What kind of brand is “Seojeong Ceramics”?

Established in February 2019, Seojeong Ceramics is a pottery studio that creates works combining the traditional beauty of Korean ceramics with modern aesthetics under the philosophy of “Shaping Tradition, Embracing Modernity.” Located in Gimhae, a region renowned for ceramics and home to the Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Museum and Clayarch Gimhae Museum, the studio has steadily built its reputation through competitions and exhibitions that recognize both artistry and craftsmanship. More than just a pottery workshop, we strive to bring the beauty of traditional ceramics into everyday life. Through collections such as “Lucky Pollock,” “Sweet Persimmon,” and “Seojeong FLOW,” we continue to establish our unique identity by integrating local characteristics and cultural symbolism.

What inspired you to create “Lucky Pollock”?

“Lucky Pollock” was created in 2023 through a one-on-one collaboration program between pottery artists in Gimhae and craft artists in Jinju. During an experiment to combine ceramics with hanji (traditional Korean paper), the idea emerged from the traditional pollock talisman believed to ward off misfortune. The concept was reinterpreted by attaching hanji threads to a ceramic fish, giving birth to a new form. What began as a simple experimental piece received enthusiastic responses from visitors at the Gimhae Buncheong Ceramics Festival, confirming its potential. After multiple design revisions and material refinements, the current version was completed. More than just a craft item, it can be described as a “living symbol of good fortune” that reimagines traditional meaning in a contemporary way.

What did you focus on most during the production process?

The biggest challenge was developing a firing method that could perfectly express both sides of the ceramic piece. When a fish-shaped form is fired while lying flat, only one side can be expressed, which was something I could never compromise on as a ceramic artist. After numerous trials and errors, I finally devised a custom support structure that allowed the fish to stand upright during firing, enabling both sides to be fully represented. This technique went beyond simple craftsmanship and was recognized as an invention, earning a Special Award at the Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition (KIWIE). “Lucky Pollock” is the result of such craftsmanship and technical innovation.

What was the most challenging part of the production process?

Securing materials proved to be the most challenging part. At first, I used hanji (traditional Korean paper) threads to preserve a sense of tradition, but when a factory fire disrupted the supply, it took a long time to find an alternative material. The decorative straw mat used for the base was also discontinued, causing further setbacks in production. In the end, I decided to reduce external dependence by producing and processing the materials myself. These trials ultimately strengthened my pride in and affection for the work and gave me confidence that I had personally achieved the “modernization of tradition.

What did you gain the most from participating in the contest?

The contest provided a valuable opportunity to objectively validate the quality and direction of our work. The most meaningful outcome was that “Lucky Pollock” was recognized not merely as a tourism product but as a piece with genuine cultural value. It affirmed that all the trials and reflections along the way had not been in vain and further strengthened our identity as a Korean traditional ceramics brand. Since receiving the award, we have received collaboration requests from various organizations, and the brand’s recognition has grown even more.

What are your future plans and vision?

Currently, “Lucky Pollock” is preparing for global expansion with plans to launch on Amazon. Beyond product sales, we aim to share the symbolism of Korean ceramics and the traditional sense of beauty to audiences worldwide. In 2026, we plan to collaborate with KOTRA to develop full-scale global distribution channels while continuing to create new product series. By combining Korean symbolism with modern design through the traditional medium of ceramics, we hope to grow into a brand that conveys “the sentiment and beauty of Korea” to people around the world.