Gangjin Daegu-myon Celadon Kiln

In the celadon kiln located in Daegu
-myon and Chilryang-myon, Gangjin, Jeonnam, celadon was produced from the Unified Shilla era to the Goryo period. As the central place of Korean pottery, here you can see the whole process of celadon production culture, refinement, peak, and dispersal. Celadon kiln sites are located along Yongmun stream, running through the center of Daegu-
myon.

The Government designated this area as National Historic Spot No. 68. Since 1960, the National Center Museum has constantly searched and studied this area. They have found 183 kilns in Daegu-myon and 5 kilns in Chilryang-myon. Unkok village, Hangdong village, and Yongmun village, located on the upper Yongmum stream, contain 75 kiln sites. These villages have very wild mountains and most kiln sites are located at the foot of a mountain. The celadon porcelain in this area is characterized with features from the middle 9th century to the late 10th century.

Gechi, Chungyong, Nansan, and Yulchon villages, located on the middle Yongmun stream, contain 59 kiln sites. Except for a few sites, most sites are located at the foot of a mountain. The celadon in this area has features from the refined period of celadon in the 11th century and from the period of celadon expansion in the 14th century. Because of these features, it is a very significant area to follow the transformational process of celadon porcelain. Dangjun, Misan, and Baeksan, located on the lower Yongmun stream, possess 43 kiln sites. These kilns are mostly located in fields, so sites had to be reclaimed and were damaged by cultivation a long time ago. With items from these kilns, you can see the characteristics of celadon in its peak period from the 12th century to the 13th century. Bluish-green and inlaid celadon, the most mysterious pottery in the world, and celadon tiles can be found in Dangjun village. Celadon from the 12th century to the 14th century, the peak period of celadon porcelain, were manufactured in Misan village.

Daegu-myon, Gangjin-gun, is a major center for celadon study, and Gangjin County is making great efforts to preserve the kiln sites and the natural environment. Established on Sept. 3, 1997, the Gangjin Celadon Data Museum, the first celadon study organization in Korea, will continue to display, study, and excavate celadon manufactured in this area.