterclass where Teacher Kwak will share and teach traditional techniques of Korean wheel throwing in a focused and engaging format. Classes will be taught by Teacher Kwak with support from his two apprentices. Experience a unique and immersive opportunity designed for pottery enthusiasts.
This masterclass welcomes participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced potters. While the core curriculum is accessible to everyone, we provide personalised 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.
WHEEL: DETAILS
DATES
→ 10 March 2027 (Wednesday) - 14 March 2027 (Sunday)
WHAT IS INCLUDED
→ 6 hours of daily practice and tutelage with Teacher Kwak
→ All materials
→ Set of Korean wheel throwing tools to take home (valued at $75)
→ Lunch daily, Farewell dinner on last day
COSTS
→ $700/day ($3500 total)
→ Firing not provided, but available at extra cost
→ Payment plan options available
WHEEL: Topics
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.