F&A
About Our Products
Are your products really made in Korea?
Yes. Every item in the PEUM collection is sourced directly from Korean artisans and manufacturers. We work closely with makers across Korea — from porcelain studios in Icheon to lacquerware craftspeople in Namwon — to bring you pieces that carry genuine cultural heritage.
Each product page lists the origin and, where applicable, the maker behind the piece.
What makes Korean ceramics different from other ceramics?
Korean ceramics have a distinct identity shaped by over a thousand years of craft tradition. Unlike Chinese or Japanese ceramics, Korean ware is known for its restrained beauty — subtle glazes, asymmetric forms, and a quiet elegance that comes from working closely with natural materials.
Two of the most celebrated styles are Goryeo Celadon, known for its jade-green glaze and inlaid designs, and Joseon Baekja (White Porcelain), prized for its clean, understated form. Both have had a profound influence on ceramics worldwide.
Read more: Why Korean Ceramics? A Guide to Korean Craft Tradition
What is Joseon Baekja (White Porcelain)?
Joseon Baekja is the white porcelain tradition developed during Korea's Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). It is characterised by its pure white body, minimal decoration, and a philosophy of beauty through restraint — deeply influenced by Confucian ideals of simplicity and honesty.
The most iconic form is the Moon Jar, a large round vessel whose slight imperfections are considered part of its beauty. Today, Joseon Baekja continues to inspire contemporary Korean ceramicists.
Read more: What Is Joseon Baekja? A Complete Guide
What is Goryeo Celadon?
Goryeo Celadon is a type of Korean stoneware developed during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), famous for its distinctive jade-green glaze. It is widely regarded as one of the finest ceramic achievements in world history.
What sets Goryeo Celadon apart is the sanggam technique — a method of inlaying black and white slip into carved designs before glazing — which produces intricate patterns of cranes, clouds, and lotus flowers.
Read more: What Is Goryeo Celadon? A Complete Guide
What is Hanji?
Hanji is traditional Korean paper made from the bark of the mulberry tree. Unlike Western paper, Hanji is extraordinarily durable — it can last over a thousand years — while remaining surprisingly lightweight and flexible. It has been used for everything from royal documents to window screens to decorative objects.
At PEUM, we carry a selection of Hanji products that bring this ancient craft into everyday use.
Read more: Hanji: The Thousand-Year Paper That Changed the World
What is Minhwa?
Minhwa is Korean folk art — a vibrant painting tradition that flourished among ordinary people during the Joseon Dynasty. Unlike formal court painting, Minhwa was created by anonymous artists for everyday households. Its subjects — tigers, magpies, peonies, fish — carry symbolic meanings related to luck, longevity, and happiness.
Read more: My Korean Folk Art Journey in Melbourne
Are the items handmade? Will my piece look exactly like the photo?
Many of our pieces are handmade or hand-finished by Korean artisans. Because of this, slight variations in glaze colour, texture, and form are a natural and valued part of the work — not a defect.
Photos on our site represent the product accurately, but your piece may differ slightly in shade or finish. We consider this part of what makes each item genuinely artisanal.
Do you have a physical shop?
We are online only for now — but it is a dream of ours to one day open a PEUM showroom here in Melbourne. We imagine a space where you can see and touch the pieces in person, have a coffee or a meal, and simply come by for a chat and a moment to relax.
If that sounds like something you would love too, we would be delighted to hear from you at hello@peum.com.au. Your support means the world to us.
Product Care
Is your tableware microwave safe?
Most of our ceramic tableware is microwave safe. However, pieces with metallic glazes or hand-applied gold and silver accents should not be used in the microwave, as the metal may react to the heat.
We recommend checking the individual product page for specific care guidance. When in doubt, please contact us.
Read more: Ceramic Product Care and Notice
Is your tableware dishwasher safe?
Most of our ceramic pieces can be washed in a domestic dishwasher. We recommend placing them on the top rack and using a gentle cycle to protect edges and glazes over time.
Hand-painted items, pieces with delicate glazes, and lacquerware should always be hand washed with mild detergent and warm (not hot) water.
Read more: Ceramic Product Care and Notice
How do I care for ceramic products?
Korean ceramics are durable but benefit from a little care:
- Avoid sudden temperature changes — do not move a piece directly from the freezer to a hot oven.
- For pieces with crackle or matte glazes, avoid prolonged soaking in water.
- Surface scuffs from cutlery can often be removed with a paste of baking soda and water, gently rubbed with a damp cloth.
- Store stacked pieces with a soft cloth between them to prevent scratching.
Read more: Ceramic Product Care and Notice
How do I care for wooden products?
Wood requires a little more attention than ceramic to stay in good condition:
- Always hand wash — never put wooden items in the dishwasher or leave them soaking in water.
- Dry immediately after washing and store in a well-ventilated area.
