ZHANG YILONG

Senior Editor, GSIS Newsletter

On May 24th, 2025, Iyagi Hour held a special cultural experience event from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Insadong, Seoul. The goal was to give foreign students a chance to connect with Korean culture in a hands-on way. By taking part in this traditional activity, students could not only learn more about Korean history but also help spread its charm to the world.

The event focused on Jeongak (전각), the Korean art of seal engraving. These engraved seals, called Dojang (도장), have been used for hundreds of years to mark documents or artwork. Instead of using a signature, people would press their personalized seal in red ink to show ownership or approval. Materials like stone, wood, and sometimes jade are commonly used to make them.

At 4:00 PM, participants met at Eorayeon 어라연, a traditional seal engraving shop in Insadong. The store assistant gave a short introduction, explaining the meaning behind the seals and how the engraving process works. After that, each person picked the material and shape they liked best.

The most exciting part came when everyone started engraving. The shopkeeper helped each person one by one, showing them how to hold the tool and carve the characters properly. Most students chose to engrave their own names, seeing it as a personal and meaningful souvenir. Designing the seals took focus, but it was also a lot of fun. There was laughter, quiet concentration, and friendly chatter all around.

About 40 minutes later, everyone finished their handmade seals and gave them to the staff for final touches and packaging. People took photos, shared their work, and looked proud of what they had created.

The event ended with big smiles and happy memories. It was not just a class—it was a bridge between cultures. Experiences like this are what Iyagi Hour hopes to continue offering in the future: moments that bring people closer through language, art, and tradition.