About SURA
For four generations, our artisans have preserved Korea’s sacred bronze craft, carrying its spirit into the modern age.
With use, Yugi deepens in color and meaning, growing more precious with time.
Since 1924
- 1924
1st generation, Kim Seok-yi established Geochang Yugi workshop.
- 1935
Lee Hyun-ho officially entered apprenticeship.
- 1942
During Japanese rule, traditional brassware production was restricted and banned; continued limited production under prohibition.
- 1946
After liberation, 1st gen. Kim Seok-yi passed the workshop to 2nd gen. Lee Hyun-ho due to illness from war injuries.
- 1972
Decline of traditional brassware market; production lines reduced.
- 1979
3rd gen. Lee Gi-hong succeeded as master artisan and business head.
- 1988
Craft transmission completed; full-scale production of daily-use Yugi resumed.
- 1996
Selected as one of the “100 Local Cultural Assets of Gyeongsangnam-do”
- 2003
Awarded the Presidential Prize at the 33rd National Crafts Exhibition.
- 2015
4th generation, Lee Hyuk, entered apprenticeship.
- 2018
Participated in Maison & Objet (Paris, France).
- 2019
Invited to exhibit at the Milano International Handicraft Fair, Italy.
Participated in Maison & Objet (Paris, France).
Awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize at the 49th National Crafts Exhibition of Korea.
- 2020
4th generation successor, Lee Hyuk, officially recognized as Master Artisan.
The Rituals of Our Artisans
At SURA, each day begins in stillness.
As our Yugi is made for life’s quiet rituals, our artisans begin with mindful breathing: a moment of meditation before creation.
A Legacy Recognized by the Nation
- The 33rd National Craft Competition Presidential Award (2003)
- The 35th National Craft Competition Special Award (2005)
- The 47th Korea National Craft Competition Special Award (2017)
- The 46th Korea National Craft Competition Special Award (2016)
- The 49th Korea National Craft Competition Prime Minister’s Award (2019)
- The 50th Korea National Craft Competition Special Award (2020)
- The 31st National Craft Competition Special Award (2001)
- The 12th National Souvenir Contest Selection (2009)
- The 9th National Souvenir Contest Encouragement Award (2006)
- The 6th National Souvenir Contest Selection (2003)
- The 2023 Korea Tourism Souvenir Contest Premium Product Award (2023)
- 28-time awardee of the Gyeongnam Craft Competition (1995–2023)
(including Grand, Gold, Silver, and Special Awards — notably the 33rd Grand Prize in 2003, 47th Gold Award in 2017, and 49th Gold Award in 2019) - 11-time awardee of the Gyeongnam Tourism Souvenir Contest (2003–2017)(recognized with Silver, Bronze, and Encouragement Awards — including the 12th Silver Award in 2009 and the 20th
- The Dining Culture Improvement Product & Idea Contest (2020)
Encouragement Award in 2017)
Chosen Worldwide
Used by Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Two Michelin Stars
- Evett — Seoul, South Korea
- YUNKE — Tokyo, Japan
One Michelin Star
- Kochi — New York, USA
- Mari — New York, USA
- Oiji Mi — New York, USA
- Bom — New York, USA
- JUA — New York, USA
- Eatanic Garden — Seoul, South Korea
- YUN Seoul — Seoul, South Korea
Global Exhibitions & Presence
- Messe Frankfurt, Germany (2018)
- Nanjing Expo, China (2019)
- Messe Frankfurt, Germany (2019)
- Milan Craft & Design Exhibition, Italy (2019)
- Messe Frankfurt, Germany (2020)
2023 Blue House Reception Event
2019 Milan Beopgo-Changsin Exhibition
Maison & Objet 2020 in Paris, France
Yugi: The Metal That Breathes
Scientific studies show that viruses are deactivated on surfaces containing more than 70% copper.
*The New England journal of Medicine (2020)
Composed of 78% copper and 22% tin, Yugi unites copper’s swift thermal conductivity with tin’s enduring stability — allowing it to maintain temperature naturally and gracefully.
In Geochang, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea
In Geochang, where mountains meet rivers, we craft Yugi that carries the land’s quiet vitality and timeless strength.
