A Day at Moondobang Pottery Studio: My Unforgettable Experience in Korea

Pottery lovers, curious creatives, and those daydreaming of a hands-on experience in Korea—this one’s for you.

Whether you’re a beginner eager to touch clay for the first time or a seasoned ceramic artist wanting to immerse yourself in a new culture, spending a day at Moondobang Pottery Studio in Bundang, Korea, is an experience you’ll never forget. I say that from personal experience: this studio stole my heart, and I find myself planning every future trip to Korea around revisiting it.

---

What is Moondobang Pottery Studio?

Moondobang Studio is located in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, and honestly, it feels more like a warm, creative retreat than a typical pottery school. The moment you step inside, there’s this calming vibe that makes you want to slow down, focus, and just enjoy making something with your hands.

What makes it stand out?

• Personalized teaching: Moondobang, the founder and instructor, adapts to each student’s pace, offering tailored guidance while emphasizing strong foundational techniques.
• Global insight: Having taught and attended workshops internationally, Moondobang often weaves in comparisons across styles and traditions.
• Welcoming community: Students regularly travel from Seoul to attend, and there’s a friendly, supportive atmosphere that’s rare to find.
• Shared meals: There’s usually a moment in the day to enjoy a meal with fellow students—a chance to slow down, connect, and share stories.

---

My Day at Moondobang: What It Was Like

When I arrived, I was welcomed with warm smiles from both Moondobang and the other students. It felt instantly inviting, like walking into a cozy creative hideaway. Here’s how the day unfolded:

Morning Session:

• Wheel practice depending on your skill level
• Moondobang offers feedback while letting you explore your own pace
• Occasional tidbits about how Korean pottery differs from other global traditions

Lunchtime:

• We shared a casual meal together with other students
• Great opportunity to chat, laugh, and connect

Afternoon Session:

• I felt my energy flagging (I’m still new to pottery, and let me tell you—it’s a workout!)
• I told Moondobang I was thinking of heading back early
• He looked at me and said, “Where are you going? You’re not done yet!”

That moment? It stuck with me. His passion is contagious. Since then, I’ve made it a point to visit Moondobang every time I come to Korea.

Oh—and a funny moment? He introduced me to the class by saying, “This is the person behind Love in Pottery! Follow them!” Most of the class was already following, which led to lots of laughs.

---

How to Get to Moondobang Pottery Studio

Address: 61, Soetgol-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea

Most international travelers land at Incheon International Airport, and chances are, you’ll spend most of your time in Seoul. A common starting point is Gwanghwamun, a central neighborhood in the city.

Here are three ways to reach Moondobang from Seoul:

1. Taxi (Fastest Option)

• Duration: About 1 hour
• Cost: 30,000 KRW ($22 USD)

2. Bus (Budget Option)

• Duration: About 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cost: 3,100 KRW (~$2.11 USD)
• From Gwanghwamun: Take Bus 9401 → Transfer to local Bus “Nuri 1” → Get off at Soetgol stop

3. Subway (Most Scenic)

• Duration: ~1 hour 45 minutes
• Cost: 3,500 KRW ($2.40 USD)
• Route: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) → Transfer at Sinsa Station → Exit at Jeongja Station
• Walk 30 minutes through peaceful village-like roads to reach the studio

Tip: Get a T-Money card to make transferring between buses and trains effortless.

---

Where to Stay Near Moondobang

When I visited, I booked an Airbnb about 20 minutes from the studio by foot. Not only was it close and safe, but it was also super affordable:

• 2 nights: $124.77 total (including fees and cleaning)
• No outrageous cleaning charges like in some U.S. cities

Other options include:

• Guesthouses in Bundang
• Hotels near Jeongja-dong or Seohyeon Station

---

Best Time to Visit Moondobang (and Korea!)

