South Korea's best metal artisans

Hyejeong Ko is a metal artisan distinguished by her innovative micro-welding technique, which allows her to create intricate and poetic sculptures from industrial metal. Her ability to infuse warmth and sensibility into a material often perceived as cold has earned her multiple international awards, including the Homo Faber Award 2024 and the Boghossian Foundation Prize 2025.

William Sang-hyeob Lee is a Korean-British silversmith who has gained international recognition for his exceptional metal craftsmanship. His works, such as the 'Moon Jar', demonstrate technical mastery through the hand raising method, creating pieces that fuse traditional oriental philosophy with innovative forms and surfaces.

HAN Eun-seok is renowned for her innovative approach to metalwork, transforming recycled aluminum cans into contemporary jewelry. Her work stands out for its ability to redefine disposable materials into vibrant, artistic pieces, promoting sustainability in metal art. Her international exhibitions, such as Munich Jewellery Week 2026, demonstrate her impact and recognition on the global scene.

Sooyeon Kim is a metal artist distinguished by her innovative approach to jewelry and metalsmithing, blending traditional techniques with contemporary materials. Her education in Jewelry and Metalsmithing at the Rhode Island School of Design, coupled with her South Korean heritage, allows her to merge a rich cultural legacy with a modern artistic vision, creating pieces that transcend mere craftsmanship.

Yoo Lizzy was a pioneering Korean craftsperson who made a significant contribution to modern metal craft art. She founded the first contemporary metal craft museum in Korea, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.

Kim Seung Hee is a metal artist with an exceptional ability to transform metals into works of art, noted for her unique method and compositional excellence. Her career includes a professorship at Kookmin University, where she influenced future generations of artisans, and a conceptual evolution in her creations that distinguishes her in the field.

Hong Jung-sil is a government-recognized master who has dedicated her life to keeping the craft of metal inlay alive since the 1970s. She learned the art from the last living master of the Joseon era, ensuring the continuity of traditional techniques. Her creative works have drawn attention from buyers, overseas museum directors, and even major Korean corporations, highlighting her impact and mastery in the field.

Sun Won Lee is a South Korean artist with a notable career in the art world, evidenced by their biography, achievements, and exhibitions on platforms like Artsy. Their work contributes to South Korea's artistic landscape, demonstrating a dedication to creating and exhibiting art.

Choo Yae-kyung is a South Korean goldsmith who received the 'Meister' honor from the Staateiche Zeichenakademie in Hanau, West Germany. Her training and international recognition demonstrate her exceptional skill and mastery in metal art.

Choi Hyun-chil is a dominant figure in Korean modern metal craft, renowned for expanding the formative language of this art. His work is characterized by impeccable perfection, stemming from his scientific research and experiments on metals.

Kang Chan-kyun is a foundational artist and educator in contemporary metalsmithing in South Korea, with a career spanning six decades. He served as the first president of the Korean Society of Craftspeople, a pivotal organization for the development of craftsmanship in the country.