Incheon Nokcheongja Kiln Site 인천 녹청자 요지

The Nokcheongja (Green Celadon) Kiln Site in the Geomam-dong area of Incheon dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Celadon was produced on this kiln site between the 10th and 11th centuries. It has been designated as Historic Site No. 211 in May 1970. The ground around the kiln site slopes gently into the sea. Currently, the remains of the kiln are preserved within a protective pavilion, but unfortunately, the rest of the site has been transformed into golf courses.

A great number of green celadon fragments and tools for pottery were discovered from the kiln at the time of excavation. The kiln applies natural slope and does not have any divisions inside.

The celadon fired in this kiln has a dark green or brownish green glaze with an uneven surface. Most of the celadon artifacts are made without a pattern, but a few of the bottles have wrinkled patterns on the body. The types of the celadon are mostly bowls, plates, and bottles.

Until the excavation of this kiln site, green celadon had been considered to have evolved from earthenware before the appearance of celadon. However, it is now presumed that green celadon had been influenced by the initial celadon ware and mass-produced for local supply. The kiln site in Geomam-dong is estimated to have been built sometime between the late 9th century and the middle of the 10th century.