The Carving a Korean Stone Seal with Jeongju workshop teaches you how to make a dojang, the traditional Korean name stamp still used today to sign documents, artwork and personal letters. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
I didn’t expect to walk away from a stone carving class with ink on my hands, a small slab of rock in my pocket and a deeper appreciation for Korean culture. But after 90 minutes in a quiet studio in the Insadong section of Seoul, that’s exactly what I got.
The Carving a Korean Stone Seal with Jeongju workshop teaches you how to make a dojang, the traditional Korean name stamp still used today to sign documents, artwork and personal letters.
For Koreans, these stamps can be registered for legal use. For foreigners, they serve as handcrafted souvenirs.
The class begins with writing your name in Hangul, Korea’s alphabet. Once transferred to stone, the real work begins: carving each character by hand.
The tools are simple — a metal chisel and a wooden board — but the process demands patience and control. I quickly realized it’s less about strength and more about precision. Thankfully, instructor Jeongju offered tips throughout and helped correct any missteps.
Students practice Korean calligraphy during a seal-making workshop in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 29, 2025. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
The Carving a Korean Stone Seal with Jeongju workshop teaches you how to make a dojang, the traditional Korean name stamp still used today to sign documents, artwork and personal letters. (Trevares Johnson/Stars and Stripes)
The experience also felt surprisingly international. My session included travelers from Japan, Germany and Singapore. While English was the main language used, most of us communicated more through gestures, shared tools and laughter over cracked stones and happy accidents. The process naturally brought people together.
Once finished, we tested our stamps using thick red ink on rice paper. Mine came out slightly crooked but felt completely unique.
And, yes, I’ll be proudly stamping every notebook I own from now on.
The class costs about $45 and lasts around an hour and a half. I booked through TripAdvisor, but walk-ins are accepted if space allows.
Weekday afternoons are best for avoiding crowds and getting more one-on-one guidance, according to Jeongju, the studio owner.
On the QT
Directions: Jeongju’s studio in the Insadong section of Seoul, South Korea, is a 20-minute subway ride from Yongsan Garrison. Directions will be provided upon sign-up.
Times: Workshops typically run 90 minutes; most afternoon sessions begin at 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.
Costs: The equivalent of about $45 per person; booking available via TripAdvisor
Dress: Casual (you may get a little ink on your hands).
Information: Booking available via TripAdvisor. Search “Carving a Korean Stone Seal with Jeongju.”
