The Classical Ceramics Industry in Korea

The history of Korean ceramic activities can be traced back over five thousand years, beginning with primitive earthenware, Shilla earthenware, Korean Celadon , and Yi dynasty white porcelain The Three Eras , namely the Shilla, Koryo, and Yi dynasties are noteworthy amid the world ceramic industry, and especially in the Far East, for their progress in art and technology. The classical ceramics industries (tile, tableware, sanitary ware, brick, and others) have since transformed rapidly with respect to both modern manufacturing processes and product quality. Since 1960, the manufacture of classical ceramic products for both domestic needs and export has been an integral part of the country s reconstruction from the devastation of the Korean War. The industry reached a peak of $100 million in the 1980s. In the 1990s the production of classical has stabilized to about half this peak. In 1992 classical ceramics industries in the following business areas were very active: Art ware : Manufacturing companies 325 General por celain : Manufacturing companies 250 Ceramic raw material suppliers : Manufacturing companies 152 Brick : Manufacturing companies 150 Refractory : Manufacturing companies 50 Earthenware : Manufacturing companies 15 In addition, other ceramic materials for construction are significant in the classical ceramics industries, for example, cement and flat glass, which have played important roles in construction. In this paper a brief history of early Korean ceramic activities is presented, followed by a more detailed description of modern ceramic developments. Finally, the important contributions of classical ceramics industries to the modern industrialization of Korea is discussed. Continuing its rich ceramic heritage, Korea has made major progress in the traditional ceramic industries. Efforts in the ceramic industries have been mainly concentrated on fulfilling domestic demand. Since stabilization of demand in 1992, a new incentive drive has been exercised to improve the quality as well as sophistication of products. Since early 1990 Korea has become increasingly interested in advanced materials has intensified and accelerated. Early progress has indicated that advanced materials may not necessarily be commercially profitable, but rather more viable as strategic materials for special applications.