If you have been in Korea recently and noticed people carrying extra-cute pens covered in beads, charms, glitter parts, and pastel details, that is the **볼꾸 (Ball-kku) trend**. “볼꾸” is short for **볼펜 꾸미기**, or in English, decorating pens. But the trend has already gone beyond just pens. Now people are also doing 빗꾸 (decorating combs), 거꾸 (decorating mirrors), **키링 꾸미기**, and more.
I recently tried it myself at **MIMILINE Myeongdong**, and it was one of those small Seoul activities that ends up being way more fun than expected. You walk in thinking you will make one simple pen, and then suddenly you are standing in front of rows and rows of charms, beads, pastel combs, mini mirrors, glitter pens, and cute parts trying to decide what kind of aesthetic you even have.
If you are looking for a **cute activity in Myeongdong**, a **budget-friendly DIY souvenir in Seoul**, or just want to understand why this trend is everywhere right now, here is a full guide based on my experience.

Today’s Stop : Mimiline Myeongdong

Address : 2nd~4th Floor, Toegye-ro 123, Jung-gu, Seoul (Above HBAF)
Instagram : @mimiline_official

What is 볼꾸?

볼꾸 (Ball-kku) is the Korean trend of decorating pens with beads, charms, resin pieces, glitter parts, and other accessories. Instead of using a plain pen, you create something that feels personal, collectible, and very photo-friendly.

But it does not stop there. One reason this trend has grown so fast is because people naturally started applying the same idea to other everyday items. That is where things like these come in:

빗꾸 = decorating combs
거꾸 = decorating hand mirrors
키링꾸 = decorating keychains
샤프꾸 = decorating mechanical pencils
키캡 꾸미기 = decorating keyboard keycaps

So the real trend is not just “decorate a pen.” It is more like decorate ordinary objects and turn them into cute accessories.

That is exactly why places like MIMILINE and the DIY spots in Dongdaemun are getting attention. They give you the parts and base items, and you make something that feels unique without needing actual craft skills.

Why this trend is so popular in Korea right now

The reason is pretty obvious once you see it in person.

First, it is cheap enough to try without overthinking it. You do not need to book a workshop or pay for some luxury experience. You can just walk in, choose a base, choose your parts, pay, and leave with something cute.

Second, it is easy to personalize. Some people go pastel and dreamy. Some go sparkly and over-the-top. Some do character-inspired designs. Some make matching sets with friends.

Third, it works perfectly as a Seoul travel activity because it is:

indoor
beginner-friendly
quick
affordable
easy to carry home

And honestly, it is also social-media friendly. The displays are colorful, the finished items look cute in photos, and there is that satisfaction of making something yourself without it being difficult.

Where I went: MIMILINE Myeongdong

I tried the DIY experience at MIMILINE Myeongdong, which is a good option if you want to do this while already shopping around Myeongdong.

The biggest thing I noticed right away was the sheer amount of choice. There were trays and trays of parts in different colors, shapes, finishes, and themes. It was not just one or two token sections for DIY. It actually felt like a proper customization corner.

From my visit, you could make and decorate:

pens
combs
hand mirrors
keychains

That is what makes it better than calling it only a “볼꾸 spot.” It is really more of a DIY decoration station where you can choose the item that suits you best.

The atmosphere

The space felt bright, playful, and very easy to browse. The display itself is part of the appeal. Everything is laid out in a way that makes you want to keep looking “just one more minute,” which turns into much longer.

You have:

colorful comb bases
round hand mirrors in different shades
glittery pens
boxes of beads
cute resin charms
pastel parts
shiny decorative pieces

It is the type of place where even if you came with no plan, you would still end up making something.

What the DIY process looks like

The process is simple. That is a big reason why it works so well for tourists and casual visitors.

From the signage at the store, the flow is basically:

Choose → Decorate → Pay → Assemble

That is it. No complicated instructions.

