I can feel scratch-like marks or uneven bumps on the surface of my new cast iron pan; is it safe to use as is?

Casting refers to a manufacturing method where iron melted at high temperatures is poured into a mold to solidify. The official materials describe three characteristics regarding OIGEN Oigen Foundry cast iron products: surface irregularities that occur during the solidification process, differences in weight and size across individual products, and the fact that these are not defects^[1][2][3].

This is a natural phenomenon. In the process of molten iron filling the casting mold and solidifying, fine scratch-like textures or rough, bumpy curves remain on the bottom or edges^[4][5]. Because each piece takes shape by pouring cast iron individually, the dimensions and weight of the finished products also differ slightly^[6][7].

These marks and dimensional variations are natural characteristics that occur during the cast iron production process, so they do not constitute product defects, and exchanges or returns cannot be processed for these reasons^[8]. In general, the fine irregularities on the surface of cast iron cookware become filled with an oil layer through seasoning—washing and coating with oil to break it in—making it much more convenient to use.