Seoul Museum of Craft Art Announces 20 Finalists for the "Yuriji Craft Award"

Selected from 128 Entries
Winners to Be Announced in August, Commemorative Exhibition in September
Participation from Various Craft Fields, Including Ceramics, Metal, and Fiber

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art announced on March 5 that it has selected 20 finalists for the 2nd Seoul City Yuriji Craft Award.

Photographer Seunghoo Kim 'Red Moon: Crimson Trace' Photo at Seoul Craft Museum

The Seoul Museum of Craft Art stated that a total of 128 entries were submitted for the competition, which was open to unpublished original craft works created within the past three years. After the initial document review, 20 finalists were selected.

The 'Yuriji Craft Award' was established in honor of the late artist Yuriji, a pioneer of modern Korean craft, and aims to discover outstanding craft artists. Artists from various fields—including ceramics, glass, fiber, wood, and metal—participated, reflecting the current trends in Korea's craft scene.

By material, the finalists include six metal works and six ceramic works, the highest among the categories, followed by four fiber works, two wood lacquer works, and two glass works. The selected finalists range from established to emerging artists.

The judging panel consisted of nine experts from the craft sector and academia, who evaluated the works based on artistry, contemporaneity, creativity, and practicality.

Hyejung Ko, Yeongjo (Spirit Bird) (2025), Jeong Eun (Eun 925), 45×38×34. Photo by Seoul Craft Museum

The second round of in-person judging for the finalists will take place in August. The final award winners are scheduled to be announced on August 31. The selected works will be showcased in a commemorative exhibition held from September 1 to October 11 in the lobby of Exhibition Hall 1 and selected spaces in the Information Hall at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art.

Kim Sujeong, Director of the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, stated, "The Yuriji Craft Award is operated amid great interest from the domestic craft community," adding, "We hope it will grow into a leading craft award that contributes to the development of Korea's craft culture and industry and promotes the excellence of Korean craft on the global stage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.