There are different ways to experience ceramics in Icheon: you can watch the production process, explore workshops or create a piece yourself. There is also a museum, seasonal nature and opportunities for hiking. The focus you choose will determine whether your stay is shaped more by crafts and art or by trails and landscapes.
Ceramics, from the kiln to your own creation
Icheon Ceramics Village is home to around 80 ceramic factories and approximately 300 active kilns. Visitors can watch the production process there. This makes the village an interesting place if you want to see ceramics not just as finished products, but also learn how they are made. Haegang Ceramics Art Center offers an introduction to ceramics and is located in Icheon Ceramics Village.
Another option is Icheon Ye's Park, where various ceramic workshops are gathered in one village. Visitors can tour the workshops and buy ceramic products there. Some workshops also offer pottery classes where you can make your own pieces. Participation varies by workshop. This lets you choose between observing the craft, shopping and doing your own creative work, since not every workshop offers the same things.
At Gilsangyo, visitors choose a design and make pottery with expert guidance. After the 30-minute experience, they paint and fire their ceramics. The specific details of the experience may vary by provider. If your main goal is to make something yourself, this is an alternative to watching production at Ceramics Village or visiting the workshops at Ye's Park.
Icheon Ye's Park regularly hosts a ceramics discount event in spring and autumn. Dates and participation may vary. If you want to plan your visit around the event, check the dates before travelling.
Art and ceramics programs
Woljeon Museum of Art Icheon celebrates Korean artist Woljeon Chang Woo Soung and his works. In August 2007, the museum was relocated to Icheon in accordance with Woljeon's wishes. It was later expanded to include personal memorabilia. A visit to the museum complements the focus on workshops and production with a look at an individual artist and his work.
Seolbong Park is a venue for the Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale; venues may vary from one edition to another. Cerapia, also located in the park, offers hands-on ceramics programs. Check their availability before visiting. Icheon thus offers both a venue for a ceramics event and an opportunity to try making ceramics yourself, though dates and program details should be checked separately.
Walking trails, springs and seasonal landscapes
A circular route along Seolbong Lake is used as a walking trail. Seolbongsan has a well-maintained hiking trail, though conditions may vary depending on the season. The mountain is also home to as many as eight natural springs with clear water. Water conditions may vary. The walking path, hiking trail and springs offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors; check their respective conditions if they are important to your plans.
In Icheon Sansuyu Village, located in Baeksa-myeon, Icheon, the sansuyu trees bloom with yellow flowers in spring and bear bright red berries in autumn. Flowering and fruiting times vary from year to year. The two seasons therefore offer different experiences for visitors, and it is not possible to specify exact dates independently of the year in question.
Winter sports are another option: Jisan Forest Ski Resort has slopes for skiers of different ability levels. Since resort details should be checked before travelling, look up the latest information before your visit.
Explore more destinations: Bucheon, Uijeongbu, Uiwang-si, Yongin, Pyeongtaek-Si, Yangpyeong, Hanam-Si, Gunpo.
For the overview of the wider region: Gyeonggi-Do.