Korea has four seasons, and each one brings its own beauty. But if you’re aiming for the perfect pottery trip, I strongly recommend visiting in April or May. Here’s why:

• Pleasant Weather: Warm but not humid
• Before Monsoon Season: Avoid June’s heavy rains and muggy heat
• Ceramic Festival Season!
  • Icheon Ceramic Festival (Late April – Early May)
  • Gwangju Royal Ceramic Festival (Late April – Early May)

Both festivals are easily reachable from Moondobang:

• Gwangju: ~1 hr 10 min by public transport
• Icheon: ~1 hr 50 min

With a little planning, your studio visit could double as a ceramic culture deep-dive.

---

Ready to visit Moondobang? Book your class via @moondobang or @moondobang_ceramics. Don’t forget to reach out a month or two in advance—especially if you’re visiting during peak season!

---

Extra Details You Might Find Useful

What Korea is Like for First-Time Visitors

Thinking of coming to Korea for the first time? Here’s what to expect:

Safety & Hospitality:

• Exceptionally safe
• Locals are kind and helpful, especially when you’re respectful

Culture Blend:

• Tradition meets trend—you’ll walk past a 600-year-old palace and a neon-lit shopping mall in the same hour
• Strong sense of community and etiquette

Food Scene:

• Bold, flavorful dishes (think kimchi, BBQ, and spicy stews)
• Street food gems: tteokbokki, hotteok, and odeng
• Vegetarian options growing, especially in big cities

Transport:

• World-class subway and bus systems
• Get a T-Money card for smooth rides
• Taxis are easy to book via Kakao T app

Costs:

• Food and transit are affordable
• Lodging can range, but Airbnb is usually a great deal
• No tipping culture!

Pro Tip: Use Naver Map instead of Google Maps—it’s more accurate in Korea.

---

Apps to Make Your Korea Trip Easier

• Naver Map (navigation in English, Chinese, Japanese)
  • https://blog.naver.com/naver_map/223572349536
• Papago (translation app)
• Kakao T (call taxis easily)
• Subway Korea (real-time subway maps)

---

Exploring Around Bundang: Local Gems

If you’re staying near the studio, Bundang has some hidden gems worth visiting:

1. Jeongja-dong Café Street – Trendy cafes and boutique shops
2. Yuldong Park – A peaceful lake + walking trails (even a bungee tower!)
3. Bundang Central Park – Great for a post-class unwind
4. Seongnam Arts Center – Check out performances or galleries
5. Tancheon Stream – Beautiful for spring strolls, especially with cherry blossoms

---

If You Have Extra Time in Seoul: Top Places to Explore

Cultural Sites:

• Gyeongbokgung Palace (watch the guard ceremony!)
• Bukchon Hanok Village
• Changdeokgung & Secret Garden
• Jogyesa Temple

Shopping & Lifestyle:

• Myeongdong (skincare + street food)
• Insadong (souvenirs + tea houses)
• Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
• Hongdae (youth culture, indie scene)

Nature & Views:

• Namsan Tower (epic sunset spot)
• Han River Parks
• Bukhansan National Park (hike alert!)

Food Markets:

• Gwangjang Market (try the mung bean pancakes!)
• Tongin Market (lunchbox café concept)
• Ikseon-dong Hanok Alley (cozy cafés + fusion eats)

Instagrammable Spots:

• Starfield Library (inside COEX Mall)
• Seongsu-dong Cafés
• Common Ground (container mall)

---

Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Keep Coming Back to Moondobang

It wasn’t just the pottery that made this experience special—it was the people, the passion, the attention to detail, and the sense of being part of something real.

Moondobang Studio gave me:

• A space to slow down and learn something beautiful
• A chance to meet passionate, like-minded people
• An experience that went beyond clay and into culture

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced ceramicist, if you’re visiting Korea, this studio is absolutely worth the journey.

And if you time it right, you just might find yourself molding clay in the morning, chatting with potters over lunch, and exploring centuries of Korean ceramic history by night.

---

If you’ve ever visited Moondobang or have your own pottery stories to share, feel free to drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!