Eunpyeong ring workshop for a bone-shaped ring: Munak

I wanted to try making a ring myself, so I visited Munak (무낙), a jewelry workshop near Yeonsinnae Station, for its one-day workshop. The process involved carving wax into the shape I wanted, and I decided to try a bone-shaped ring inspired by the dog I have at home.

How do you get to Munak from Yeonsinnae Station?

From Yeonsinnae Station Exit 6, I walked uphill toward Cheonggu Seongsim Hospital and then entered the alley on the left. Munak was on the second floor of the building diagonally across from Galhyeon-dong Catholic Church, and its orange sign stood out.

The entrance was at the back of the building. At first I wondered if I was in the right place, but when I went up to the second floor, I found a clean and comfortable workshop.

The original listing says the hours are daily from 10:00 to 21:00, with reservations available through Naver Booking. On-site parking is not available, and visitors are directed to use the nearby public Yeonsinnae Parking Lot.

What is the space like for a solo or two-person workshop?

I expected a small, cozy workshop, but the interior was more spacious than I anticipated. Its tidy white-toned design made it feel comfortable.

The tables and chairs had an antique feel, and the seating consisted of two-person tables. I joined alone, but I thought couples or friends would also enjoy coming together. I could imagine making rings here as a date for an anniversary.

Can you get design advice if you cannot decide on a ring?

The class began with a consultation with the instructor. I had not found a design I truly liked before visiting, so I brought one image with a simple, bold look. The instructor recommended emphasizing the natural feel of the wax to suit the wax-carving process.

A bone-shaped ring among the workshop’s display pieces caught my eye. It reminded me of the dog at home, so I chose that design.

What is the process of making a ring from wax?

I put on the apron prepared at my seat and sat down. First, following the instructor’s explanation, I carved the inside of the wax ring to fit my finger.

Next, I refined the outside. The wax carved more smoothly than I expected at this stage, which made the work fun.

I drew the design I wanted on the wax after carving it to a suitable size. I could revise the drawn shape. As I added curves to create a bone-like look, the instructor checked the shape from time to time and demonstrated the process.

The part I enjoyed most was smoothing the uneven areas. When I relaxed my hand and pushed gently, the surface became neater, making me feel as if I was shaping the wax exactly as I wanted.

What was difficult about carving it yourself?

Making the detailed shape with a carving knife was not easy. The wax that had felt soft earlier seemed hard at this point, and it did not carve as delicately as I wanted, so I struggled for a while. When I worked slowly without rushing, the shape gradually began to take form.

The instructor also helped and offered advice along the way. I carved until a pile of wax dust had built up, but what I made looked more like a ring with curves and grooves than a bone. The instructor handled the finer details.

The workshop lasted about two hours. I was so focused on the work that I had no room for other thoughts, and the time passed quickly. The carving was difficult, but the process of creating the shape myself felt fresh and fun.

When did I receive the finished ring, and how did it fit?

I was told that I could receive the ring about three days later either by delivery or by picking it up in person, whichever was more convenient. I chose to pick it up in person and returned after receiving a text message. I was also given an explanation of how to maintain, clean, and care for the piece.

The orange color of Munak appeared in several places during pickup, adding a distinctive accent.

The inside of the finished ring had a Munak engraving. The instructor’s neat finishing work was added to the traces of my clumsy carving, completing my ring.

It fit my finger perfectly, and I was happy that it turned out cuter than the look I had originally imagined. I liked not only the making process but also the finished piece, so I wanted to wear it often and found myself thinking I would join another workshop someday.