Ottchil Art Museum (통영 옻칠미술관)

Tongyeong has been known for Najeonchilgi (mother-of-pearl crafts) for over four centuries. Naturally, Ottchil Art Museum (“Ottchil” meaning “lacquer”) showcases the best of mother-of-pearl crafts of Tongyeong.

Since prehistoric times, Najeonchilgi (along with its precursor, Chaehwachilgi) has formed the essence of traditional crafts. It refers to crafts employing mother-of-pearl. During the Goryeo Period (918-1392), Najeonchilgi blossomed into a national art; it evolved into a folk art during the Joseon Period (1392-1910).

The museum displays a mixture of daily use crafts and contemporary lacquer art (including formative art pieces), both employing the finest lacquer extracted from lacquer trees. The displayed items provide visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the elegance of traditional Korean crafts.