7 Must-Try Korean Art & Crafts Experience in Seoul!
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Seoul, why not give Korean Art & Crafts a try?
While Seoul might seem to resemble any other capital city where its fast growing economic is backed by rapid modernization, you might be surprised to find otherwise! In fact, walking down around Seoul, you’d find that there’s a well-balanced mix between old and new, and a wide range of interesting cultural activities are also available for you to explore with family and friends!
Besides, wouldn’t it be exciting to experience Korean culture by putting yourself in activities that local Koreans enjoy and create a unique Seoul experience with your own hands? If that’s what you’ve been hoping for, look no further! 😍
Here is our list of 7 Must-Try Korean Art & Crafts Activities, as authorized by One More Trip – Seoul Tourism Organization’s Official Local Tour and Experience Guide!
🎨 7 Korean Crafts & Arts Experiences You Must Try in Seoul !
1. Customized Chopsticks Making
I love eating Korean food and have started making a couple of recipes at home! As a foodie, I know that the right utensils can make or break the eating experience. So I decided to take the chopstick set making class and make my own set of Korean chopsticks and spoon.
This was a great activity to do on a sunny weekend. The class is located in the mountains behind the Kyeongbokgung palace. The area is very dainty and the view beautiful. If you are visiting the palace plan this activity on the same day!
The class is located in a gallery dedicated to Korean chopsticks and spoons, you’ll be able to see different designs, get inspired for your arts and crafts, or buy a set if you like. The gallery is modern, quiet, and relaxing, perfect for spending time focused on chopsticks makings.
During the class, the instructor will teach you how to customize and design your own bamboo chopsticks set. You can adjust the length and the shape of the handle, then use acrylic colors to add your favorite design by hand. I am a big fan of floral patterns, so that is the design I chose for my chopsticks set!
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2. Mother-of-Pearl, Korean Traditional Lacquerware Design
How about making lacquerware? Korean traditional lacquerware is made with Mother of Pearls (nacre), a material found on pearls and inside of shells such as abalone. This is what gives Korean lacquerware its unique colorful shine. Did you know that Mother-of-Pearl lacquerware is one of Korea’s intangible cultural properties?
In this class, you can learn how to do this form of delicate art and make your own Korean souvenirs such as a jewel box or a brooch. A valuable experience and a valuable souvenir!
3. Korean Floral Design
Have you ever tried designing a flower bouquet? Floral design has become a popular hobby in Korea especially Korean style floral design. Floral design is a great healing activity, if you are looking to learn something new without feeling the pressure, this might be the perfect activity for you. Spending time in a flower market is calming and rewarding; designing flowers is a zen type of art.
During this activity, you will visit Yangjae Flower Market which is the largest flower market in Korea. After visiting the market, the instructors will teach you how to make Korean style flowers!
4. Traditional Hanji Accessory Making
As a foreigner, one of the most exciting parts of Korean cultural experience I like is wearing the Korean traditional dress, Hanbok. Hanboks are decorated with their own unique accessories.
Hanbok accessories can range from the colorful tassels called Norigae that are hung from the upper coat, or the beautiful hairbands called Baessi Daengi. In this one-day class, you can learn how to make the Korean traditional accessory of your choice. You will use colorful Korean traditional paper as a material.
Don’t forget to use your handmade Hanbok accessory next time you’re wearing Hanbok in Seoul
→ Hanbok Experience Click Here!
5. Korean Gold leaf Art
Do you enjoy watching Korean dramas? Imagine the queen enter the palace, she is beautiful and strides with grace. She wears a unique style of Hanbok. On the rim of her skirt shines a delicate golden design. The golden design made on Hanbok worn by kings and queens is called Geumbak, which is another Korean intangible cultural property.
Gold leaves are precious delicate material used to create Geumbak designs. They might seem intimidating but are very fun to work with, and when done, the final artwork has a unique look that cannot be achieved with paint.
During this one-day class, you can experience making gold leaf art together with experts from Korea’s no.1 art university. Gold leaf is also commonly used in modern art. This might be a fun experience to dab your feet in all types of gold leaf art.
6. Korean Acrylic & Watercolor Painting in Gangnam
If you like beautiful paintings and architecture this will be a cultural activity you’ll enjoy. Have you seen these colorful flower patterns painted onto the roof beams in palaces and temples around Korea? These Korean floral patterns are called Dancheong and they are an important element making Korean temples and palaces unique.
If these beautiful patterns have caught your eyes, you might enjoy learning more about them, and learn how to make them yourself. Through this activity, you can learn how to draw traditional Korean patterns using acrylic or watercolor paints.
If you want more, there are modern options available as well. The teachers can help you draw a design based on your favorite K-pop and K-drama, or the photos you’ve taken in Korea. Paint an image that will be dear to your heart!
7. Outdoor Ink & Wash Painting (Sumukhwa)
This outdoor painting experience is perfect for autumn and spring when you want to stay in the beautiful outdoors. Sumukhwa is a Korean traditional painting style created with bamboo brushes and ink. This style was used for paintings, designing folding screens, or illustrating poetry. Sumukhwa was considered high merit and practiced between the gentry.
The class is held in a historical palace, where you can take inspiration from traditional Korean architecture. Imagine you are a member of the gentry; experience what it feels like to spend a nice leisurely day during Joseon times while perfecting your art.
We have many more local cultural activities certified by the Seoul Tourism Organization we did not get a chance to talk about. Make sure to check them all out here!
