Namwon-si, Positive Signal for Ceramic Exhibition Hall Construction... Secures 100 Million KRW in National Funding

Namwon City in Jeollabuk-do announced on the 27th that it has secured 100 million KRW in national funding for the feasibility study of constructing the Namwon Ceramic Exhibition Hall, a key facility within the Hampau Art Valley, which is a core pledge of the 8th local government administration for next year’s government budget.

The securing of 100 million KRW in national funding for the ceramic exhibition hall project is the result of Namwon City’s active efforts in frequently visiting relevant ministries to explain the necessity of the exhibition hall’s construction, as well as close cooperation and coordinated responses among Namwon City, Jeollabuk-do, and the National Assembly (Representative Lee Yong-ho).

Namwon City has secured 100 million KRW in national funding for a feasibility study on the construction of a ceramic exhibition hall.
[Photo by Namwon City]

To date, Namwon City has been actively engaging with the descendants of Sim Sugwan (12th-15th generation family), a Joseon potter who created the Japanese ‘Satsuma pottery,’ in order to inherit and develop the roots of Namwon ceramics. In August, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for friendly cooperation and exchange with Japan.

In October, a working-level visit was made to Jingdezhen City in China, where it was agreed to create a meeting place during next year’s Chunhyang Festival involving Korea’s Namwon City, China’s Jingdezhen City, and Japan’s Hioki City, to promote not only ceramic cultural exchanges but also strong cooperation in culture and tourism sectors.

The city has been striving to revitalize Namwon ceramics by holding annual events such as the Citizen Pottery University (since 1999) and the International Pottery Camp (since 2011), facilitating exchanges of diverse pottery techniques from around the world and expanding the base of pottery enthusiasts.

The Namwon Ceramic Exhibition Hall project is planned to be constructed with a total budget of 17 billion KRW, consisting of a three-story building with a total floor area of 2,100㎡. The interior facilities will include exhibition rooms, storage rooms, classrooms, and rest areas.

Inside the exhibition hall, visitors will be able to view ceramic works from the Sim Sugwan family, which embodies over 430 years of their spirit, as well as works by world-renowned potters and emerging artists, making it a venue for global ceramic cultural exchange.

Mayor Choi Kyung-sik said, “Securing this national funding was the result of persistent efforts going back and forth between the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Although there were many difficulties, we did our best with the firm belief that a specialized exhibition facility dedicated solely to ceramics is necessary. We plan to establish the city as a genuine center of ceramic culture.”

Meanwhile, feasibility studies and related research are also being conducted in parallel for major facilities within Hampau Art Valley, including the Namwon Municipal Kim Byung-jong Art Museum Annex, Kids Art Land, and Lacquerware Craft Exhibition Hall.

By proactively securing national and provincial budgets and completing preliminary administrative procedures necessary for facility development, the city plans to accelerate the full-scale promotion of the Hampau Art Valley project.

Namwon = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jeong Young-gwon baekok@asiae.co.kr