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Saemigol kiln site

Saemigol kiln site is located on the 30-40m slope of the hill behind Baekyeon-ri willage 4 km apart from Jingyo-myeon office toward Hadong. There are 4 kiln sites; one is from the Unified Silla Dynasty and the other three are from the Joseon Dynasty. The soil of this place (Kaolin) is proper to make porcelains. Therefore, this was used as a kiln site of the Gaya earthen ware from 6C to 9C, the kiln the Goryeo blue celadons in the Goryeo Dynasty, and the kiln of the white porcelains of the Jiseon Dynasty, but ruined after the 15th century. Backryeon-ri kiln site is assumed as one of late 16C to early 17C. It is a very important heritage to find out the origin of Jeongho Dawan, which were made by the kidnapped Korean craftsmen during the Japanese invasion, and to research the history of Korean and Japanese porcelains.

The survey of 1985 explained much of the kiln site and announced that Baekryeon kiln site is the origin of Japanese Ido Dawan, National Treasure of Japan. Baekryeon Kiln Site is a historical place which preserved the fragments of 400 year-old broken porcelains thanks to the endeavor of a woman potter, Jang Geumjeong. The potters made here feature the simple shape and soft citrine skin. They are made in the same traditional way as 400 years ago, using natural enamels and wood fires. Each potter has a unique shape, color and pattern according to the used natural enamel and the temperature of wood fire. The harmony of earth, fire and wind makes a mystery in the tradition kiln. This is why the traditional kiln is different from the modern kiln.

The kiln site, designated as Local Monument on December 28, 1974, are reproducing the traditional method of making potters. Baekryeon-ri village or Saemigol kiln site is still producing potters, and is designated as the model cultural village to transmit the tradition of local cultures.