Beautiful Bling: What to expect at a Korean ring-making class

What will help you remember a truly wonderful trip to South Korea better than personalised jewellery? Try a Korean ring-making class to create bling like no other…

Couple outfits are everywhere in Korea. But how about going a step further and getting couple rings? Or friendship jewellery. Or the perfect gift for your dear mother. There are a number of great ring-making experiences springing up in major cities around Korea. Not only will you learn about the jewellery-making process but you’ll have a high-quality, personalised accessory to keep after the experience. So if you fancy getting creative and making lasting memories in Korea, head to one of these classes. If you’re near Daejeon, Diagongbang (다이아공방) offers a great experience, perfect for English speakers. The experience you’re about to read about is largely based on this brilliant location. However, there are other places to facilitate all your jewellery-making needs. Read ahead to discover where to go, how much to pay, what styles are available to you and what to expect.

Locations

There is no shortage of experience days and workshops around Korea. Try anything from phone case-making, perfume tutorials, and Korean cooking sessions to name a few. So with many to choose from, where should you go to get the best Korean ring-making class? As mentioned previously, Diagongbang in Daejeon is a great place to head for a personalised experience. However, most expats and tourists will undoubtedly visit Korea’s capital in search of workshops and classes. In Seoul, Ring University (반지대학) is the place to go for a fun experience, perfect for English speakers and beginners. Plus, you can choose between the Hongdae, Myeongdong or Gangnam stores. Therefore, there’s no reason to miss out.

But how do you find ring-making classes elsewhere in Korea? Klook and Trazy are the places to look. These websites are brilliantly designed to help you find a range of classes and experiences, particularly in South Korea. You can even book directly through the platforms. Just show your booking reference when you show up for the class and get cracking. If these websites still aren’t yielding the results you need, Instagram or Naver Maps is the next place to go. Try searching for 반지 공방 (“ring craft shop”) together with the location you’re interested in. You can always send the workshop a direct message, asking whether they offer classes in English if it’s not stated on their page. This tried-and-tested method led me to my experience in Daejeon.

Price

There’s no denying that a ring-making class in South Korea can be expensive. Whatever session you choose to participate in, you can expect to pay over £30 for the ring and class combined. However, considering this involves high-quality tuition and a piece of jewellery, it’s pretty fair. Also, you should expect a similar price in other crafting classes or experiences, like fragrance-making or cooking lessons. So, don’t shy away from the price and get making. Ultimately, it’s best if the amount you spend reflects the amount you’ll wear this ring after creation. If this is something you’ll only wear once and quickly throw into a jewellery box, don’t bother spending lots. But if this is an accessory you’ll treasure, fork out a little extra cash and remember you’re paying for an authentic artisan piece.

Several features will vary the price of your experience. First of all, the design choices you make will have a direct effect on how much you pay. A cubic will send the price up, particularly if you decide on a more expensive stone. The size and finish will also raise the price. Consider whether you’d prefer to save a few bucks and opt out of getting a protective finish. However, remember that although you’ll spare some money, your ring might not last as long. Finally, some experiences will offer a delivery service so that your ring can be sent to you after all the finishing touches are added. This will add a little extra to your bill but can save a lot of hassle, particularly if you don’t plan to stay close by

Styles

You might already have a clear idea of the ring you want to create. But if you’re not sure which design path to take, the experts will lead you to the perfect piece of jewellery. It goes beyond just choosing between a silver or gold ring (although this is a decision you’ll have to make). You’ll also have to select a shape and thickness, and whether you want a gem, engraving and protective coating on the ring. That’s a lot to think about. Luckily, this class is led by professionals who have made a lot of rings over the years. They can offer suggestions based on your price range. For example, if you want an engraving this will cost more and require a slightly thicker ring size. Take the time to select the style of your ring before you begin crafting. After all, there’s no going back once you’ve started.

To make all these decisions a little easier, do your research beforehand. Pinterest is a great place to start for a rough idea of popular ring designs. At the very least, this scrolling might help you decide what finger you want to wear your ring on. Alternatively, once you’ve decided on what workshop to head to, you can look at their social media pages. If they have an Instagram, save any designs you like and be prepared to show them to the professionals once you arrive. Most importantly, if you’re planning to make couple or friendship rings, talk to whoever you plan to go with. Find a design that makes everyone happy. It would be awful to arrive and realise you’ve got very different rings in mind.

Process

You’ve found the perfect place to start your ring-making experience in Korea. You’ve coughed up the money to pay for it. Finally, you’ve got an idea of the style of ring you want. But what should you expect once you arrive?

1. Consultation

Don’t expect to rush into this Korean ring-making class. No, no, this is a long process where you’ll carefully curate the jewellery of your dreams. First off, you’ll sit down with a member of the team and decide on what design you want. Hopefully, you’ll already have decided on a particular style. Then your finger will be measured so that the ring won’t slip off once it’s finished. The professionals really know what they’re doing here so trust the size they choose for you, even if you think it’s a little tight. By the end of the consultation, you’ll just have some forms to sign and the fee to pay. Confirm that this price is correct and you’re completely happy with the design one last time. Now it’s time for the fun part.

2. Gearing up

Next, you’ll get kitted up. After putting on your apron, gloves and goggles, you’ll begin to feel like a professional craftsperson. Yet this gear isn’t just for the pictures. The making process involves dangerous tools and fire so keep those goggles firmly over your eyes. Once you’re ready, you’ll make your way over to the craft station. Here, you might be able to set up a tripod and phone camera. You’ll have the chance to record the entire process, helping you to make cute time-lapses and memories of the experience. At long last, the making begins.

3. Get making

Don’t be alarmed if your ring doesn’t look very ring-like to begin with. First, you’ll be given a long strip of metal, which you’ll have to cut down to size. Your teacher will help you find the correct length for your finger so don’t worry about measuring up. Next, you’ll use a file to make sure there are no hard edges. This will involve a little bit of effort, demonstrating the blood, sweat and tears that go into this craft. The next part is a little tricky (and scary) as fire gets involved. Your teacher will use a blow torch to mould the ring around a rod so that it finally gets the ring-like shape you expect. After, get your hammer out and start hitting. No lie, this is the best part. This is the time to show off your strength and really put your back into it. When your arm begins to ache, show your teacher and hope that they say you’re done. Finally, you’ll buff your ring down with a machine so that it looks a little smoother. By the end, of this hour-long process should have something that closely resembles a ring.

4. After you leave

The ring that arrived at my doorstep in a cute little box three days later looked nothing like the ring I’d left at the class. After we left the experience, the craftspeople really got to work making a piece that matched the design we requested. They added a cubic in a star shape, made it shiny, and, most importantly, engraved something special in the inner curve. Now, I have a unique ring that carefully reads 사랑해 (“I love you”), helping me to remember the beautiful friends I made in Korea. The final ring was better than I imagined – something that I’m proud to wear. So don’t be alarmed when you leave a half-finished ring at the crafting experience. Something stunning is coming your way.

Is a Korean ring-making class worth it?

If you’re looking for an experience day where you’ll make both memories and a tasteful product, a Korean ring-making class is the perfect choice. Although this crafting session can be a little on the pricey side, the professional service and the beautiful jewellery you’ll receive make it worthwhile. If you want kind and caring teachers who are open to you asking any questions (and we asked a lot), head to Diagongbang (다이아공방). At this workshop, you’ll be able to choose from countless beautiful designs and learn something completely new. There are also some great sites in Seoul that offer equally brilliant service. On a trip to this wonderful country, a Korean ring-making class is a must-do activity.