[Instagram Walk] Gongdeuri Workshop - Scented Candles and Soaps... Carefully Made for 'Mind and Body Therapy'

A showroom selling small items and workshop
16-year friends as co-CEOs with telepathic understanding
Named 'Go+and+Lee' after the surname
Acts as an 'Emotional Clearing House' for students
Hosts trading markets and Sabujak vacations
Planning various events to engage with customers

Exterior view of the workshop 'Gongdri Workshop' located in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul / Photo by Kay Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Surprisingly, those weighed down by harsh realities often turn to lighthearted subjects. For example, casual chats with friends, a warm cup of tea in a cozy spot, a stroll along a forest path or a drive, or small, precious trinkets carefully collected. In the increasingly tough economic situation due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), people seeking comfort for their hearts sometimes find objects as an escape from daily life not far from them. ‘Gongdri Workshop,’ located about a five-minute walk from Exit 2 of Seongsu Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, is such a place where warmth flows through the slightly open door crack.

As soon as you open the wooden door, a comforting scent hits you. It is both a showroom selling small items and a workshop producing soap, scented candles, and more. The display directly facing the entrance is filled with scented candles in various designs such as desserts like scones, macarons, cakes, canel?s, and shapes like lemon, cheese, teddy bears, and shells. The adjacent display is packed with affordable items like postcards, stickers, notepads, eco bags, hair ties, and rings that can be given as gifts without burden. Colorful soaps placed on a shelf in one corner of the workshop also catch the eye.

This space was created by representatives Go Eun-ji and Lee Da-jeong (both 33), who have been friends for 16 years, and recently celebrated its second anniversary. Starting as ‘Gift Workshop Gongdri,’ it has undergone several changes and is now called ‘Gongdri Workshop.’ What does the name Gongdri mean? Lee explained that it contains the meaning of ‘making something with care.’ She added, “It can also be seen as ‘Go + and + ri,’ taking the surnames Go Eun-ji and Lee Da-jeong. I also like the song ‘Gongdri’ by the singer Hyukoh.”

They sell scented candles in various designs, ranging from desserts like macarons and cakes to lemons, cheese, teddy bears, and shells.
Photo by Gayun Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

The two high school classmates started Gongdri Workshop by sharing hobbies while living together. Go said, “After work, we relieved stress from our companies by making soap or scented candles. That helped us end the day on a good note.” She continued, “We both quit our jobs in the same year and vaguely thought, ‘Shall we try running a workshop?’ and that became a reality.” The two laughed brightly, saying, “We were around thirty years old and felt that if we postponed what we wanted to do, we might never do it. We decided to try it for a year. We are still in the process of learning.”

When asked if they ever fought as friends, they replied, “Everyone asks that a lot.” Go said, “We think there could be disagreements, but we have never actually fought,” adding, “Because we live together, we believe we wouldn’t fight or fall out badly.” This shows their mutual consideration and friendship.

Visitors to this place often pick small gifts, decorate boxes themselves, and take them home, or build bonds by making soap or scented candles with loved ones. Many also register for one-on-one classes alone and carefully create gifts for themselves. Students who visit often build good relationships with the two representatives and return with friends, mothers, or grandmothers.

In addition to scented candles, various products such as postcards, stickers, and notepads catch the eye.
Photo by Gayun Kim katekim221@asiae.co.kr

They offer one-day classes that beginners can easily take, such as jewel soap, dessert candles, bath bombs, and air fresheners, as well as in-depth expert courses. These are popular among students preparing for certifications or startups. Students often cite the ‘warm atmosphere’ as a strength of this space. The companion dog ‘Heart,’ who sometimes comes to work with Lee, adds cuteness and warmth to the charming space. Reflecting this atmosphere, Gongdri Workshop also serves as a ‘confessional’ for visitors. Students often come here after work, dragging tired feet to share their hardships, and sometimes even shed tears.

Lee said, “Sometimes it’s easier to open up to strangers than to colleagues or friends,” adding, “I hope this place continues to be a cozy and warm shelter for those who visit.” Go also nodded, saying, “It’s very rewarding when students say, ‘I waited all week to do this’ or ‘I really enjoy this time.’ It feels meaningful when we think we can give good energy and students enjoy this time.” This means the space comforts those with empty hearts and the operators themselves gain strength by working together.

Gongdri also hosts events like ‘Gongdri Trading Market’ and ‘Sabujak Vacance’ to communicate with customers through more diverse activities. Lee said, “We want to hold these events regularly,” adding, “We want to do more unique events, but we don’t have concrete plans yet.” Go added, “We are also thinking about branding the name Gongdri.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.