Believed to have developed around the beginning of the Bronze Age from 1000-700 B.C., metalwork, along with pottery and woodwork, occupies a central role in the history of Korean crafts. Spiritual and political roles were not separate at this time; hence, metalwork was employed to make knives, spears and other weapons as well as implements used in religious ritual. Typical ritual implements of the time include bronze mirrors with geometric designs, assorted bells and bronze vessels with agricultural motifs. On the back of the latter, there were depictions of birds sitting on tree branches; hence, these are thought to have been used at the sodo, - sacred sites where rituals were held. The sophisticated forging techniques used to create geometric design mirrors at this time have been a riddle for scholars. Judging from the mirrors' fine designs, metalworkers from this era were already using the bees-wax smelting techniques that are still in use today.


During the Iron Age, metalwork was primarily used to create weapons and farming implements. Strong yet easy to shape, iron facilitated outstanding developments in tools used to make both everyday utensils and decorative articles. A good example is the development of the saw, which made the creation of wooden crafts possible for the first time.

The colorful, precious metal articles discovered in ancient tombs indicates that Korean metal craft had already attained a high level of development by sometime around the 4th or 5th century. Decorated with buffeting, serration and inlay techniques, metal crafts from this period were placed in tombs, which were thought of as the future domicile of the deceased person's spirit. Elaborate adornment such as crowns, earrings, necklaces, rings, belts and shoes were fashioned from gold, silver and other precious metals. In addition to their role as burial objects, these served to indicate a person's status as part of the ruling class.


Metal craft had initially been employing precious metals, but during the Three Kingdoms and the subsequent Unified Silla period, metal craftsman gradually began to use more practical materials such as copper and iron. As this trend became more widespread during the Goryeo period, general craftwork and even Buddhist art was produced using copper. Examples include large bells, incense burners, metal drums, "cloud-plate" gongs and kundika (elixir bottles). Although gold and silver were not used as basic materials at this time, the art of gold overlay on copper became advanced. Other notable developments of this period include refinements in sculpturing techniques and the use of metallic threads to create detailed metalwork designs. Since silver threads were primarily used, the latter is often called eunipsa (silver damascening). Along with celadon inlay and mother-of-pearl inlay, it was a decorative technique that became particularly advanced during the Goryeo period. It reflects the grandeur of Goryeo period religion as well as the elaborate tastes of Goryeo aristocrats.

Bronze incense burner inlaid with gold and silver (Joseon Dynasty)

With the advent of the Joseon period, the tendency towards intricate decoration in metal craftwork disappeared, while brassware, which had previously been valued more than even white-glaze porcelain, became an everyday household item. In accordance with ancient traditions, brassware continued to be the material used exclusively for ritual vessels. As brass implements became widely available, larger households used porcelain during the summer and brassware, which was better at retaining heat, during the winter. The Joseon period, with its practical outlook, signaled a general decline in metalwork technique. During this time, metalware, which had previously been used exclusively by the privileged class, became widely available to the common people.

With the development of copper and tin alloy, high-quality bowls and musical instruments were produced in large quantities.

The Joseon period, with its practical outlook, signaled a general decline in metalwork technique. During this time, metalware, which had previously been used exclusively by the privileged class, became widely available to the common people.

With the development of copper and tin alloy, high-quality bowls and musical instruments were produced in large quantities.