ilcheong
Source: National Museum of Korea e-Museum
King Muryeong's Gold Earrings
Queen Muryeong's Gold Earrings
Silla Bomun-dong Ear Ornament
Hello, this is Ilcheong. From <The Legend> to the recent <Empress Wu>, I have crafted metal accessories for the lead actors in countless historical dramas over the past 20 years. Every time I researched and recreated museum artifacts, I always felt a sense of regret. 'Why can such beautiful artifacts only be seen behind museum glass or on TV screens?' With the determination to let everyone touch, feel, and use these brilliant artifacts from 1,500 years ago in their daily lives, I started this project.
While developing this heritage DIY kit, the part I focused on most was balancing 'authentic historical accuracy' with a 'modern sensibility.' I wanted to capture the intricate patterns of the artifacts while ensuring they would look natural as desk decor or bag charms. Especially when recreating the elegant curves of the Baekje crown ornament as a metal object, I went through dozens of samples. If it was too heavy, it lost practicality; if too light, it lost the unique dignity of the artifact. After pouring all the know-how from countless material experiments and prototype productions on movie and drama sets, I was finally able to create a product that combines both practicality and elegance.
However, the biggest challenge was the difficulty level. The work I have done for 20 years was an area only skilled artisans could handle. To enable supporters to complete this intricate work themselves, I redesigned the entire production process from scratch. I divided the complex parts intuitively and am producing guide videos as if I were explaining right beside you.
We are not simply a brand that sells products. The moment supporters add their touch to Ilcheong's heartfelt DIY kit, the value of the brilliant artifact is completed. I want to share the excitement of completing a museum artifact with my own hands together with our supporters.
Reason for Choosing Wadiz
Wadiz is not just a shopping mall. It is a place where supporters who empathize with and support the product's creation story and the maker's philosophy gather. That is why I chose Wadiz. I believed that supporters would deeply relate to the time spent reimagining 1,500-year-old artifacts as modern keyrings and objects, and to the value of completing an artifact with their own hands.
With this project, I wanted to show the potential of our artifacts to transform into various forms beyond keyrings, such as bookmarks and jewelry, and to prove that tradition can become the most sophisticated everyday item.
And to be honest, this funding is also the foundation that allows Ilcheong to continue researching and commercializing new artifacts. I want to improve the quality of materials, enhance the guides, and create an environment where we can offer supporters an even more perfect DIY experience.
Future Use of Funding
The funds raised through this project will be invested in ongoing research and development to deliver the value of our artifacts more widely and perfectly.
1) Technology and Product Development
We plan to invest heavily in precision mold making and 3D production research to recreate the delicate artistry of traditional artifacts using modern metalcraft techniques.
2) Service and Content Enhancement
To help even 'clumsy hands' become 'golden hands,' we aim to develop high-definition video guides and manuals. We will create an environment where anyone can enjoy making golden artifacts.
3) Next Heritage Lineup Research
The funds will be used for design archiving and prototype production to reinterpret authentic artifacts as modern lifestyle products. We plan to expand beyond Baekje and Silla to include Gaya and Goguryeo in the future.
Shipping Information
Shipping method: Courier delivery
Courier company: CJ Logistics
Shipping schedule: Within 2 months after the end of funding
Inquiry channel: Search for Kakao Channel 'Ilcheong' or use the Maker Inquiry
Basic shipping fee: 3,000 KRW
Additional shipping fee for remote areas: 3,000 KRW
Exchange/After-sales Service Information
1. In case of product defects, please contact us within 7 days of receipt.
If there is severe damage to metal decorations, missing components, or functional defects, we will verify and immediately exchange for a new product or send the missing parts.
* Please note that minor scratches or natural tone differences in plating that occur during the handcrafted process and historical reproduction are unique characteristics of handmade products, not defects.
2. If you encounter difficulties during production, please first check the guide provided via the enclosed QR code. If the video does not resolve your issue, contact us through Wadiz or the Kakao Channel, and the maker will directly guide you to a solution.
3. If you run out of thread or parts are damaged due to a production mistake, please contact us within a certain period and we will support you in purchasing additional materials at minimal cost.
4. Due to the nature of metal rewards, natural discoloration may occur depending on the usage environment. If you need to replace parts during use, please contact us through the inquiry channel. Round-trip shipping costs will be incurred for repairs, and depending on the situation, we provide ongoing maintenance through paid or free repair services.
5. Cases where exchange or refund is difficult
1) If the product is damaged due to the supporterโs negligence
2) If DIY production has already started and the raw materials have been processed
3) In case of a simple change of mind
* Due to the nature of Wadiz funding, refunds are difficult after the project ends.
6. Exchange/After-sales Service Inquiry Channel
For all after-sales service and repair inquiries, please contact us via Wadiz message or the Kakao channel 'Ilcheong', and we will respond to you sincerely in order.
FAQ
Q1. Can someone who is not skilled with their hands also make it well on their own?
A. Yes, don't worry! We provide step-by-step guide videos based on 20 years of expertise so that even beginners can complete it without failure. The explanations are detailed, as if a master artisan is teaching you right beside you, going beyond just the weaving process. As you follow along, you'll soon find yourself having completed a wonderful artifact keyring.
Q2. How long does it take to make?
A. It varies by individual, but for complete beginners, it usually requires about two hours of focused work. Rather than simply assembling quickly, we recommend fully enjoying this 'immersive time' where you can feel the texture of a 1,500-year-old artifact and focus on the sensations in your fingertips. The more care you put in, the more satisfaction you'll feel with the finished productโfar beyond that of ready-made items.
Q3. Do I need any special tools to use it as a bookmark or earrings instead of a keyring?
A. As long as you have flat-nose pliers and the included accessories, anyone can easily switch to other parts. We also provide a 'guide' for those who want to use it as a bookmark or earrings. Decorate your daily life to suit your taste.
Q4. Is there any concern about discoloration or allergies from the metal decorations?
A. Based on our expertise in making movie and drama props for many years, we use a high-quality plating process. It is more resistant to discoloration than typical low-cost metal accessories, and for parts that touch the skin, such as earring components, we use nickel-free gold plating to minimize allergic reactions.
* However, if you have very sensitive skin, please exercise caution.