After months of admiring Seoul’s street art and gallery districts like Ikseon-dong, I finally signed up for a beginner’s drawing class at “Canvas & Kimchi” in Hongdae. Here’s why it was a highlight of my Korea trip:
Finding the Class & First Impressions
I booked through Klook (foreigner-friendly!), choosing their “Korean Traditional Motifs” session. The studio was tucked away on the 3rd floor of a hanok-style building, blending old Seoul charm with art supplies everywhere. Instructor Lee greeted me in fluent English, immediately easing my “language anxiety.” Small group sizes (max 8 people) meant personalized attention.
The Creative Journey
- Warm-up (30 mins): We practiced basic line techniques while snacking on hoddeok (sweet pancakes) – a genius stress reliever!
- Theme Selection: Options included modern Seoul skylines or traditional munbanggu (writing brushes). I chose a palace scene inspired by Gyeongbokgung.
- Step-by-Step Guidance: Instructor Lee demonstrated perspective tricks using digital tablets (projected for clarity), then circulated to help individually. Her mantra: “Mistakes are just new shapes!”
- Materials: Provided high-quality hanji (Korean paper), ink sticks, and watercolors. Surprisingly eco-friendly – pigments were plant-based.
Foreigner-Friendly Perks
- Multilingual resources: Tablet instructions had English/Japanese/Chinese translations
- Cultural immersion: Learned symbolic meanings (e.g., cranes = longevity) while painting
- Post-class flexibility: Could stay longer to refine work with extra guidance
- No experience needed: My stick-figure-level skills were welcomed!
The Payoff
My final piece (a dreamy Namsan Tower sunset) now hangs proudly in my Airbnb. Beyond the artwork, I gained:
✓ Confidence using Korean art terms like “meok” (ink strokes)
✓ Connections with 3 other expat participants
✓ A handmade souvenir far more meaningful than store-bought knickknacks
Tips for Fellow Foreigners
- 💡 Book early: Weekend slots fill fast
- 💡 Bring a phone for translating complex terms (though staff assist eagerly)
- 💡 Wear dark clothes – ink splashes are likely!
- 💡 Arrive 15 mins early: Finding hidden studios can be tricky
Final Brushstrokes
This 3-hour class (₩45,000 ≈ $33) offered more than art skills – it was a cultural bridge. Watching my clumsy lines transform into something beautiful mirrored my Seoul journey: initially intimidating, ultimately rewarding. Next stop: pottery class in Insadong!
📍 Canvas & Kimchi: Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu (Nearest exit: Hongdae Stn #9)
🌐 Booking: www.canvaskimchi.co.kr/global
Whether you’re a resident or traveler, Seoul’s art classes turn observation into participation. Just bring curiosity – they handle the rest!