Korea Ceramic Foundation Recruiting Ceramic Artists for the "2026 Traditional Kiln Firing Support Program"

Korea Ceramic Foundation Now Accepting Applications for Traditional Kiln Firing Support
Traditional Kilns in Icheon and Yeoju Open to Applicants
4.5 Tons of Kiln Wood Provided Free of Charge

The Korea Ceramic Foundation is accepting applications for the "2026 Traditional Kiln Firing Support Program" until April 13, 2026.

This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on ceramic artists by supporting the use of traditional kilns and providing kiln wood, while also promoting the preservation and development of traditional kiln firing techniques, which are recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Since 2009, the foundation has supported a total of 479 traditional kiln firing sessions.

"Traditional kiln firing" refers to the process of firing ceramics by burning wood in a traditional kiln. Ceramic works produced through this process are highly valued and rare, making them particularly popular among regional masters and ceramic artists.

However, the costs associated with building and maintaining kilns, as well as purchasing pine wood for firing, are substantial, making it challenging for individuals to own and operate their own kilns. Given the decreasing prevalence of traditional firings, this support program is significant as it helps maintain the foundation for preserving these techniques.

Eligible applicants include: ▲ Ceramic artists registered with the Korea Ceramic Foundation's Artist Registration System ▲ ceramic associations and clubs. The program will support approximately 11 kiln firing sessions in total. In particular, priority will be given to group firings involving five or more participants and to applications from organizations.

Selected applicants will be able to use the foundation’s traditional kiln facilities at the Icheon and Yeoju event sites from May through November, and will receive about 4.5 tons of kiln wood per session. However, the traditional kiln in Gwangju is currently unavailable, and a separate notice will be provided in the future regarding its operation.

In addition, visitors to the event sites will have the opportunity to observe the transmission process of traditional kiln firing firsthand, offering a unique attraction and experiential opportunity.

Applications can be submitted in person at the Korea Ceramic Foundation's Industry Promotion Team or via email. Detailed information and required documents are available on the foundation’s website.

Ryu Inkwon, CEO of the Korea Ceramic Foundation, stated, "The Traditional Kiln Firing Support Program is an important foundation for inheriting and preserving intangible cultural heritage in traditional ceramics," adding, "We will continue to support the improvement of creative environments for ceramic artists and the dissemination of traditional techniques in the future."