Gilsang Ceramics: Clay Crafting and BTS Memories in Seoul

There is a distinct, grounding rhythm to shaping wet clay on a spinning wheel in the heart of Seocho-gu. Long before Gilsang Ceramics gained fame among global pop culture fans, traditional and modern ceramic studios across Seoul provided quiet sanctuaries where locals could step away from crowded sidewalks, slow down, and focus entirely on creating something with their hands. Working with clay demands your full presence. As the cold earth moves between your fingers, the surrounding city noise fades into background hum.

The Story Behind Gilsang Ceramics

Tucked into a pleasant neighborhood street off Gangnam-daero in Seocho-gu, Gilsang Ceramics is a dedicated pottery workshop that blends traditional craft with modern creative freedom. While Seoul is celebrated for its glittering skyscrapers and fast-moving trends, studio spaces like this remind visitors of the city’s deep appreciation for tactile art and handmade objects.

For many international visitors today, Gilsang Ceramics holds special meaning as a destination tied to contemporary Korean entertainment history. It gained massive recognition as the actual pottery workshop featured in an episode of the popular variety show RUN BTS. Fans of the group, known globally as ARMY, frequently travel here to experience the exact environment where the group members spent hours learning the patience and artistry required to turn raw clay into finished ceramic pieces.

The Famous RUN BTS Pottery Session

In the memorable RUN BTS pottery episode, the group members sat at crafting stations right inside this studio to learn basic pottery techniques under expert guidance. Rather than simply making items for themselves, the members were tasked with creating thoughtful ceramic gifts for one another, resulting in an episode filled with laughter, focused effort, and creative expression.

During their time at Gilsang Ceramics, Jimin crafted handmade cups specifically designed for V. Jin poured his focus into shaping custom cups for Jung Kook, while V took on the challenge of designing ceramic pieces for SUGA. Watching the members navigate the tricky balance of the spinning potter’s wheel—sometimes succeeding, sometimes watching their clay wobble off-center—highlighted both the charm of handmade craft and the welcoming atmosphere of the workshop.

Today, visitors to Gilsang Ceramics have the unique opportunity to stand in that very same creative space. Many guests choose to pay homage to the episode by recreating the specific cup shapes and design styles that the BTS members attempted during their visit. Whether you wish to mirror Jimin’s designs, recreate the cups Jin built for Jung Kook, or take inspiration from V’s gifts to SUGA, the studio warmly encourages fans to bring those memorable television moments to life through their own hands.

Craft Techniques: Potter’s Wheel and Handbuilding

You do not need prior experience with ceramics to enjoy a session at Gilsang Ceramics. The workshop accommodates both beginners taking their very first lesson and experienced craft enthusiasts looking to refine their skills. Visitors can choose between two main methods of ceramic creation: using the potter’s wheel or practicing handbuilding techniques.

Working with the Potter’s Wheel

Working on a potter’s wheel is a dynamic, mesmerizing experience. It requires finding the exact center of a spinning block of wet clay using gentle, firm pressure from your palms and fingers. Under the guidance of the studio’s instructors, you will learn how to open up the core of the clay, pull up the smooth side walls, and form balanced shapes. The potter’s wheel is ideal for creating smooth, symmetrical vessels such as traditional cups, cylindrical vases, and rounded water bottles.

Handbuilding Techniques

If you prefer a direct, highly tactile approach where you control every surface detail, handbuilding offers endless creative freedom. Handbuilding allows you to pinch, coil, or slab clay together to create structured forms without the rapid movement of a wheel. This technique is particularly suited for crafting flat plates, decorative trays, textured vases, or uniquely sculpted cups with personalized handles and custom raised patterns.

What You Can Make at the Workshop

Gilsang Ceramics provides the tools, studio equipment, and raw materials necessary to design a wide range of functional and decorative ceramic items for your home. During a session, you can design and craft:

• Custom Cups and Mugs: Shape everyday drinking cups, complete with handles tailored to your grip or artistic designs reminiscent of the RUN BTS creations.
• Ceramic Vases: Build tall, elegant flower vases or small tabletop vessels to display dried blooms.
• Plates and Dishes: Handbuild flat or curved ceramic plates suitable for serving meals or holding small keepsakes.
• Water Bottles and Containers: Form specialty clay water bottles or covered jars that showcase unique ceramic silhouettes.

After your piece is shaped, you can decorate the surface, add carved details, or paint custom designs. Recreating the playful motifs made by the members of BTS remains one of the most popular activities for visitors looking for a fun keepsake from their trip to Seoul.

Visiting Gilsang Ceramics: Studio Information

Planning your visit to Gilsang Ceramics requires keeping track of their weekly schedule, as the studio reserves specific days for maintenance and private work. The workshop operates straight through from mid-morning until late evening, making it easy to schedule a session into a busy day of sightseeing across Seocho-gu and the broader Gangnam area.

Facility Detail	Studio Information
Operating Hours	10:00 – 22:00
Weekly Closure	Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Parking Facility	Available on site
Contact Number	+82-507-1415-8203

Because operating hours extend until 22:00, an evening workshop session offers a wonderfully relaxing way to unwind after exploring Seoul’s bustling shopping districts and cultural landmark sites.

How to Get There

Gilsang Ceramics is located at 15-9 Gangnam-daero 39-gil in the Seocho-gu district of Seoul. This area sits within a vibrant residential and commercial zone that runs along the major Gangnam-daero thoroughfare.

To reach the workshop using public transportation, take the Seoul subway system to the major station hubs serving the Gangnam-daero corridor in Seocho-gu. From the main boulevard, navigate down the quieter side streets into the 39-gil neighborhood area. The stroll through the local neighborhood streets offers a pleasant glimpse into daily life in Seocho-gu, away from the heavy main-street traffic.

Tips Before You Go

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Gilsang Ceramics, keep these practical suggestions in mind before heading out:

• Verify Opening Days: Double-check the calendar before traveling to the workshop. The studio is consistently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your itinerary for Wednesday through Sunday visits.
• Check Operating Hours: While standard hours run from 10:00 to 22:00, studio schedules can vary depending on private sessions or holidays. It is always wise to call ahead at +82-507-1415-8203 to confirm current opening hours before setting off.
• Dress Comfortably for Crafting: Clay work can occasionally get messy, especially when using the spinning potter’s wheel. Wear practical clothing that you do not mind getting a bit dusty, and keep fingernails trimmed short for easier clay shaping.
• Inquire About Drying and Firing: Ceramic items require time to dry, undergo initial firing, receive glaze, and go through a final kiln firing. If you are visiting Seoul on a short trip, speak with the studio via phone or upon arrival regarding workshop timelines and finished piece pickup or shipping options.

Whether you are an avid BTS fan eager to walk in the footsteps of your favorite artists or simply a traveler looking to craft a unique handmade souvenir, Gilsang Ceramics provides a warm, creative space to experience the timeless art of Korean pottery.

Good to Know

Hours	10:00-22:00
Closed	Mondays, Tuesdays
Parking	Available
Contact	+82-507-1415-8203

Details above are from the Korea Tourism Organization and may change — double-check before you visit.

Location & Map

📍 15-9 Gangnam-daero 39-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Useful Links

• Open in Google Maps
• Official website
• Find tours & tickets on Klook

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