Embarking on a journey through Seoul’s vibrant workshop scene unveils a cultural tapestry that sets Korea apart from many Western countries. In Korea, the workshop experience, known as “공방체험” (gongbang cheheom), is not merely a niche hobby but a pervasive part of the lifestyle. Unlike in the West, where workshops can be scarce or come with a hefty price tag, Korea boasts a rich tapestry of 공방 (gongbang) opportunities that cater to various interests.
These workshops are more than just places to learn a new skill; they are social hubs where friends gather, couples embark on first dates, and individuals bond over shared creative endeavors. The notion of valuing time spent with others takes center stage, allowing you to seamlessly integrate workshops into your social calendar. Whether you’re looking for a casual hangout or a unique date idea, Seoul’s workshop culture has something for everyone. Below is a curated list of intriguing workshops to get you started, but keep in mind that this is just the tip of the iceberg – Seoul’s workshop scene is vast and diverse, so feel free to explore beyond the boundaries of this list!
Ring making
Delve into the art of personalized jewelry by trying your hand at a ring making workshop in Seoul. Whether you’re a crafting enthusiast or a beginner, this activity offers a delightful blend of creativity and skill-building.
In a typical ring making workshop, participants will work with a variety of materials, such as silver or brass, to craft their own unique rings. Guided by experienced instructors, attendees will learn essential jewelry-making techniques, from shaping and soldering to polishing the final piece. Workshops usually last a couple of hours, providing a hands-on experience that results in a custom-made ring to take home.
Recommended Workshop Venues:
Banji Cafe in Hongdae [반지카페 홍대]
Price range: 25,000won-45,000won
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm
366-13 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울 마포구 잔다리로6길 40-6 3층
Pottery
Explore the world of ceramics in Seoul through engaging pottery workshops, where the tactile experience of molding clay takes center stage. Whether you’re trying your hand at the pottery wheel to craft a personalized bowl or cup or prefer the artistic expression of decorating pre-made bowls, these workshops offer an immersive journey into the art of pottery.
In the pottery wheel workshop, participants dive into hands-on clay shaping. Guided through the process of centering, shaping, and molding clay on a spinning wheel, you’ll create your own bowl or cup from scratch. Keep in mind that patience is key as your creation needs time to dry and undergo the firing process. Plan accordingly, as you’ll retrieve your finished piece after four or five weeks.
If painting and decorating are more your style, choose a workshop where pre-made bowls become your canvas. These sessions focus on the artistic side of pottery, allowing you to unleash your creativity through color, patterns, and designs. While not involving the wheel, the satisfaction of transforming a blank canvas into a unique piece of functional art is equally rewarding. Be aware that the fired and glazed pieces may take a few weeks before they are ready for collection.
Recommended Workshop Venue:
Ceradu [세라듀]
Price range: 39,000won-110,000won (depending on workshop)
B1, GyeyuBuilding, 332, Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
서울 강남구 논현로 332 계유빌딩 b1
Candle Making
The candle making workshops allows you to craft personalized candles that go beyond the conventional. From choosing vibrant colors to selecting captivating scents, participants can tailor their candles to match their individual style. Explore the delightful realm of cute waxy shapes, whether it’s candles resembling delectable desserts or the timeless elegance of colored swirls in classic cylinder shapes.
Seoul’s candle making scene boasts a myriad of options, allowing participants to shape their candles beyond imagination. However, it’s crucial to note that many workshops may not explicitly cater to English speakers. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, take the initiative to reach out directly. Inquire about their English-speaking accommodations, as personalized communication is key to unlocking the full potential of your candle-making adventure.
Listed below are a few candle workshops I found with super cute options. However keep in mind, I couldn’t find any mention of English lessons on their social media, so reach out to them and see if they would be willing to accomodate.
Recommended Workshop Venues:
Keep in mind, not confirmed if English lessons are available!
Eo Little Candle [어리틀캔들]
17, Sinchon-ro 1-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
서울 서대문구 신촌로1길 17
L’Arc en CL [라르크앙씨엘 캔들&비누공방]
Room 302, Dongju Bldg., 41 Samseong-ro 135-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
서울 강남구 삼성로135길 41 동주빌딩 302호
Cooking
The cooking workshops offer a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of Korean cuisine, ranging from crafting traditional banchan (side dishes) to mastering the art of creating a full Korean meal or even the iconic kimchi. Geared towards tourists, these workshops ensure a seamless experience with in-depth English lessons, making them an ideal gateway for those eager to dive into the world of Korean cooking.
Choose from an array of cooking workshops that suit your culinary interests. Delve into the world of banchan, mastering the art of creating diverse side dishes that accompany every Korean meal. Elevate your skills with a full meal class, where you’ll craft an entire Korean culinary experience from appetizers to main courses. Or, focus on the iconic kimchi in a dedicated class, learning the secrets behind this fermented delight. These workshops, often offered as private or small-group sessions, provide a hands-on and personalized approach to Korean cooking.
Explore the diverse facets of Korean cuisine with a variety of workshops designed to suit your culinary interests. Options range from crafting traditional side dishes (banchan) to making iconic kimchi from scratch, offering insights into the secrets of Korean cuisine. These workshops, often offered as private or small-group sessions, provide a hands-on and personalized approach to Korean cooking.
While these workshops may fall on the higher-priced end, the value lies not only in the delicious meals created but also in the immersive English lessons and the invaluable opportunity to master the art of Korean cooking. Whether you’re interested in side dishes, full meals, or the iconic kimchi, these workshops offer a gateway to the diverse and delicious world of Korean cuisine.
