The Korea Herald

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Korea’s largest clay pot hitting the record books

By 이종민

Published : March 23, 2011 - 19:23

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A small county on Korea’s southeast coast is waiting for confirmation that a clay pot it completed last year will be recognized as the biggest pot in the world.

According to Ulju County officials, the onggi, or earthenware pot, passed the Guinness World Records application, and is waiting for a representative to arrive next month and confirm the claim in person.

Officials also believe that since the publication will have to create a new category ― largest earthenware pot ― the pot’s chances of receiving the title are good.

The pot weighs in at 172 kilograms, is 246 centimeters in height, and measures in at 520 centimeters tall and 214 wide centimeters, at its largest and smallest circumference, respectively.
The 172 kilogram earthenware pot vying for a world record. (Ulju County) The 172 kilogram earthenware pot vying for a world record. (Ulju County)

Primarily consisting of clay and glaze, the pot was made by kneading the clay and firing it in a 1,300-degree Celsius kiln.

Roughly the size of a small bathroom, the pot has already been certified as the largest here, by the Korea Record Institute.

With resources provided by the county, the Ulju Oegosan Onggi Association completed the pot, commonly used to produce staple dietary items, in late September.

By Robert Lee (rjmlee@heraldcorp.com)