Every summer, Handarty Korea transforms COEX Convention Center in Seoul into a vibrant celebration of creativity. As one of South Korea’s largest handmade craft exhibitions, the event brings together hundreds of artisans, designers, and makers showcasing everything from ceramics and jewelry to textiles, leather goods, stationery, and DIY crafts. Whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs, creative inspiration, or a fun day exploring one of Seoul’s most colorful events, Handarty Korea is well worth adding to your calendar.
For me, however, it is much more than an annual craft fair. Handarty Korea is one of the best annual events in Seoul for discovering Korean handmade art, shopping from local artisans, and finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
- Falling in Love with Handarty
- What is Handarty Korea?
- Why Visit Handarty Korea?
- What You’ll Find at Handarty Korea
- Handarty Korea 2026 Dates, Location, and Tickets
- Tips for Visiting Handarty Korea
- Getting to Handarty Korea
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Know Before You Go
- Continue Your Creative Journey
- Additional Resources
Falling in Love with Handarty
In 2012, when Seoul was my home and my weekends were filled with city wanderings and little adventures, I first stepped into Handarty Korea.
I remember it vividly. Walking into a hall alive with color, the air rich with the scent of fresh wood shavings, dried flowers, leather, and crisp new paper. Every turn revealed something new: delicate ceramics painted by steady hands, textiles so soft they seemed to hum with warmth, and jewelry that caught the light just so, stopping me in my tracks.
However, this wasn’t just an exhibition. It was a living, breathing celebration of creativity.
For a few years, I went whenever I could, each visit leaving me inspired and my bags noticeably heavier. Then life carried me across the ocean to Texas, and my annual pilgrimage was put on hold.
Returning to a Beloved Tradition
When we returned to Camp Humphreys in November 2021, I couldn’t wait to see if Handarty Korea still held the same magic.
The following summer, I walked those familiar aisles again, and there it was, that same rush of discovery. The joy of shaking an artisan’s hand, hearing the story behind a handmade treasure, and carefully tucking it into my tote.
That day, I knew this wasn’t just a one-off visit. It was the start of a new tradition.
Every visit reminds me why Korea has such a vibrant community of artists and makers. From large exhibitions like Handarty Korea to local workshops and creative cafés, there are countless ways to explore your creative side while living in Korea.
A Summer Tradition
From that moment on, every summer has brought the same hum of anticipation.
My husband experienced Handarty with me for the first time in 2022, and it was wonderful to share something I had loved for so many years.
The next summer, Becca and I wandered the booths together, our laughter echoing through the aisles as we discovered new artists.
Then, a year later, my friends, Diamond and Natasha, joined me, and each of us gravitated toward treasures that matched our own creative passions.
By 2025, Diamond had returned, this time alongside Nicole and Sam. We even booked a nearby hotel so we could linger a little longer, letting our shopping bags fill at a leisurely pace instead of racing home before the day was over.
Last year’s visit was bittersweet as it was my final Handarty Korea for now, as we PCSed back to the United States.
While I wandered the exhibition halls, I found myself lingering at each booth, chatting with artisans, and soaking in every detail. I wasn’t simply shopping. I was saying goodbye to a place that has become woven into my Korea story.
For anyone who loves handmade goods, Handarty Korea is more than an event. It’s a creative pilgrimage.
For me, it will always remain one of the most treasured chapters of my life in Korea.
What is Handarty Korea?
If you’re wondering what makes Handarty Korea so special, the event is held each summer at COEX Convention Center in Seoul and is one of South Korea’s largest handmade craft exhibitions. The four-day event brings together artists, designers, hobbyists, and craft enthusiasts from across Korea and neighboring countries to celebrate creativity through handmade art and design.
Originally launched in 2011 as the HANDMADE Korea Fair, the event was rebranded as Handarty Korea in 2017. Today, visitors can browse hundreds of booths featuring handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, textiles, quilting, watercolor artwork, candles, home décor, stationery, woodworking, and DIY craft supplies. Throughout the exhibition, visitors can also enjoy live demonstrations, workshops, fashion shows, concerts, and other special events that showcase both traditional craftsmanship and modern creative trends.
Why Visit Handarty Korea?
Handarty Korea isn’t simply another shopping event. It’s a celebration of creativity where visitors can discover one-of-a-kind handmade treasures, meet talented artists, and hear the stories behind their work.
Whether you’re searching for unique home décor, handcrafted gifts, art supplies, or inspiration for your own creative projects, you’ll find something special around nearly every corner.
Even after attending year after year, I continue to discover new artists, techniques, and ideas that inspire me. That’s why Handarty Korea has become one of my favorite annual traditions in Korea, and one I hope to return to again someday.
If Handarty Korea inspires you to start a new hobby, don’t worry about finding supplies after the event. South Korea has a growing number of specialty craft stores, stationery shops, and art suppliers. South of Seoul has guides to finding arts and crafts supplies in South Korea and specialty crafting supplies near Pyeongtaek to help you continue creating long after the exhibition ends.
