Yeoju Ceramic Festival apologizes for offering Chinese-made prizes

The Yeoju Sejong Cultural Tourism Foundation has issued a public apology following widespread criticism for offering low-cost, Chinese-made ceramics as prizes at the Yeoju Ceramic Festival. The controversy erupted when a prize winner posted online about discovering a "Made in China" sticker inside a "mini dalhangari" received as an event prize.

The foundation admitted that a contracted marketing company, responsible for planning, promotion, and prize distribution, purchased the Chinese ceramic products online for approximately 6,500 won each. These items were then sent to winners without a proper inspection process. The foundation acknowledged the severe inappropriateness of using such items at a festival intended to promote the value of Yeoju's local ceramic artists and industry.

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I deeply apologize for causing concern and worry to citizens and visitors.

This is not the first time the festival has faced backlash for questionable content. Last November, the foundation apologized after screening footage of a Chinese military parade during the "2025 Yeoju Ogok Naru Festival." Critics point to a pattern of mismanagement, suggesting the foundation is overly reliant on external contractors who lack a proper understanding of the festival's purpose and local context, while failing to provide adequate oversight and verification.

In response to the latest incident, Foundation Director Lee Soon-yeol stated, "I deeply apologize for causing concern and worry to citizens and visitors." The foundation has pledged to remake and resend genuine Yeoju-made 'dalhangari' pottery to all affected prize winners. They are committed to preventing recurrence and ensuring the festival upholds its intended purpose.

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It is highly inappropriate that low-cost Chinese products were given as prizes at a festival aimed at promoting the value of local ceramic artists and the ceramic industry.