Recommended Workshop Venues:
Ome Cooking Lab [오미 요리연구소]
97-1, Yangnyeongsi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
서울시 동대문구 약령시로 97-1
Hello K Cooking
5 Bangullae-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Sunny’s Dining (써니s 다이닝)
– Dessert Cooking Studio specializing in rice cakes
Metro The O’Ville 1801, 199 Baekbeom-ro, Singongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Flower Arrangement
The flower arrangement workshops provide a unique blend of creativity and relaxation, tailored for all levels of enthusiasts, allowing participants to craft stunning arrangements while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of working with flowers.
In a typical flower arranging workshop, participants explore the fundamentals of floral design, from selecting the right blooms to understanding color schemes and composition. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll learn essential techniques for creating harmonious arrangements that reflect your personal style. Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the workshops cater to a range of skill levels, ensuring a rewarding experience for all.
Recommended Workshop Venues:
The Flower School Anette [더 플라워스쿨 아네트]
2 Tapseongmal 1-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Gather & Assemble
46 Seobinggo-ro 91na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Perfume
The perfume workshops offer a personalized experience, allowing participants to choose from a variety of bases and a vast array of notes to craft a scent that resonates with their individual style and personality. From floral and citrus to warm vanilla, the options are as diverse as your imagination.
In a custom perfume making workshop, participants dive into the art of fragrance creation. Begin by selecting a base that serves as the foundation of your perfume, setting the tone for the final product. Bases range from mellow and floral to citrusy and warm vanilla, providing a canvas for your olfactory masterpiece. Guided by experienced perfumers, you’ll then explore a selection of notes—specific scents that will form the unique layers of your fragrance. Whether it’s the sweet and delicate essence of rose blossoms, the lively citrus notes of bergamot, the grounding scent of sandalwood, the fruity vibrancy of wild berries, or the alluring depth of amber musk, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination.
Recommended Workshop Venues:
GN Perfume Studio
2F, 22, Seocho-daero 29-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea
서울시 서초구 서초대로29길 22, 2F
AROMIND
19-7, Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 북촌로5길 19-7
MAISON DE PARFUM 121 [121르말뒤페이]
40 Wausan-ro 13-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울 마포구 와우산로13길 40
Honorable Mentions:
As we wrap up our list through Seoul’s workshop wonders, here are some standout activities that encapsulate the city’s creative spirit. From crafting personalized neon signs to baking tarts or cream pastries, each workshop offers a unique avenue for self-expression and skill-building. Whether you’re into culinary adventures, artistic endeavors, or hands-on crafts, these honorable mentions promise a diverse array of memorable experiences, reflecting the rich tapestry of Seoul’s vibrant workshop culture.
- Terrarium making
- Neon-sign making
- Baking
- Leather cutting
- Sewing
- Phone Case Decorating
- Rattan making
- Rug tufting
- Stained glass art
- Soap making
- Wax diorama making
Helpful Tips for Workshops
Before Booking:
- Instagram Check: Before finalizing your workshop plans, take a peek at the workshop’s Instagram. It’s a great way to get a visual sense of their offerings and style.
- Reservation Policy: Carefully review the workshop’s reservation policy. Check if reservations are required and if there are specific steps to follow in order to reserve an appointment
- Contact: Reach out to the store directly on Instagram or KakaoChat. Message them to confirm if they can accommodate non-Korean speakers and inquire about their reservation process. A quick message can help clarify language capabilities to ensure you have a successful workshop.
Beyond the listed workshops above, dive into your own search. Seoul’s diverse workshop scene offers a wealth of experiences catering to various interests. Because the search process can be tedious especially for non-Korean speakers, consider using third-party plaforms like Trazy, Klook, Airbnb, or TripAdvisor. Although booking appointments through third-party platforms may be mroe expensive, you can have a streamlined process for reserving workshop appointments where you’ll be guaranteed English communication and clear instructions.
Seoul’s workshop scene is rich and varied, offering a plethora of experiences. These tips aim to enhance your exploration, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable workshop experience in the bustling city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I make reservations for workshops in Seoul?
- Reservation processes vary. Check the workshop’s website or contact them via Instagram/KakaoChat to confirm availability and inquire about reservations. Third-party platforms like Trazy, Klook, Airbnb, or TripAdvisor also offer convenient options.
- Do I need to speak Korean to attend workshops?
- With the vast amount of workshops in Korea you are bound to find a handful that include English lessons and can accomodate non-Korean speakers. Confirm the language capabilities by reaching out to the workshop on Instagram or through KakaoTalk. Consider third-party platforms for English-friendly experiences.
- Can I attend workshops without a Korean phone number?
- Depends on the workshop. Some offer direct reservations through Naver but that requires a Korean phone number. Inquire about alternatives or consider using third-party platforms for seamless transactions.
- How can I find workshops that suit my interests?
- Explore diverse options by checking Instagram, Naver Maps, or third-party platforms. Search workshop ‘공방’ or one-day class ‘원데이클래스’ in Naver maps for workshops near you.
- What are the benefits of using third-party platforms?
- Platforms like Trazy, Klook, Airbnb, or TripAdvisor offer streamlined reservations and guaranteed English communication. Keep in mind that this convenience may come with slightly higher costs.
- Are there workshops for non-Korean speakers?
- Definitely! While some workshops may lack English information, reach out to them via KakaoTalk. Polite inquiries often lead to accommodations, ensuring you still have an amazing experience.
- Can I explore multiple activities in one day?
- Depending on the workshops’ durations and locations, it’s possible to schedule multiple activities in a day. Plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your Seoul workshop adventure. Some workshops can take up to four hours while others may take less than 45 minutes.