My First Woodworking Experience: Crafting a Wooden Mechanical Pencil at Akdong Workshop
I'm a big fan of one-day classes, and I've tried various workshops like leather crafting, candle making, and perfume blending. But this was my first time at a woodworking studio.
While searching for things to do near Bundang, I stumbled upon 'Akdong Workshop,' a woodworking studio, and decided to visit!
What is Akdong Workshop?
Akdong Workshop is a woodworking studio offering experiences and education in crafting accessories using wood. They are known for creating wooden pens, cutting boards, speakers, and more. It's a popular spot for unique dates and fun activities in Seongnam.
They operate on a reservation basis, providing services perfect for couples, families, gatherings, and workshops seeking a private experience.
If you're unable to participate in the workshop, you can purchase their products separately from their online store.
Akdong Workshop Review: Making a Wooden Mechanical Pencil
Akdong Workshop is nestled on a quiet hillside. Since it's difficult to reach by public transport, I visited with a friend who had a car.
The sign isn't easily visible at the entrance of the alley, so you might get a little lost at first.
You need to come inside the alleyway like in the picture below!
Later, the owner mentioned that buses actually run to the Gangnam area since they are located near Cheonggyesan Mountain. Something to keep in mind if you live near Gangnam! 😉
As soon as I entered, the scent of wood filled my nostrils! The view from the workshop was also fantastic. Living and running a workshop in a place like this... though I heard the rent is quite expensive, haha.
Before visiting, I had mentioned that I wanted to make a wooden pen and mechanical pencil, so I got to choose the wood that would become the body of the pen, along with some tea. I chose a mechanical pencil, and my friend chose a pen.
The owner presented a few wood options and explained their characteristics. I narrowed it down to four candidates.
The wood I ultimately chose was the one on the far right. I don't remember the name of the wood, but it had a prism-like color that shimmered when you turned it.
The owner said this characteristic was due to the many external pressures the tree experienced while growing. Hearing that, I chose it without hesitation. Later, I found out that this wood wasn't originally intended for the experience but was accidentally included, and I happened to pick it! Sorry to the owner, but... lucky me~
Once you choose your wood, the real work begins. We moved to the woodworking area and started by shaping the wood.
We used a red tool like this to shape the wood. The wood was fixed to the machine and continuously rotated, and we moved the tool back and forth to create the shape.
The owner said that shaping a wooden pen is difficult, but fortunately, I chose a wooden mechanical pencil, which allowed for some design. Unable to resist plainness, I ended up designing a wave pattern!
After shaping the wood, it was time to sand it. There were three types of sandpaper, and we had to use all three.
After sanding, the next step was applying oil. The owner said that oil restores moisture to the wood, bringing out its natural color.
After the oil, it was finally assembly time! I present to you my wooden mechanical pencil, now a true writing instrument!!!
Unveiling! *drumroll*
A mechanical pencil that looks like Harry Potter's wand was born in my hands! The color is so lustrous that I absolutely love it!
They offer free engraving on the completed pencil, so I decided to engrave the date I made it.
The experience is complete after the engraving. It took about an hour, or a little over an hour, but the moment I was making it, I was completely immersed in woodworking, which was so much fun.
The experience of smelling wood, touching wood, and designing and making my own mechanical pencil was very refreshing. Plus, the workshop owner and helper were so kind and helpful, making it a safe and enjoyable experience.
Akdong Workshop is recommended as a fun activity in Seongnam and Bundang, and a unique date spot!
I hope you can escape from your daily life and heal while enjoying a woodworking experience in a place with fresh air.
Apparently, there's a food town nearby!
I hope you can eat something delicious while you're there, hehe.
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