Onggi refers to traditional Korean earthenware jars that have played a key role in Korea’s fermentation culture. Made from a unique breathable clay material, onggi allows gases produced during fermentation to escape while letting in just the right amount of air, keeping the contents fresh. Thanks to this feature, onggi has long been considered the ideal container for fermenting sauces like doenjang (soybean paste), ganjang (soy sauce), and gochujang (red chili paste).
Typically round in shape, onggi has a rough texture because it is usually left unglazed, although some parts may be glazed for waterproofing. Made from eco-friendly clay, onggi reflects the Korean tradition of living in harmony with nature from the very process of its creation.
Besides sauces, onggi is also used for storing kimchi and traditional alcoholic beverages. It helps regulate temperature and humidity, which enhances the flavor of the food over time. Recently, due to its cultural value and natural beauty, onggi is gaining attention as a decorative item or even for use in modern kitchens. These unique features and uses of onggi represent the wisdom of Korean traditional culture.
Onggi has been part of daily life in Korea since prehistoric times. In the early days, it was used to store food or even for burial purposes. During the Three Kingdoms period, onggi appeared in Goguryeo tomb murals, and records show it was widely used to store rice, liquor, oil, soy sauce, and more.
In the Goryeo Dynasty, onggi further developed as a container for grains and fermented foods. By the Joseon Dynasty, production became more organized, with artisans specializing in onggi-making. Onggi became an essential tool for storing fermented foods and was deeply integrated into Korean daily life.
What makes onggi special is that it "breathes." Its surface contains tiny pores that allow air circulation, which creates the perfect environment for fermentation. Because of this, onggi is closely connected to Korea’s rich culture of fermented foods.
Although its everyday use has declined in modern times, onggi remains a symbol of Korean tradition and continues to be valued for its historical and cultural significance. It holds the wisdom and way of life of the Korean people.
You can even see onggi in historical records and murals. For example, in the mural of Anak Tomb No. 3 from Goguryeo, you can see jars placed near a well. In Samguk Sagi, a record from the Silla period notes that during King Sinmun’s reign, 135 carts of goods—including rice, liquor, oil, wheat, sauces, and fermented soybean blocks—were sent as part of a royal marriage. In the Goryeo-sa, it’s recorded that King Hyeonjong distributed soy sauces to people during times of hardship. These records show how important fermented sauces were as essential everyday foods in Korean history.