What You’ll Find at Handarty Korea
One of my favorite things about Handarty Korea is that every aisle offers something completely different. One booth may feature hand-dyed yarns and knitting supplies, while the next showcases original paintings, handcrafted ceramics, leather goods, dolls, jewelry, clothing, home décor, or intricate textile art.
Whether you’re an experienced maker or simply appreciate beautiful craftsmanship, there’s something to catch your eye around every corner. I never leave without discovering a new artist or creative technique that inspires me.
Handarty Korea 2026 Dates, Location, and Tickets
Dates
August 13-16, 2026
Location
COEX Hall B
Gangnam-gu, Seoul
COEX Hall B
Hangul Name:
코엑스 Hall B
Hangul Address:
서울 강남구 영동대로 513 코엑스
Description:
COEX Hall B is one of the main exhibition halls at the COEX Convention Center in Gangnam, Seoul, where many of Korea\'s largest expos, conventions, and special events take place.
Hours
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Last admission at 5:30 p.m.
Admission
- Early Promotion: 5,000 KRW
- Advance Tickets: 10,000 KRW
- On-site Admission: 15,000 KRW
Visitors should purchase tickets in advance through the official Handarty Korea website for the best pricing.
Tips for Visiting Handarty Korea
If you’re planning your first visit, here are a few tips that have made each of my trips even more enjoyable.
- Arrive early for the best selection of handmade goods.
- Bring a reusable shopping bag because you’ll almost certainly buy more than you planned.
- Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll spend several hours exploring.
- Carry both cash and a credit card. While most vendors accept cards, some smaller artisans may prefer cash.
- Leave extra room in your suitcase if you’re visiting Korea because you’ll probably want to take your handmade treasures home.
One of my favorite things about Handarty Korea is that it doesn’t have to be the end of your creative adventure. Many visitors leave inspired to try a new craft or learn a new skill.
Getting to Handarty Korea
Handarty Korea takes place at COEX Convention Center in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
The easiest way to get there is by subway.
- Samseong Station (Line 2) connects directly to COEX.
- Bongeunsa Station (Line 9) is also directly connected to the convention center.
If you’re traveling from Camp Humphreys or elsewhere in Gyeonggi-do, allow plenty of time for weekend crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Handarty Korea worth visiting?
Absolutely. Whether you’re an artist, hobby crafter, or simply appreciate handmade goods, Handarty Korea is one of South Korea’s premier craft exhibitions.
Can I buy handmade gifts?
Yes. Nearly every exhibitor offers handcrafted products, making it one of the best places in Seoul to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
How long should I plan to stay?
Most visitors spend between two and four hours exploring the exhibition.
Are there workshops?
Yes. Many exhibitors host demonstrations and hands-on workshops throughout the event.
Know Before You Go
Before you head to Handarty Korea, a little planning can make your visit even more enjoyable. Whether you’re spending a couple of hours browsing or making a full day of it, arriving prepared gives you more time to discover unique handmade treasures and connect with talented artisans.
Location: COEX Convention Center, Seoul
Held annually in August
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Purchase tickets online in advance for discounted admission.
Easily accessible via Samseong Station (Line 2) or Bongeunsa Station (Line 9).
Bring a reusable shopping bag because you’ll probably leave with more handmade treasures than expected.
Continue Your Creative Journey
If Handarty Korea leaves you inspired to create, South Korea offers plenty of opportunities to continue your artistic journey.
Whether you’re looking for specialty craft supplies, local art stores, or hands-on creative experiences, these South of Seoul guides can help you keep the inspiration going.
- Arts and Crafts Supplies in South Korea – Learn where to find everything from paints and sketchbooks to specialty art materials across the country.
- Crafting Supplies Near Pyeongtaek – Discover local and regional shops selling fabric, yarn, woodworking materials, beads, and other specialty crafting supplies.
- 5 Arts & Crafts Experiences in Pyeongtaek – Ready to try something new? Explore creative cafés, pottery painting, woodworking, and other hands-on art experiences near Camp Humphreys.
Additional Resources
Official Handarty Korea Website
The best place to find the latest event schedule, exhibitor list, workshops, ticket information, and registration details.
Link:
https://handarty.co.kr/eng/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/handartykorea
COEX Convention Center
View upcoming events, parking information, restaurants, and directions to the venue.
Naver Map
Perfect for navigating in Korea.
Search: COEX Hall B
[NAVER Maps]
Coex Hall B
Seoul Gangnam-gu Samseong-dong 159
COEX Hall B
Hangul Name:
코엑스 Hall B
Hangul Address:
서울 강남구 영동대로 513 코엑스
Description:
COEX Hall B is one of the main exhibition halls at the COEX Convention Center in Gangnam, Seoul, where many of Korea\'s largest expos, conventions, and special events take place.
