Korea Festivals

Earthen Vessels: Stories of Our Lives

Jul 29 – Oct 25, 2026 · Happening now · Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

Earthen Vessels: Stories of Our Lives
Earthen Vessels: Stories of Our Lives. Photo: Korea Tourism Organization

Overview

Earthen Vessels: Stories of Our Lives is a special exhibition held at the National Gwangju Museum. By looking back at earthenware, a type of pottery which has been at the core of our daily lives for a long time, we can encounter the practicality, aesthetic sense, and the stories contained in the earthenware that has been passed down through tradition. This exhibition showcases over 300 artifacts, including a ribbed bottle and large jars excavated from the Cheonghaejin site in Wando.

Why go

This special exhibition at the National Gwangju Museum traces the history of Korean earthenware from ancient times through to more recent onggi, with over 300 artifacts on display. Highlights include a ribbed bottle and large jars excavated from the Cheonghaejin site in Wando, alongside sections on pottery kilns, stamped patterns, and pottery's role alongside celadon.

Getting there from Seoul

Take the KTX from Seoul (Yongsan or Seoul Station) to Gwangju Songjeong Station, the fastest rail option to the city. From there, a taxi or local bus/subway connection gets you to the museum at 110 Haseo-ro, Buk-gu. An express bus from a Seoul terminal to Gwangju is also an option if you prefer not to rail-transfer.

Tips

  • Admission is free, so there's no need to book tickets in advance.
  • The museum is open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, so plan your visit with enough time before closing.
  • With seven distinct sections plus two in-depth displays, budget a couple of hours to see everything, including the standout Cheonghaejin (Wando) finds.

Best for: history buffs, pottery and ceramics enthusiasts, museum-goers, families.

Program

Part 1: Capturing the Colors of Ancient States

Part 2-1: Adorning with Pattern Stamps

Part 2-2: The Emergence of New Pottery

In-Depth View 1: Pottery Kilns of Unified Silla

In-Depth View 2: Pottery, Accompanying Celadon

Part 3-1: Deeply Infused in Daily Life

Part 3-2: Pottery and Onggi Reflecting Changes of a New Era

Other festivals in Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

  • Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

    Gwangju Kimchi Festival

    Oct 23 – Oct 25, 2026

    *The information below is based on the 2025 festivals. Details for the 2026 festivals will be updated as they become available.*The Gwangju Kimchi Festival is Korea’s representative kimchi festival, offering a variety of kimchi products for purchase and the chance to taste various kimchi dishes. Highlights include the “Thousand People’s Table” featuring diverse kimchi cuisine, a competition to discover kimchi masters, and a kimchi experience school with a range of engaging programs.

  • Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

    Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection

    Oct 7 – Oct 11, 2026

    The Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection is Gwangju’s largest signature festival, originating on Chungjang-ro in Dong-gu. Built around the universal theme of memories, it is Korea’s first festival of its kind, bringing together people of all generations and backgrounds. Geumnam-ro and May 18 Democracy Square, the festival’s main venues, hold profound significance in the history of democracy. They symbolize not only remembrance of the past but also Gwangju’s journey toward a hopeful future. Recognized for its excellence, the festival has been designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as both a Cultural Tourism Festival and an Honorary Cultural Tourism Festival. It has also gained international recognition through consecutive honors at the Asia’s Pinnacle Awards and Gwangju’s designation as a World Festival City. Looking ahead, the festival aims to grow into a truly international event through collaboration with the Asia Culture Center, embracing the cultures and shared memories of Asia. In doing so, it strengthens Gwangju's role as a leading cultural city of Asia and provides a meaningful platform for communication and harmony through culture.

  • Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

    Gwangju Seochang Silver Grass Festival

    Oct 15 – Oct 18, 2026

    Gwangju Seochang Silver Grass Festival takes place along the themed walking paths next to Yeongsangang River with a range of walking programs and photo spots.

Festivals: Gwangju & Jeollanam-do

Reach travelers heading to Gwangju & Jeollanam-do: sponsor this page.

Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site