Yeoju Ceramic Festival apologizes for Chinese-made prizes sparking outrage
Winners received 'Made in China' moon jars at a Korean pottery festival.
The annual Yeoju Ceramic Festival, held in Gyeonggi province and known for celebrating Korea's pottery heritage, faced public fury after winners of a social media promotion received miniature moon jars—a traditional Korean ceramic form—that were actually manufactured in China. One winner posted photos showing a 'Made in China' sticker, describing the item as 'cheap, low-quality' and worse than Daiso products. The festival had run a campaign from May 1 to May 10 where visitors shared photos for a chance to win, and 20 winners were selected.
The Yeoju Sejong Cultural Tourism Foundation, which organizes the festival, promptly issued a public apology. Chairman Lee Soon-yeol stated that distributing low-cost Chinese-made products under the name of a festival intended to support local ceramic artists was 'highly inappropriate.' The incident has sparked calls for accountability and raised questions about the festival's commitment to its mission of promoting Korea's ceramic culture.
- 20 winners of a social media giveaway received miniature moon jars with 'Made in China' stickers.
- Winner described the prize as 'cheap, low-quality' and worse than products from discount store Daiso.
- Yeoju Sejong Cultural Tourism Foundation chairman Lee Soon-yeol publicly apologized and called the move 'highly inappropriate'.
Why It Matters
Undermines trust in cultural festivals and highlights tension between local heritage and cost-cutting.