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[Chilmong] Korean Ottchil Chopstick Set - Natural Brown
K-Ribbon Selection Winner
[Chilmong] Korean Ottchil Wooden Chopstick Set - Natural Brown
Today, we’re excited to introduce Chilmong!
Chilmong is a local artisan ottchil lacquerware brand that has earned the prestigious “K-Ribbon Selection” label by the Korean govt.
The "K-Ribbon Selection" is a prestigious recognition for artisans and craftsmen in South Korea. It recognizes products of exceptional quality, innovation, and excellence across various domains, including ottchil lacquerware.
What distinguishes Chilmong from cheaper brands is their superb craftsmanship and use of Korea's top-grade ottchil.
All of Chilmong's chopsticks, spoons, and tea ware are handmade, not mass-produced in factories!
Ottchil lacquering is renowned for its labor-intensive nature, demanding considerable time, patience, and skill.
Each layer of ottchil must be skillfully applied and given time to dry before the next layer can be added. This intricate process can span several weeks or even months, as each layer requires adequate time to cure and harden effectively.
Mastering this traditional Ottchil technique requires decades of apprenticeship.
As mentioned, Chilmong uses top-grade Ott sap sourced from Wonju Province, Korea.
(This Wonju Ottchil sap is 12 times more expensive than the mass-produced Chinese Ott sap)
Wonju Ottchil sap produces a hard, durable, and smooth varnish that effectively seals the wood from moisture.
Once the Ottchil coating is applied, moisture or leftover micro food particles cannot penetrate the surface, effectively preventing bacteria from infiltrating the wood's pores.
This ensures that the chopsticks do not rot, discolor, or harbor bacteria, thereby guaranteeing a hygienic utensil (99.9% anti-bacterial surface).
This is why Ottchil has long been known as the best material for tableware in Korea.
Chilmong offers a variety of chopsticks, each featuring varying layers of Ottchil coating and differences in Wonju Ottchil concentration.
This is their standard collection.
It comes with 6 layers of base Ottchil lacquer.
Plus an extra 3 layers of Ottchil lacquer are applied to the tips of the chopsticks and the edges of the spoon - to enhance durability against daily wear.
This collection is offered in natural brown - without any color ottchil. It's perfect for those who prefer a simple, minimal design.
Lacquered natural wood utensils look great on any dining table!
If you're searching for traditional Korean item that are both useful and aesthetically pleasing, this is an excellent choice.
Please handwash and avoid scraping against abrasive surfaces (or biting into them).
Note: Gochujar is an authorized seller of Chilmong products. All items are certified authentic and shipped directly to us from Chilmong.
Customer Reviews
I have used these everyday since I
got them a few weeks ago because they're not only smooth, light, balanced, warm, and beautiful but easy to clean. Sometimes I feel like metal chopsticks cut into my hands, and of course metal spoons get hot. Not a problem with these.
I recently purchased a set of wooden chopstick and really enjoyed using them. The handle on both chopsticks and spoon provides good grip and proves easy to wash after meals. I’ll use these well for hopefully a long time!
why oh why aren't the chopsticks sold alone? You have to buy the SET? In order to get the chopsticks, I bought the set and the bowl of the soup spoon is maddeningly small. Isn't Korea a soup culture? When you look at the metal chopstick and spoon sets, the spoon is appropriately sized for guk. Not here. Tiny spoon, you'll be eating soup for hours. The chopsticks are strangely light and have no heft to them. They look a lot like the ones sold in stores for $6 for a dozen. But I'll trust that they are different.
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] Korean Ottchil Chopstick Set - Natural Brown
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] Korean Ottchil Wooden Chopstick Set - Natural Brown
Spoon : 4.2 cm (w) x 24 cm (l)
Chopsticks : 1.5 cm (w) x 24 cm (l)
Material: Korean Schimidt Birch Tree (참박달나무) / Natural Ottchil Lacquer (천연 옻칠)
Handmade in Korea
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
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.
| Chilmong Product Line | Natural & Dark | Sleeve | Galaxy / Wave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottchil Coating Layers | 6+ Layers | 10+ Layers | 10+ Layers + 3+ Polishing Finishes |
| Surface Reinforcement | 3+ Reinforcement Layers | 6+ Reinforcement Layers | 6+ Reinforcement Layers |
| Wonju Natural Lacquer Sap Content | 10%+ | 70%+ | 80%+ |
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.
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.
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.
Chilmong’s Carefully Crafted Lacquer
Chilmong’s Wooden (Natural Brown) utensils receive at least six layers of natural lacquer, along with multiple reinforcement treatments to strengthen the utensil tips.
However, true quality is not defined simply by the number of coatings.
Each piece is crafted with care and dedication, so that the craftsmanship can be felt every time you use it.
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.
Product Details
| Product | Chilmong Ottchil Wood (Natural Brown) Spoon & Chopstick Set |
| Dimensions | 42 × 240 / 41 × 220 / 38 × 200 mm |
| Material | Korean Hard Birch, Natural Lacquer |
| Made In | Korea |
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
PRODUCT FAQ
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