The Spirit of Buncheong Ceramics in the Mountains of Geumjeongsan – 

Sanseongdoye

Tucked away in the quiet, scenic village of Sanseong at the foot of Mt. Geumjeong in Busan lies a very special pottery studio: Sanseongdoye. Visiting this place feels like stepping back in time—where the artistry of clay and fire still breathes through every corner. This family-run studio has passed down its ceramic tradition for two generations, preserving the legacy of Korean buncheong ceramics.

A Family Devoted to Clay and Craft

Sanseongdoye is operated by Master LEE Sang Moon, the first-generation ceramic artist, and his three sons—including LEE Seung Min, the second-generation potter who has carried on the family craft. Since 1975, Master Lee has devoted himself to buncheong ceramics, an iconic form of Korean pottery. His son, LEE Seung Min, has actively participated in numerous exhibitions and craft competitions both in Korea and abroad. He was named a Korea Master Artisan in 2018 and later honored as a Busan Craft Master in 2020.

All the artists at Sanseongdoye share a deep philosophy and passion for pottery. Their works respect the discipline of traditional techniques while also embracing modern aesthetics. Within their workshop, you can see and feel the decades of craftsmanship imprinted in every surface and shelf.

The Beauty of Buncheong: Clay, White Slip, and Flame

The studio specializes in buncheong ware, a traditional Korean ceramic style that flourished during the late Goryeo to early Joseon Dynasty. Buncheong is known for its raw clay surface, coated with a white slip and decorated using a variety of expressive techniques—like stamping, inlay, or brushwork.

Each piece at Sanseongdoye is meticulously handmade and fired in a traditional wood-fired kiln, preserving both technique and soul. Their collection includes tea sets, chawan (tea bowls), tableware, and everyday ceramics—all radiating a quiet, earthy warmth that soothes the heart simply by looking at them.

A Living Space of Tradition

Sanseongdoye is more than just a pottery studio—it is a living cultural space that embodies the essence of traditional Korean ceramics. If you’re looking for a peaceful day in Busan, why not pair a gentle hike around Mt. Geumjeong with a visit to this inspiring studio? Surrounded by the scent of earth, the heat of the kiln, and the sincerity of the artists’ touch, you may leave with more than a ceramic piece—you may carry with you a small but lasting resonance in your day.