- Occasionally apply food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to keep the wood from drying out and cracking.
- Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight and heat sources.
Read more: Wood Product Care and Notice
How do I care for stainless steel products?
Our stainless steel pieces are low-maintenance but benefit from proper care:
- Most are dishwasher safe, but hand washing extends their finish.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers that may scratch the surface.
- Dry thoroughly after washing to prevent water spots.
- Do not use bleach-based cleaners.
Read more: Stainless Steel Product Care and Notice
Do your products come with a warranty?
We stand by the quality of every item we sell. If you receive a product with a manufacturing defect, please contact us within 7 days of receiving your order with a photo and we will arrange a replacement or store credit.
Normal wear and tear, minor variations in handmade pieces, and damage from improper care are not covered. If you are unsure whether your issue qualifies, please reach out — we are always happy to help.
Shipping and Delivery
Where do you ship from?
All PEUM orders are fulfilled and shipped directly from Korea. We work with Korea's leading overseas delivery provider to ensure your items are packed with care and arrive in perfect condition.
How long does shipping take?
Once your order is placed and confirmed, please allow 1-3 business days for processing and dispatch from Korea. Delivery to Australia typically takes 5-10 business days after dispatch, depending on your location and customs clearance times.
You will receive a tracking number by email once your order has been shipped.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on the weight and size of your order and your delivery address. We offer complimentary shipping on all Australian orders over $250.
How is my order packed?
Every PEUM order is carefully packed by hand in Korea. Fragile ceramic pieces are individually wrapped and secured to minimise movement during transit. We use protective packaging designed specifically for ceramics to ensure your pieces arrive exactly as they should.
Do you ship internationally?
At this stage, PEUM ships to Australia only. If you are based outside Australia and would like to enquire about international shipping, please contact us at hello@peum.com.au and we will do our best to assist.
What if my order arrives damaged?
We are very sorry if this happens. While we take every precaution in packing, damage during transit can occasionally occur. Please follow these steps:
- Take clear photos of the damaged item and the packaging as soon as you receive it.
- Contact us at hello@peum.com.au within 7 days of receiving your order.
- Include your order number and photos in your message.
We will arrange a replacement or store credit as quickly as possible.
Do I need to be home when my order is delivered?
If no one is available at the time of delivery, your courier will leave a card with instructions for redelivery or collection from a local depot. Please follow up with the courier directly using the details on the card to avoid your parcel being returned to us.
If your order is returned to us due to failed delivery, additional shipping charges may apply for re-dispatch.
Can I track my order?
Yes. Once your order has been dispatched from Korea, you will receive a shipping confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use this to follow your order's progress online.
If you have not received your tracking details within 5 business days of placing your order, please contact us at hello@peum.com.au.
Gift Wrapping
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Yes. Gift wrapping is available at checkout for an additional fee. Your order will be wrapped carefully and presented in a way that reflects the care and craft behind each piece — making it ready to give as soon as it arrives.
Can I include a personal gift message?
Yes. When selecting gift wrapping at checkout, you will have the option to add a personal message. We will include a handwritten note with your order.
Can I send an order directly to someone as a gift?
Absolutely. Simply enter the recipient's address as the delivery address at checkout and add a gift message. We do not include any pricing information in our parcels, so the recipient will not see what was paid.
Orders and Returns
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
We process orders quickly, so please contact us at hello@peum.com.au as soon as possible if you need to make changes. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but once an order has been dispatched from Korea, we are unable to make modifications.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns on unused, undamaged items in their original condition within 14 days of delivery. To initiate a return, please contact us at hello@peum.com.au with your order number and reason for return.
Please note:
- Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the item is faulty or incorrectly sent.
- Refunds are issued as store credit unless the item is confirmed faulty or wrongly described.
- Items that have been used, washed, or are not in their original condition cannot be returned.
What if I receive the wrong item?
We sincerely apologise if this happens. Please contact us at hello@peum.com.au within 7 days of receiving your order with your order number and a photo of the item received. We will arrange for the correct item to be sent to you at no additional cost.
I placed an order but have not received a confirmation email. What should I do?
Please check your spam or junk folder first. If the confirmation is not there, it is possible that the email address entered at checkout contained a typo. Contact us at hello@peum.com.au and we will look up your order and resend the confirmation.
Can I get a tax invoice for my order?
Yes. A tax invoice (GST inclusive) is attached to your order confirmation email. If you need a copy resent, please contact us at hello@peum.com.au with your order number.
An item I want is out of stock. Will it come back?
We restock popular items regularly. On any out-of-stock product page, you can click "Notify me when available" and enter your email address to receive an automatic alert as soon as it is back in stock.
For urgent enquiries about a specific item, you are welcome to contact us directly at hello@peum.com.au.
Contact Us
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, we're happy to help.
Email: hello@peum.com.au
We aim to respond within 1 business day.