Product Highlights

• Premium Wonju Lacquer — Uses rare natural lacquer sap harvested in Wonju, Korea, widely regarded as the highest quality lacquer in the country.
• Traditional Handcraftsmanship — Each utensil is handcrafted using multiple layers of natural ottchil (lacquer) for durability and beauty.
• Naturally Antibacterial — Natural lacquer provides 99.9% antibacterial protection, helping keep utensils hygienic with simple hand washing.
• Award-Winning Korean Craft — Recipient of multiple national craft and design awards and awarded the prestigious “K-Ribbon Selection” label by the Korean Government.
• Made in Korea — Crafted from Korean hardwood and natural lacquer using traditional techniques.

[Chilmong] Premium Ottchil Chopstick Set - Wave Collection

Ottchil (옻칠) is a traditional Korean lacquer art form

It involves applying natural lacquer to a variety of objects, including bowls, cutlery, boxes, and furniture

The lacquer is obtained from Korean Ott trees

When extracted, the thick liquid sap starts brown but becomes translucent after refinement - making it suitable as a finishing layer.

Ottchil forms a coated film that is resilsient against spills and stains

Before refrigeration, ottchil containers were utilized to preserve food, offering moisture-proof, water-proof, insect-repellent, and anti-bacterial properties

[Chilmong] Premium Ottchil Chopstick Set - Wave Collection

Available in 4 colors: Strong Red, Sunset Yellow, Deep Green, Healing Blue  

*Majestic Purple has been discontinued and is no longer available.

Spoon : 4 cm (w) x 24 cm (l)

Chopsticks : 1.5 cm (w) x 24.3 cm (l)

Material: Korean Schimidt Birch Tree (참박달나무) / Natural Ottchil Lacquer (천연 옻칠)

Handmade in Korea

Comparison of Chilmong Products

The chart compares the different Chilmong lacquered utensil lines based on the number of traditional Ottchil (natural Korean lacquer) coatings applied and the percentage of Wonju-origin lacquer sap used in each product.

In Korea, lacquer sap from Wonju Province is widely regarded as the highest quality, often costing about 12 times more than the commonly used Chinese lacquer sap.

Only a limited amount of lacquer sap is harvested each year in Wonju Province.

All Chilmong products contain Wonju lacquer sap, with the amount varying by product line.

Awarded the prestigious "K-Ribbon Selection" label by the Korean Government

The "K-Ribbon Selection" award from the Korean Government is a prestigious recognition for artisans and craftsmen in South Korea

This award recognizes products of exceptional quality, innovation, and excellence across various fields, including traditional crafts like ottchil lacquerware.

Chilmong's products are skillfully handcrafted, not mass-produced in factories!

The ottchil lacquering process is renowned for its labor-intensive nature, requiring considerable time, patience, and craftsmanship

Each layer of ottchil must be carefully applied and allowed to dry before the next layer can be added

This process can take several weeks or even months, as each layer needs time to cure and harden properly

The ottchil process requires skill and precision to avoid imperfections such as bubbles, drips, or uneven coatings

Ottchil artisans undergo years of apprenticeship and practice to master this traditional technique

What type of wood is used?

Korean Hard Birch from Gangwon Province

Birch wood has long been used to make paddles, loom parts, batons, and pestles. Because it is extremely hard, it is difficult to carve with fine detail - requires years of experience.

Chilmong is the only company in Korea capable of crafting even chopsticks from this hard Korean birch wood.

Chilmong uses only authentic natural lacquer - never synthetic coatings!

From the initial base coating to the final finishing layer, Chilmong crafts its spoon and chopstick sets using lacquer that has a clear origin and can be fully trusted.

• ✅   Strong Durability
• ✅   Eco-friendly Natural Coating
• ✅   99.9% Antibacterial
• ✅   Excellent Water Resistance

Our Ottchil Lacquer is Harvested by a Nationally Recognized Master Craftsman

Chilmong uses Wonju lacquer harvested by Ahn Young-bae, a craftsman officially recognized by the Korean government as a master skilled artisan.

Certificate of Skill Transmission (Master Craftsman Certification) - License No. 98-7 

Chilmong’s lacquered utensils contain no harmful substances - safe for use with food!

