Artists Woo Eun-ju (Class of ’94) and Jeon Ha-ram (Class of ’10), both alumni of the Department of Ceramic Art at Kookmin University’s College of Fine Arts, achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grand Prize and the Gold Prize, respectively, at the 7th “Beautiful Korean Ceramics Competition,” held as part of the “2026 Gyeonggi Ceramics Biennale.” By winning the Grand Prize and the Gold Prize—the competition’s highest honors—side by side, these two alumni from different generations demonstrated the outstanding creative capabilities of Kookmin University’s Department of Ceramic Arts alumni.
 
The “Beautiful Korean Ceramics Competition” was established to preserve the traditional values and beauty of Korean ceramics while discovering new creative possibilities in contemporary ceramics. This year, a total of 206 artists submitted 254 works, and after expert judging, 37 winning pieces were selected. In particular, works that attempted original sculptural expressions and modern interpretations based on an understanding of traditional ceramic techniques received high praise.
 
The Grand Prize-winning work, “Distortion,” by artist Woo Eun-ju (Class of ’94), reinterprets the traditional form of a Joseon white porcelain moon jar using a modern sculptural language. By applying vertical lines at regular intervals across the round body of the moon jar, the work emphasizes the visual distortion and formal changes caused by the curved surface, while the repeating lines convey the cyclical image of the waxing and waning moon. The work was praised for expanding the restrained aesthetic beauty of traditional white porcelain into a new visual experience, and artist Woo achieved the distinction of winning the Grand Prize this year, following her Bronze Prize in 2024.
 
“Iron-Painted Four Seasons (鐵彩四季),” by Gold Prize winner Jeon Ha-ram (Class of 2010), is a work that utilizes the traditional iron-painting technique of Buncheong ware to express the relationship between nature and time in a modern way. By tapping the surface of the wheel-thrown vessels to create rock-like textures, the artist then painted patterns of plants symbolizing the four seasons—such as peonies, willows, bamboo, and chrysanthemums—as well as birds and butterflies. By contrasting the image of unchanging rock with that of the cyclical seasons, the work conveys the meanings of permanence and transience; furthermore, the contrast between the black iron glaze and the white clay demonstrates the potential for modern expression within traditional buncheong ware.
 
This award is particularly significant as it recognizes the artistic achievements of two alumni who have developed an original sculptural language based on the distinct traditional ceramic styles of baekja and buncheong ware. In particular, they are drawing attention for expanding their deep understanding of traditional ceramic culture into contemporary creations, thereby demonstrating the potential for the development of modern Korean ceramics.

Meanwhile, the winning works from this competition will be on display at the Special Exhibition Hall of the Gyeonggi Ceramic Museum in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, through November 1, presenting visitors with a diverse array of works that blend the traditions of Korean ceramics with contemporary creativity.

▲ Work by alumna Woo Eun-ju

▲ Work by alumna Jeon Ha-ram