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01 Why Grandma's Ring Is Cool Again

*Image source: Pinterest (right)

The jade rings traditionally associated with Korea were often thick and substantial. Many people wore deep-green, chunky garakji (solid traditional-style rings), which naturally reinforced the image of jade as jewelry for middle-aged and older generations.

But today's jade rings look a little different.

You can now find slim designs around 2-3 mm wide, along with a much broader range of colors - translucent white, pale mint, gray, deep green, and more. Some pieces combine jade with silver or gold, while others add contemporary details. Jade jewelry brands are also introducing slimmer garakji and minimalist designs that younger customers can wear more casually.

*Image source: Pinterest

Another part of their appeal is the relatively accessible price. At a time when gold and silver prices have risen significantly, simple jade rings can still be found in Jongno starting from tens of thousands of won.

That accessibility has encouraged shoppers who want something with a different feel from everyday silver jewelry to turn their attention to jade.

Another interesting feature is that, because jade is a natural stone, it is difficult to find two pieces that look exactly the same. Even within the same type of jade, the depth of color, grain, and marbling can vary slightly. Place several rings of the same design side by side, and each one will look subtly different. For Korea's MZ generation, who value items that feel uniquely their own, that individuality is a major part of the appeal.

That is also why shopping for jade can be more fun in person than online. Trying on different rings and comparing how their colors and patterns look on your hand becomes part of the experience itself.

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02 One of Korea's Oldest Forms of Jewelry

*Image sources: Korea Heritage Service website (left) / Gyeongju National Museum, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (right)

Jade may immediately bring to mind 'grandmother's jewelry,' but in fact, it has been treasured in Korea for centuries.

Look closely at artifacts such as gold crowns and necklaces from the Silla Kingdom, and you will see bluish-green gogok (comma-shaped jade beads) hanging among the gold ornaments. Several jade ornaments can also be found on the Gold Crown from Hwangnamdaechong, now held by the National Museum of Korea. Gogok symbolized life and power, and during the Silla period jade was used not only on gold crowns but also on necklaces and other valuable ornaments.

*Image source: Pinterest

Korea also has its own sources of jade. Nephrite has been mined around Chuncheon in Gangwon Province and has been used for rings, bracelets, carvings, and other objects.

For people in the past, jade represented more than decoration. It was associated with protection from misfortune, peace, and purity, and some of those meanings remain today, which is why jade jewelry is still often seen as an accessory that carries wishes for good luck.

Rather than simply being another passing fashion item, the jade ring is a piece of jewelry that has been loved in Korea for a very long time.

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03 How BTS V Added Fuel to the Jade-Ring Trend

*Image source: YEI-JAK Jade Jewelry

A K-pop star played a major role in bringing even more attention to the recent jade-ring trend. In March 2026, V of BTS appeared wearing multiple jade rings during BTS's comeback performance at Gwanghwamun in Seoul.

Instead of wearing one traditional jade ring on its own, he stacked several rings in different colors and designs, turning them into a distinctly modern fashion statement. Through this styling, jade suddenly looked far removed from the 'mature' or 'old-fashioned' image it had often carried.

According to YEI-JAK Jade Jewelry, which provided the rings worn by V, sales of related designs more than doubled after the performance, while overseas orders and visits from international customers also increased significantly. Interest in jade had already been growing among younger Korean shoppers and international customers since 2024, and V's appearance helped push that trend even further into the spotlight.

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04 How Korea's MZ Generation Wears Jade Rings Today

*Image source: Pinterest

One of the biggest reasons jade rings feel more fashionable today is simply how they are styled. A look frequently seen on social media is a jade ring worn as a point of contrast between silver bands.

Some people stack two jade rings together or mix different shades of jade. Others add jade's cool, fresh color to simple outfits such as white T-shirts, shirts, or denim, or use it as a subtle accent with mint-toned clothing.

Jade also comes in far more colors than just the familiar green. Depending on the stone, you can find shades ranging from white and gray to pale green, lavender, and tones close to black. This makes it easy to vary the look according to your skin tone and personal style.

So while the popularity of jade rings may overlap with fashion's recent Mint Core trend, their appeal also lies in something broader: the fun of using a traditional material in an entirely new way.

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05 Where to Find Jade Rings in Seoul

*Image source: Pinterest

If you want to shop for jade rings in Seoul, two of the first areas to explore are Jongno and Namdaemun Market.

Jongno 3-ga and the surrounding Jongno jewelry district are packed with small jewelry shops and specialist stores, making it easy to compare different styles and price ranges in one area. You can also find jade rings and jade accessories around Namdaemun Market, located not far from Jongno.

Here are a few places where you can browse jade accessories.

*Image source: 'My Seoul' (Seoul Metropolitan Government)

YEI-JAK Jade Jewelry

YEI-JAK Jade Jewelry has recently attracted attention as the store that provided the jade rings worn by BTS V during the Gwanghwamun performance.

You can find everything from traditional jade garakji to slimmer everyday rings and contemporary designs that combine jade with silver or gold. The shop also works with jade carving and custom-made pieces, making it a good option if you are looking for something a little more distinctive.

Address
1F, Units 103-104, 32 Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
*Image source: YEI-JAK Jade Jewelry website

Oksibang

If you like the idea of going on a small 'treasure hunt' through trays of rings, try Oksibang Jade & Stones.

The shop offers a wide range of colors and sizes, from thin jade rings to thicker garakji, along with relatively affordable options that make it approachable for first-time jade shoppers. With 45 years of experience, it is also a long-established jade specialty store.

Address

1F, Geumcheon Underground Shopping Area, 141-1 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

*Image source: Oksibang Naver Smart Store

360 Jade Craft Shop

This shop mainly sells agate and dyed stones, making it a good place to find rings with a jade-like look at a more affordable price.

Ring sizes are marked on the pieces, which also makes it relatively easy to find the size you need among the many options.

Address
Unit 360, B2, Sungnyemun Import Shopping Center, 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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06 KOMMA TRIP's TIP

There are a few things worth knowing before buying a jade ring.

What we commonly call 'jade' actually includes two major types of natural stone: jadeite and nephrite. Both are genuine jade, but they can differ in color, texture, rarity, and price. The value of jade can also vary widely depending on factors such as its color and translucency.

When choosing a jade ring, one of the first things to check is whether it is actually made from natural jade. Some green rings that look like jade may instead be made from agate or other materials. If you simply want the look of jade at a lower price, these alternatives can still be a fun option. But if your goal is to buy genuine natural jade and the price seems unusually low, it is worth checking whether the material is actually jade, agate, or something else.

There is one more practical point to remember. Unlike metal rings, solid jade rings cannot easily be resized. Even if two rings are technically the same size, the thickness of the ring can affect how it feels on your finger, so whenever possible, try it on before buying.

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If you are looking for a less predictable souvenir from Seoul, a jade ring can be a surprisingly fun choice.

Not only does it connect to a long history of Korean jewelry, but jade has also traditionally carried positive meanings associated with 'good luck' and 'protection.' It is small enough to pack easily in your suitcase, and friends or couples can choose different colors and wear them as matching friendship or couple rings.

If you visit Seoul, why not choose a piece of jade as a gift for yourself - or for someone special?

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At KOMMA TRIP, we share not only Korean wellness experiences, but also stories where Korean tradition meets contemporary lifestyle.

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