joongho choi’s do-oh reinterprets traditional korean liquor jar

used for fermentation, onggi jars have been utilized by koreans as products of wisdom for decades. for an exhibition celebrating them, artists and designers including joongho choi explored new materials and shapes to suit our modern lifestyle while serving its original function. the fermentation vessels presented were produced with utmost care; they are no longer vessels for keeping in the backyard, but ones that have been designed as good looking tableware to be placed on the dinner table when entertaining guests.

this is the traditional korean jar called ‘hang-ari’

‘DO-OH’ by seoul-based designer joongho choi has a lid that has been shaped like a round disc. it blocks the air in the fermentation process and can be used as a tray on which wine cups can be placed. this creates an appropriate and refined table setting. the fermentation jar’s structure was made of environmentally friendly plastic, without compromising the function of the traditional double-walled earthenware onggi jar. the wood tray at the bottom prevents the liquor from being affected by changes in the temperature of the ground during the fermentation process, and can be naturally used as a tray when carrying wine from the jar to the table.

along with forming of ethnic groups, liquor is deeply connected with culture in a natural way as a product of nature. this is true with traditional korean wine made from grains that originated from farming, as it was an agrarian society. grain-based fermented wines unique to korea have been developed since ancient times. wine brewing flourished during the goryeo and joseon periods, when the kinds and tastes of wines matured.

way to make the home liquor of korea

DO-OH consists of three parts: wood tray, environment-friendly plastic jar, environment-friendly plastic cap

two versions of DO-OH : 4L and 8L

ingredients used to make korea’s home liquor

steps to make home-brewed liquor with DO-OH

DO-OH at the arumjigi special exhibition: traditional alcoholic beverages with side dishes, 2015

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom