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Traditional Culture Hands-on Programs
– Do It Yourself in Three Hours
Can a trip to Korea be truly complete without a hands-on experience in Korean
traditional cultural arts? Whether stitching a bojagi (square wrapping cloth), making a paper doll, a small box, or
plate with hanji paper, or just taking a souvenir picture of yourself in a hanbok, you will learn more about Korea.
Ms. Yano Kaori, a Japanese consultant for Visitkorea, visited craft workshops and museums in Insa-dong and Gahoe-
dong for some hands-on traditional culture experience. Rather than just buying souvenirs, how about making your own
gifts for your families and friends? A half day is all you need to immerse yourself in a traditional culture
experience.
 Learn to Make a Bojagi or a Sewing
Tool at Gagyo!
This 3-hour program is easier for those who make quilts or like stitching. A simple
bojagi (a square piece of cloth used to wrap or cover something) that is hung on the wall for decoration or one
that is used to cover a dining table only requires 2 to 4 stitching methods, so it is relatively easy to make for
anyone. At Gagyo, a lecturer who speaks Japanese fluently will teach foreign participants how to make a bojagi. The
course is also available in English, even though it is not as fluent as Japanese.
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[ Yano Kaori’s Pin Cushion ]
The Gyubang (women’s accessories) craft course teaches participants how to make a
variety of sewing items, such as a thimble, pincushion, and pouches. The pincushion kit comes with all the
necessary pre-cut cloth and sewing tools. Participants purchase their own thread in desired colors, ruler, and hera
marker (a tool for making sharp folds in fabric without ironing or cutting). During the class, the teacher will
demonstrate and explain each step. Three hours may not be enough to complete a project, so participants will be
learning the necessary sewing techniques during the class. Those staying in Korea can bring their projects back
after completion and the teacher will make recommendations on what to do. Those who leave Korea can send a photo of
their completed work by e-mail and receive assistance.
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[ Reporter’s Ramie Fabric ]
Originally, bojagi was made to save leftover scraps of cloth. Nowadays, however, it
has become such a popular craft that whole pieces of cloth are intentionally cut and sewn together. A variety of
fabrics such as ramie or silk can be used. Usually, the intended use of the bojagi determines the type of fabric.
For decorative use on walls or windows, use ramie fabric dyed with natural materials. The tuition for making a sewing item or bojagi is the same, so the choice is up to you.
To make a bojagi, you must cut your own cloth, whereas you will use pre-cut fabrics to make sewing accessories. You
can take your project home and complete it using the printed instructions. If you already have sewing experience,
you can just buy a project kit to complete at home.
About Gagyo
Location: Gwanhun-dong 6-beonji 301, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82-2-720-0365/ Fax: +82-2-720-0394
Website: http://www.gagyo365.com/ (Korean)
e-mail: gagyo@gagyo365.com
Gyubang Crafts: Lesson (3-hour course) 30,000 won/ Thread 3,500 won/ Package 7,000 won
Bojagi Sewing: Lesson (3-hour course) 30,000 won/ Thread 5,000 won/ Ramie Bojagi
Package 17,000 won/ Ruler 8,000 won/ Hera 6,000 won
How to Get There: Take Subway Line No. 1, Jonggak Station, Exit No. 3 → Walk towards Jongno 3-ga and turn left at
Kumkang shoe store → Pass Insa-dong intersection towards Sudo Pharmacy → At the first corner to the right, you will
find Gagyo on the 3rd floor of Aragaya Tea Shop building
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Hanji & People: Hanji Craft
Hanji & People offers hanji craft classes in English, Japanese, and Chinese if you make
a reservation in advance. You can choose from 15 easy-to-do hanji craft projects, with each class lasting two to
three hours. Most popular among foreign tourists are the accessories classes (dolls, picture frames, or hand
mirrors). All the necessary materials are included in the kit, so if you want to take more classes, just buy
another kit.
→ For more information, click here!
About Hanji & People
Location: F2, Dong-il Bldg., Insa-dong 170, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82-2-725-9979/ Fax: +82-2-732-9979
Hours: 10:00-19:00
Package Price: Hand mirror 6,000 won, picture frame 6,000 won, farmer doll 40,000 won,
other doll 30,000 won (Lecture fees are usually twice the price of package)
Note: For classes in English, Japanese, or English, make a reservation at least 2 to 3
days in advance by sending an email to boomi9804@hanmail.net. Foreign-language classes are open only when there are 4 to 5 applicants or more.
How to Get There: Take Subway Line No. 1, Jonggak Station, No. Exit 3 → Walk towards
Jongno 3-ga and turn left at Kumkang shoe store → Hanji & People is on the 2nd floor of Dong-il building opposite
the Dukwon Gallery, before Insa-dong intersection
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Insa-dong Tourist Information Center:
Try on Hanbok!
The hanbok wearing experience is a fast and convenient cultural experience available
for anyone in the Insa-dong area. You can rent a hanbok (choose the one you like in your size) at the Insa-dong
Tourist Information Center and take an indoor or outdoor photo (in front of the Center). The center also has a
selection for children.
About Insa-dong Tourist Information Center
Location: Gwanhun-dong 155-2, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82-2-731-1676
Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Closed during Chuseok and New Year holidays)
Rental Fee: 3,000 won
How to Get There: Take Subway Line No. 1, Jonggak Station, Exit No. 3 → Walk towards
Jongno 3-ga and turn left at Kumkang shoe store → Walk down the street and you will find the center on the left
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Dong-Lim Museum: Knot Making
At the Knot Museum, visitors can not only view the various knotted works on display but
also learn how to make one. The Dong-Lim Museum is a cozy museum housed in a small hanok in Gahoe-dong. The Han
Sang-soo Embroidery Museum, Gahoe Museum, and numerous workshops and galleries are located nearby. The museum
displays paired jade butterfly knots symbolizing conjugal harmony; amber knots symbolizing wealth and prosperity;
and the pepper knot symbolizing fertility and the birth of sons. There are also eggplant and bat knots.
Take part in a knot craft program after viewing the exhibits. It takes only an hour to
complete a project. The knot project requires silk cord, so the price of a kit is slightly more expensive than
ready-made items that are sold in Insa-dong.
About Dong-Lim Museum
Location: Gahoe-dong 11-7, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Closed on Sundays)
Admission: Free
Program Fee: Dragonfly-shaped mobile ring 5,000 won (Fees differ depending on program)
Note: For English services, make a reservation by sending an e-mail to shimyoungmi@korea.com at least 3 days in advance.
How to Get There: Take Subway Line No. 3, Anguk Station, Exit No. 2 → Take shuttle bus
2 and get off at Donmee Pharmacy → Turn right at the corner and walk about 50 meters
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Gahoe Museum: Rubbings, Fans, and
Amulets
The Gahoe Museum is a private museum with over 1,500 items in its collection, mostly
amulets and folk paintings. The museum also offers programs in amulet-making and folk painting. Visitors can look
around the museum and participate in a hands-on program afterwards. Fees differ, ranging between 3,000 and 7,000
won. The Dado tea ceremony class is held every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 10:30 to 12:00 and costs 30,000 won.
About Gahoe Museum
Location: Gahoe-dong 11-103, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82-2-741-0466 / Fax: +82-2-741-4766
Website: http://www.gahoemuseum.org/(Korean, English)
Admission: Ages 19+ 3,000 won, Ages 18- 2,000 won
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Closed on Mondays)
Program Fee: Amulet Stamping 3,000 won/ Rubbing 5,000 won/ Folk Painting Coloring 5,000
won/ Folk Fan Drawing 7,000 won
How to Get There: Take Subway Line No. 3, Anguk Station, Exit No. 2 à Take shuttle bus
2 and get off at Donmee Pharmacy → Turn right at the corner and walk about 50 meters → In front of Dong-Lim Museum,
walk into the street to the left and walk another 50 meters
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Jonginamoo Gallery: Hanji Craft
The Jonginamoo Gallery is a cozy and comfortable space where you can drink traditional
tea and take part in a hanji craft experience. The gallery is decorated in muted tones and traditional style with
wooden antique furniture and hanji crafts. The one-day hanji craft programs are held outdoors. Classes are
available only in Korean, so come with a Korean-speaking friend or be brave - take a class in Korean. The gallery,
which has been publicized in Korean and Japanese media, is especially known for its calm, leisurely ambience. If
you are not taking a hanji class, you can enjoy a cup of traditional tea and look at the antique furniture and
hanji crafts.
About Jonginamoo Gallery
Location: Gahoe-dong 177-6, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Tel: +82-2-766-3397
Website: http://www.jonginamoo.com/ (Korean)
Hours: 10:30-22:00 (Closed on 1st and 3rd Sundays)
Program Fee: From 30,000 won (plus materials fees; minimum 4 participants; free
traditional tea after program)
Program Hours: 2 hours 30 minutes ~ 3 hours
How to Get There: Take Subway Line No. 3, Anguk Station, Exit No. 2 → Take shuttle bus
2 and get off at Donmee Pharmacy → Walk down the road → The gallery is the second hanok in the bystreet to the left
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- Fabulous Hanji (Korean Traditional Paper)
- Korean Traditional Ceramics: Create your own ceramics!
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