"V and Go Yoonjung Wear Them Too"... The Transformation of the ‘Grandma Ring’ Captivates Foreigners [K-Holic]

Jade Rings Gain Spotlight Among Younger Koreans and Foreign Visitors

From a Middle-Aged Favorite to a Trendy Fashion Accessory

Wider Appeal Thanks to K-pop Star Endorsement and Diverse Price Range

Editor's NoteInterest in Korean culture is rapidly growing worldwide. Korean-related products and content, such as K-food and K-beauty, are becoming integrated into the daily lives of consumers overseas, expanding far beyond a niche group of enthusiasts. [K-Holic] highlights the ‘Korean wave’ being witnessed across the globe and examines why international consumers are turning their attention to Korea.

Once regarded primarily as jewelry favored by middle-aged women, the ‘jade ring’ is now drawing attention from the younger generation and even foreign tourists, emerging as the latest ‘K-jewelry.’ Jade ring shops in areas like Jongno and Namdaemun, Seoul, are seeing a steady stream of not only Korean customers in their 20s and 30s but also foreign visitors interested in the trend.

"I Want to Collect More"...SNS is Full of Jade Ring Reviews

Actress Go Yoonjung Wearing an Agate Ring. Instagram

Recently, social networking services (SNS) have been flooded with images and posts from foreign tourists purchasing jade rings and visiting jade accessory shops during their trip to Korea. These visitors examine rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces made from jade, carefully picking out items that suit their preferences. Especially noteworthy is how each piece of jade differs in color, pattern, and translucency, prompting shoppers to compare various items before selecting the one that best matches their style. One foreign tourist commented, "I bought a ring made from Chuncheon jade. It feels comfortable on my finger, so I really like it. I want to collect more jade rings in the future."

Shops situated around Jongno’s jewelry street and Namdaemun Market have become known as ‘jade ring hotspots,’ leading even more travelers to seek out these stores in person. To accommodate overseas customers, some shops have reportedly begun offering services in English, Chinese, and other foreign languages.

Global Spotlight After BTS V Wore Jade, Layered Styles Trending

In March, BTS's V wore an okbanji ring on stage during the 'Arirang' comeback performance in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Big Hit Music

In the past, jade jewelry had a rather outdated, “old-fashioned” image. However, as traditional jade has ridden the ‘newtro’ (new + retro) wave, it is now being reinterpreted as a fresh and unique fashion accessory by the younger generation. Instead of wearing thick jade rings on their own, the current trend favors layering them with thin silver rings and styling them in new ways distinct from the past.

One major reason for foreign interest in jade is undoubtedly the influence of Hallyu (the Korean wave) stars. Earlier this year, V of BTS drew global attention by wearing multiple jade rings on stage during the ‘Arirang’ comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Plaza in March. His all-black outfit, accented by jade’s distinctive green hue, caught the eye of many, and fans around the world called V’s jade ring styling trendy and appealing on social media.

Actor Lim Ji-yeon wearing a jade ring. SBS drama "Brilliant New World"

Afterward, celebrities such as actress Lim Jiyeon and Go Yoonjung were also seen wearing jade rings, further captivating younger audiences. Notably, Lim Jiyeon wore a jade ring adorned with floral decorations in the SBS drama ‘Brilliant New World,’ drawing particular attention. As more celebrities incorporate jade rings as fashion accessories, this traditional type of jewelry is being rediscovered as a contemporary styling item.

A Wide Range of Prices, Unique Colors and Patterns for Each Piece

Content related to jade has been continuously uploaded on social networking services (SNS). TikTok

The diverse price range of jade rings also makes them more accessible. Prices vary according to color, quality, and design, with choices ranging from affordable to high-end. At Namdaemun Market, jade rings are sold at prices starting from just a few thousand won up to several million won. The ability to choose items flexibly based on one’s budget appeals to both young locals and foreign visitors alike.

The subtle differences in design between each piece add to the enjoyment of shopping for jade rings. Even with the same type of jade, color, pattern, and translucency vary, letting shoppers compare options and find what suits them best. Jade rings are also easier to care for compared to gold or silver rings, which is another advantage.

Interest in jade accessories is expected to continue. They are available not only as rings, but also as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, and are increasingly being incorporated into everyday fashion, moving beyond their traditional image. As styling ideas are actively shared on SNS, it is anticipated that diverse and creative ways of styling jade will keep emerging.

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