Step 1: Pick your base item

You first decide what you want to make. At MIMILINE Myeongdong, the visible options included:

Pen
Hair comb
Hand mirror
Keychain

If you want the classic trend item, go for the pen. If you want something more unusual or visually fun, the comb and mirror are honestly great choices.

Step 2: Pick your parts

This is where most of your time goes.

You choose from different decorative pieces such as:

round beads
shaped beads
hearts
stars
ribbons
character-style charms
glossy or glitter parts
pastel resin pieces

There are enough options that you can make something very sweet and simple, or something very maximalist.

Step 3: Pay

The pricing shown during my visit was straightforward.

For charms/parts:

3-piece set: 2,500 KRW
5-piece set: 4,000 KRW
Additional part: 1,000 KRW each

For base items:

Pen: 500 KRW / 2,000 KRW
Hair comb: 1,000 KRW
Hand mirror: 1,000 KRW
Keychain: 1,000 KRW

So no, this is not one of those Seoul activities that quietly becomes expensive the moment you start. It can add up if you keep grabbing extra parts, but the base prices themselves are low.

Step 4: Assemble

After choosing and paying, the item gets assembled. That is the satisfying last step where your random tray choices finally become a finished object.

My impression: more fun than expected

This kind of activity sounds small on paper. Decorate a pen. Decorate a comb. Done.

But in real life, it is weirdly addictive.

The main reason is that the parts selection gives you that same feeling as sticker shops, stationery stores, capsule toy corners, and bead markets. You start thinking in combinations. Do you want soft pink and white? Blue glitter? Something heart-heavy? Something more minimal? Matching items? A set for your bag and desk?

Even just looking at the decorated examples made it easier to see how creative people can get with it.

One of the things I liked most was that you do not need to be artistic. This is not a serious craft workshop where you need technique. You are basically curating colors and shapes. That makes it low-pressure.

For travelers, that matters. Not everyone wants a museum or a difficult activity every day. Sometimes you want something light, cute, and memorable.

Pens, combs, or mirrors: which one should you make?

A lot of people will automatically choose the pen because 볼꾸 is the most recognized part of the trend. But after seeing the options in person, I do not think pens are the only good choice.

1. Decorated pens

These are the most iconic and probably the easiest gift or souvenir.

Why choose one:

easy to carry
practical
classic trend item
fun to display on your desk or in your pencil case

Best for:

students
stationery lovers
people who want something small and affordable

2. Decorated combs

This is one of the most visually fun options because the combs come in pretty colors already, and the shape gives a lot of room for personality.

Why choose one:

more unusual than a pen
very cute in photos
works as a bag accessory or vanity item
feels a bit more special

Best for:

beauty lovers
people who want something less expected
anyone into cute practical accessories

3. Decorated hand mirrors

A decorated hand mirror feels like the most “extra” option in a good way.

Why choose one:

looks the most like a collectible
easy gift idea
pretty for flat lays and travel photos
feels very Korean trend-forward

Best for:

people who love cute vanity items
gift shopping
those who want something that feels more aesthetic than functional

Honestly, if you are indecisive, the comb or mirror may actually be more interesting than the pen.

Why Dongdaemun is still the most famous area for this

Even though I went to MIMILINE Myeongdong, the area most people strongly associate with this trend is still Dongdaemun.

That makes sense.

Dongdaemun has long been known for:

accessory markets
craft materials
fashion parts
wholesale-style shopping
endless little finds

So when trends like 볼꾸, 빗꾸, and 거꾸 take off, Dongdaemun naturally becomes the most famous place because it has that “dig through everything and find the cutest parts” energy.

If Myeongdong is convenient and tourist-friendly, Dongdaemun feels more like the original sourcing ground. It is where many people think of going when they want more variety, more parts, and that treasure-hunt shopping experience.

So here is the honest breakdown:

Choose MIMILINE Myeongdong if:

you are already staying or shopping in Myeongdong
you want a simple and accessible DIY stop
you prefer convenience
you do not want to spend hours navigating markets

Choose Dongdaemun if:

you want the most famous area for this trend
you enjoy hunting through bigger selections
you like accessory and craft market culture
you want a more intense shopping experience

Neither is “better” for everyone. It depends on what kind of shopping day you want.

