Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dalem]

I need a couple of items for jewelry making (a drill, some bolts, handfull of nails, pvc pipe) that i could usually pick up at home at a basic 'Home Hardware' type store. However, i am assuming that there is no Korean equivalent of that type of large hardware store... is there? If not, anyone know of a good hardware store?

Thanks.

While i'm posting, anyone know anything about any jewelry making classes here in Seoul?

[T-J]

I don't know of any Home Depots, or Lowes type stores here, more mom and pop establishments. They should have what you are looking for though.

Korean for hardware store is 철물점 if that helps, good luck!

[dalem]

okay sounds fine. Anyone know of any near Gwanak-gu? I've been looking but haven't really seen any.

[Milwaukiedave]

For the mom and pop stores, they are hit or miss. You pretty much have to walk around to find out where they are (like finding anything else in Korea). If you walk around in the older neighborhoods, your bound to find at least one.

[moosehead]

you'd probably find everything you need at a good sized Emart -

as for jewelry classes here - have you even seen what passes for jewelry?? is pretty bad stuff, extremely distasteful, poor craftmanship, and substandard materials. you'd probably be better off looking online for resources.

[dalem]

i found a drill at a mom and pop hardware store near Boramae station. After finally finding it in an odd back alley, i went in and looked around. After not seeing one anywhere (and they REALLY piled the stuff in there, for such a small space!), i used my non-existant korean (i have only been here a month) to try to mime out a drill. After giving everyone a good laugh and playing charades for 'drill' for the next 15 minutes, we understood one another. YES! I am so glad that my lame miming of 'drill' isn't on video...

Thanks for your help guys!

[Little Laura]

Semi-related - Dalem, have you been to the fifth floor of Dongdaemun Market where there are a myriad of doodads for making jewelry? Maybe you have your own stuff with you, but even so, just for fun and inspiration, I recommend it. I don't make jewelry, but bought 5,000 won worth of tiny beautiful fake jewels just because the little girl in me couldn't resist the treasure. I still haven't figured out what I want to do with them yet. Considered superglueing them to the back of my cellphone, but then decided I wanted it to lay flat on the table, not awkwardly.

[dalem]

Oh wow! I haven't been to Dongdaemun yet.... that is exactly the type of thing i'm looking for! As of yet, i've been making do with the Alpha stores. The one in Namdaemun is great, but it is kinda far away from me. I can't wait to go check out that 5th floor in Dongdaemun next weekend!!!!

[Little Laura]

Find the section where all the fabric is sold, then keep going up stairs or escalators or elevator. Have fun!