Historical examples of Korean traditional crafts and wares--stunning golden jewelry, celadon pottery, calligraphy, and more--are on exhibit in many museums throughout the city, including the National Folk Museum of Korea. You'll be wowed by what you see, but while museums keep visitors at a reasonable distance (completely justified), there is a way for you to get up close and personal with Korean traditional handicrafts and to take home a slice of Korean history in a uniquely hands-on way.

Tucked away in the Instagrammably picturesque winding alleys of the traditional Korean hanok villages throughout Seoul, arts and crafts workshops in South Korea's capital city keep folkloric customs alive in their crafts. These artisans welcome visitors to Seoul to not only shop but to participate in the creation of their own unique Korean traditional crafts. If you're looking for an immersive, hands-on way to experience Seoul, then these arts and crafts workshops are definitely for you!

Related: How to Explore The Best of Seoul In Just A Week

Create Your Own Korean Calligraphy

Derived from the art of ancient Chinese calligraphy, Korean seoye features hangul--native Korean letters or hanja--the Korean traditional writing system that uses Chinese characters. Korean calligraphy dates as far back as the 2nd to 3rd century, when the peninsula had yet to be unified. It uses a combination of brush, ink stick, ink stone, and paper to achieve various different kinds of stroke thickness and sizes and styles of lettering. The product of scholars and artists alike, Korean calligraphy held a profound place in the country's history as it represented dignity in language and an almost spiritual connection to the written word.

Today, you can take classes from calligraphy teachers and masters in Seoul that are geared to an international audience to learn more about the art of seoye. In many of these classes, you're instructed on the history and different styles of calligraphy, and then you get some hands-on practice by creating a scroll of your own! Supplies are often included in the class, so you don't have to worry about tracking down those Korean mulberry brushes.

Classes usually cost somewhere in the realm of $25-$60, dependent on the level of mastery of the teacher, the quality and size of the product you are creating, and the additional soft products provided (like a glass of traditional Korean tea). Popular travel booking sites like KKDay and Trazy have a large selection of studios and teachers to choose from, but Airbnb actually offers some excellent quality calligraphy classes from less commercialized, more craft-oriented teachers.

If you're looking to get even more immersed in the calligraphy experience, this seal carving experience in the traditional neighborhood of Insadong is one of the most raved about on Airbnb. You participate in Korean calligraphy but also get a chance to carve your own Korean stone signature seal and accompanying carrying box.

Related: 10 Korean Tattoo Artists You Should Visit During Your Next Trip to Seoul

Lay Your Own Korean Mother-Of Pearl Lacquerware

Najeon Chilgi is the traditional art of pearl or abalone inlay in Korean wooden lacquerware. Dominated by the use of glittering pearl and shells, Korean lacquerware is considered unique among East Asian lacquerware because of its focus on the design itself rather than the color of the lacquer. So revered was Korean najeon chilgi that during the Koryo Dynasty (12th century), these lacquerware pieces were usually gifted to foreign royalty and politicians as an example of Korean craftsmanship.

At a najeon chilgi workshop today, visitors can often choose from a variety of pieces to try their hand at in-laying pearls. Some usual offerings include brooches, bracelets, jewelry boxes, mirrors, or trays. It can be a bit of a meticulously arduous process, but with that in mind, the outcome is a beautiful testament to patience and craftsmanship. There are many studios to choose from, mainly situated in and around the traditional villages in Seoul. This class is based at the Yongsan Crafts Museum, not far from the National Museum of Korea.

The Modern Art Of K-Beauty

While not as ancient as its calligraphy or lacquerware counterparts (though the use of some ingredients dates back that far!) K-Beauty is a part of modern Korean culture that's taken the world by storm. From BB Creams to sheet masks to lip tints to essences and emulsions, K-Beauty and skincare products at global trendsetters. So it's no wonder that beauty companies in Seoul have found a way to reach their consumer directly--by holding makeup and skincare classes!

While there are a variety of classes that focus on one aspect or the other (make-up or skincare), the beauty classes at Vic's Lab Korea in the trendy Hongdae neighborhood of Seoul give you a bit of both. Throughout the class, you'll learn about the different ingredients popular in skincare, hear about niche K-beauty brands, and then make your own toner, serum, and lip balms! Victoria, the owner and operator of the company, creates recipes that suit your own skin needs, and she even curates a list of other products that are good for you and your skin. You can also join her lipstick class, where you whip up your own famed K-Beauty lipstick color.