Why this is a good souvenir from Seoul

A lot of Seoul souvenirs are either too generic or too bulky.

This works because it is:

small
affordable
personal
useful
easy to pack

Instead of buying a random keyring you could get anywhere, you are making something tied to a specific experience in Korea. That makes it better.

A decorated pen or mirror also works well as a gift because it feels thoughtful even if the actual cost is low. It looks like more effort went into it, which is the whole point.

Tips before you go

If you want the experience to be smooth, here are the practical tips that matter.

1. Have a rough color palette in mind

If you do not, you can waste a lot of time bouncing between sections. Pick a direction early:

pastel pink
blue and silver
white and pearl
red and heart-themed
multicolor maximalist

That helps.

2. Do not grab too many parts immediately

It is easy to overdo it. Start with a simple composition, then decide if you really need more.

A lot of these items look better when they are cute but still balanced.

3. Think about use, not just looks

A pen needs to be comfortable enough to hold.
A comb should still be usable.
A mirror should not feel too overloaded.

Cute is good. Unusable is pointless.

4. Go at a less hectic time if possible

If the area is crowded, choosing parts becomes more annoying. If you can go outside peak shopping hours, better.

5. Make two if you are already there

One for yourself, one as a gift. The prices are low enough that it makes sense.

Is it worth doing in Myeongdong?

Yes, if you like cute shopping and small DIY experiences.

No, if you hate browsing, hate choices, or want something more cultural and serious.

That is the plain truth.

This is not a deep heritage activity. It is not a workshop that teaches craftsmanship. It is a trendy, low-stakes, highly visual Seoul activity. And that is exactly why people like it.

For the right person, it is genuinely fun.
For the wrong person, it will just look like trays of beads.

Final thoughts on my MIMILINE Myeongdong visit

I went in expecting a simple trend corner and left understanding why this has become so popular.

What makes it work is not just the finished item. It is the process:

choosing colors
comparing charms
deciding between pen, comb, or mirror
making something that feels personal
leaving with a small object that actually reminds you of your day in Seoul

And yes, while Dongdaemun is still the best-known area for this trend, MIMILINE Myeongdong is a very easy and enjoyable place to try it, especially if you are already in central Seoul and want something cute, casual, and affordable.

If you are the kind of traveler who likes blending shopping with mini experiences, this is worth adding to your Myeongdong itinerary.

Not everything needs to be a major attraction. Sometimes a tray of charms, a pastel comb, and twenty minutes of indecision is exactly the kind of Seoul memory you end up liking most.

FAQ

What is 볼꾸 in Korea?

볼꾸 is short for 볼펜 꾸미기, which means decorating pens with beads, charms, and cute parts. It is part of a wider trend of customizing everyday objects.

Can you only decorate pens?

No. At places like MIMILINE Myeongdong, you can also decorate combs, hand mirrors, and keychains.

Where is the most famous place for this trend in Seoul?

Dongdaemun is the area most commonly known for these DIY decorating trends because of its accessory and parts shopping culture.

Is MIMILINE Myeongdong good for tourists?

Yes. It is convenient, easy to understand, beginner-friendly, and located in one of Seoul’s most visited shopping areas.

Is this activity expensive?

Not really. The base items are low-cost, and you can keep it budget-friendly if you do not go overboard on extra parts.

Is it a good souvenir from Korea?

Yes. It is small, practical, cute, and more personal than buying a generic souvenir.

Which is better: pen, comb, or mirror?

It depends on what you want. Pens are the classic choice, combs are fun and practical, and mirrors feel the most collectible and aesthetic.

DIY in Seoul: The Latest Korean Trend for Decorating Pens, Combs, and Mirrors

Today’s Stop : Mimiline Myeongdong

What is 볼꾸?

Why this trend is so popular in Korea right now