{"product_id":"4-day-onggi-masterclass-kwak-kyung-tae","title":"4 day Onggi Masterclass with Teacher Kwak Kyung Tae","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarch 16–19, 2026 | 4-Day Masterclass | 10AM - 5:30 PM each day\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin us at Tao of Clay for an exclusive 4-day Onggi masterclass with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kwakkyungtae\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTeacher Kwak Kyung Tae\u003c\/a\u003e, a master of traditional Korean Onggi pottery. This is Teacher Kwak’s first time teaching in San Diego! Designed for pottery enthusiasts of all levels, this immersive masterclass focuses on large-scale clay work and traditional Korean techniques. With two apprentices assisting, the small teacher-to-student ratio allows for personalized 1:1 guidance throughout the masterclass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParticipants will explore the full spectrum of Onggi-making techniques, including clay preparation, stretching the clay into coils (taryeom), making the base (ba-dak), coiling up the wall (taryeom-jil), paddling (surae-jil), shaping with metal ribs and forming the rim. Teacher Kwak will also discuss traditional glaze and firing methods for this type of ware.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMasterclass Includes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh-quality stoneware clay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA comprehensive Onggi tool set valued at $300 for each student, including 4 wooden tools, 2 metal ribs, and 1 shammy tool\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTranslation by Teacher Kwak’s apprentice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBasic communal tools (feel free to bring your own)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoffee and tea are available throughout the day\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis masterclass welcomes participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced potters. While the core curriculum is accessible to everyone,  personalized 1:1 guidance will be provided to cater to each individual’s level and aspirations throughout the class.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis course is ideal for individuals seeking to work with clay on a large scale. It also suits those who have experience with hand-building 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional Onggi techniques have been learnt and used by generations of Korean potters; you will learn the same movements that were used thousands of years ago to build strong vessels efficiently.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTopics covered:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegional influences, i.e, how geographical limitations influenced subtleties of form and making techniques\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClay sourcing, storage, and preparation for making Onggi: historical and contemporary approaches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePractical method to stretch coils (Taryeom) on the table from a block of clay\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaking the base disc and compressing it flat with the pang-mang-i (wooden striking tool)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoiling 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\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaddling the form (Surae-jil) using wooden tools inside and outside to compress, thin, and shape the form on the wheel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinal Shaping (Geun-gae-jil) using metal rib tools for smoothing the surface while altering the line of the final form. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRim forming and refining using a traditional long shammy cloth (Jeon-tae) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScribing of lines and decorative motifs, historical significance, and their role in accentuating form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLifting the freshly made onggi off the wheel with the traditional cloth method\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTeacher Kwak’s interpretation of traditional onggi techniques in his artistic practice, along with an invitation to use traditional tools and techniques to inspire new ways of thinking and working\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLevel:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Beginner-Advanced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrerequisite:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Prior experience is not necessary. Open to all skill levels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDaily Schedule:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTeaching hours 10:00 AM - 1 PM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLunch Break: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTeaching Hours: 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTools\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA comprehensive Onggi tool set (provided by Teacher Kwak and valued at $300) is included in the registration fee for this masterclass. Tao of Clay will supply basic studio tools which are limited to bats, wooden boards, sponges, spray bottles, and plastic. Students are welcome to bring their own additional tools beyond the provided Onggi set. A small selection of tools is also available for purchase in the on-site Tao of Clay shop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnggi Tool Set\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnggi Tools (pictured from left to right):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBang-mang-i (방망이) - wooden club\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSu-rae (수레) - flat paddle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMit-ka-sae (밑가세) - wooden knife\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo-ge (도게) -  striking pad\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeun-gae (근게) - 2 metal ribs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJeon-dae (전대) - shammy cloth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFiring\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease note that firing is not included in the registration fee. Firing is available for purchase through Tao of Clay. Pricing is determined by size and weight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStudio Access\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis workshop includes access to the studio only during scheduled workshop hours.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Teacher Kwak Kyung Tae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fascination with large Onggi vessels and the rough simplicity of Korean slipware led Kwak Kyung-tae to develop his own voice in clay. He works exclusively in Onggi and Buncheong, taking his inspiration from the traditions of the Korean peninsula of his birth, particularly during the Joseon dynasty, and applying them in a modern context. His work is resonant of nature’s forms and structures through wheel-thrown and altered work, often including spontaneous marks and gestural brushwork on large pots. His works evoke a balance of the crude and the sublime power of nature’s imperfection, in large and small scale work. The austerity of his style is born from an honest, tacit relationship with clay developed and mastered over a lifetime. He has held solo and group exhibitions throughout East Asia and Europe. His pieces are sold in galleries and shops in Europe, Asia, and the USA.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCancellation Policy:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll sales are\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e final and non-refundable. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo refunds will be given for cancellations made at any time. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease consider this policy before purchasing a ticket.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMissed Class Policy:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe do not offer refunds, prorated refunds, or make-up sessions for missed workshop days or times.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge Requirement:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAges 18 + (Ages 16–18 may participate with prior approval. Please contact info@taoofclay.com for more information.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease contact info@taoofclay.com with any questions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tao of Clay","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50010203881829,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0847\/7940\/1573\/files\/IMG_1239_1.jpg?v=1761939666","url":"https:\/\/taoofclay.com\/products\/4-day-onggi-masterclass-kwak-kyung-tae","provider":"Tao of Clay","version":"1.0","type":"link"}