Discover the Charm of Ulsan’s 26th Onggi Festival: A Family Experience Like No Other

[Anchor] Ulsan is hosting an onggi (traditional Korean pottery) festival for the first long weekend in May. On the festival’s second day, sunny skies drew families out to enjoy the event. This is Kim Dan-bi reporting. [Reporter] Tiny hands press and shape the clay, and before long a charming little cup begins to take form. 「Kim Byung-geun, Kim Ha-yul / Nam-gu, Ulsan」 We’re making cups. It’s so fun to try. There are lots of hands-on booths and activities, so we brought the kids… Smoke curls from an onggi pot. When the lid is lifted, pork belly smoked over binchotan charcoal is browning inside, filling the air with a rich, savory scent. 「Moon Jin-hyun, Moon Si-ho / Buk-gu, Ulsan」 It’s softer than just grilling, and it has a smoky note — it’s really good. Oegosan Onggi Village in Ulju County produces 50% of the nation’s onggi and is the largest onggi production center in South Korea. Between the 1960s and 1970s, roughly 350 potters and artisans moved to the area from across the country, creating the village; today, craftsmen continue to keep the tradition alive. Every May the village hosts an onggi-themed festival — this year marks the 26th edition. With hands-on workshops, master potter demonstrations, a drone show and fireworks, the festival has become a standout regional event. 「Lee Chun-geun / CEO, Ulju Cultural Foundation」 Now’s the time to head over. If you miss this chance, you’ll have to wait a year, so come and discover the charm of onggi. The Onggi Festival in Ulju County, Ulsan runs through the 3rd. This is Kim Dan-bi for Yonhap News TV. [Video reporting: Kim Min-yeop] #OnggiVillage #OnggiFestival #UljuCulturalFoundation Yonhap News TV — For story inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23. Kim Dan-bi (sweetrain@yna.co.kr)