The report confirms that the tested items showed 0.00 mg/L or non-detectable levels for the listed substances.

• Arsenic (As) — 0.00 mg/L or Not Detected
• Lead — 0.00 mg/L or Not Detected
• Sulfur Dioxide — 0.00 mg/L or Not Detected
• O-Phenylphenol — 0.00 mg/L or Not Detected
• Thiabendazole — 0.00 mg/L or Not Detected
• Biphenyl — 0.00 mg/L or Not Detected
• Imazalil — 0.00 mg/L or Not Detected

Chilmong lacquered utensils have been laboratory tested and certified to contain no detectable levels of seven hazardous substances, including lead and arsenic, according to testing by the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR).

99.9% Antibacterial Protection

Independent testing confirmed that Chilmong lacquered utensils reduce harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus by 99.9% within 24 hours, helping keep your utensils cleaner without the need for boiling or sun-drying.

Made with 80% Wonju Ottchil (Natural Lacquer)

Chilmong reinforces the tips of its lacquered utensils using premium Wonju-produced Ottchil (natural Korean lacquer).

In our premium Wave / Galaxy Collection, over 80% Wonju-sourced Ottchil lacquer is used.

This premium lacquer not only enhances the beauty of the utensils but also significantly improves their durability.

Rather than applying lacquer just once, Chilmong utensils are made through multiple cycles of lacquer coating, drying, and sanding. Each piece is crafted with the mindset that it will be used daily by someone special.

For the Wave / Galaxy line, the process includes: 

✓  10+ cycles of lacquer coating, drying, and sanding

✓  3+ rounds of polishing finishes

✓  6+ reinforcement coatings applied to the utensil tip for added strength

Chilmong’s Lacquering Process

1. Sanding - Each wooden utensil is carefully sanded to create the ideal surface for lacquer adhesion.

2. Natural Lacquer Application - Lacquer is applied in multiple layers, tailored to the characteristics of each product line.

3. Complete Drying & Curing - Every piece undergoes a full curing process to ensure the lacquer is stable, durable, and will not rub off.

Ergonomic Design for Everyday Use

Carefully Finished Tips

The tips are carefully hand-sanded to create a rounded shape, reducing wear while allowing food to be picked up more easily.

Wider Spoon Head

The spoon head is designed slightly wider so it can hold more food comfortably.

Comfortable Grip

The handle was designed with real usage in mind, focusing on a comfortable feel and balance in the hand.

Easier Movement

Because the utensils are longer, they use the principle of leverage, allowing larger movement with smaller hand motions, making them easier to use.

Award-Winning Korean Craftsmanship

Chilmong’s lacquerware has received over 45 awards in national craft competitions and has been recognized by the Korean government and major design institutions, including:

• Over 45 national craft competition awards
• Good Design Award – Winner
• PIN UP Design Award – BEST 100
• Recognized as an Outstanding Korean Cultural Craft Product

PRODUCT NOTICE:

Because Chilmong utensils are handcrafted using natural materials and traditional lacquer techniques:

• Slight variations in finish, color, and texture may occur.
• Natural lacquer may develop a lighter, more natural tone over time.
• Wood grain and color differences may appear between pieces.
• Small size variations may occur due to handcrafting.

These characteristics are a natural part of handmade lacquerware and are not considered defects or valid reasons for a refund.

01. Can I use a dishwasher?

While it is not strictly prohibited to boil or wash the utensils in a dishwasher, doing so may cause the wood to warp or crack over time.

Because natural lacquer itself has 99.9% antibacterial properties, there is no need to boil or disinfect the utensils.

They can be safely used with simple hand washing in water & dish soap. 

02. Will the lacquer peel off?

If the utensils are not used to grab sharp objects or scrubbed with rough dishes or brushes, they can be used for a long time without peeling.

However, depending on how they are used, the lacquer may peel even after a single use, so care should be taken.

To reduce wear on the spoon edge and chopstick tips, Chilmong reinforces these areas with high-strength Wonju lacquer applied at least three additional times.

(6 base lacquer layers + 3 reinforced tip coatings)

Customer Product Photos

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