Somoksobok is a lifestyle craft brand that utilizes the traditional craft of mother-of-pearl inlay to engrave various patterns like paintings on solid wood. The pieces created by the sibling duo of Kyung-hoon Kim, who specializes in mother-of-pearl craft, and Song-i Kim, who focuses on woodworking, offer small but precious joys in everyday life. Somoksobok hopes that these little pleasures will permeate every corner of our lives.
2024 Tourism Souvenir Competition Award Winner 'Premium product'
2024 K-RIBBON Selection 'Sobokham'
2022 K-RIBBON Selection 'Native fish series'
2021 KCDF Excellent Craft Product Selection
2026 <That‘s Korea> in Brussels
2025 Paris Maison&Objet
Wood & Lacquerware
Art Merchandise, Craft
This small octagonal box was inspired by the traditional Korean bokjumeoni (fortune pouch).
While preserving the original meaning of the bokjumeoni as a symbol of good fortune, the design reinterprets it as a solid wood box, adding practicality to its symbolic value.
Production Year: 2024
Production Technique: Mother-of-pearl inlay on solid wood
This round box features a distinctive design in which a dog or cat made of mother-of-pearl is placed atop the lid as a handle.
By presenting mother-of-pearl—typically expressed in two dimensions—in an upright, three-dimensional form, the piece functions not only as a container but also as a sculptural object.
Production Year: 2023
Production Technique: Mother-of-pearl inlay on solid wood
The incense holder is part of Somoksobok’s Daily Soboksa series, which depicts small moments of everyday happiness through mother-of-pearl.
On the round incense tray, scenes of people enjoying leisurely moments—such as walking or swimming with their companion animals—are delicately rendered in mother-of-pearl.
Production Year: 2025
Production Technique: Mother-of-pearl inlay on solid wood
The card holder is inspired by swimming pool lanes.
On the lid, which is divided into two sections to hold paper items, scenes of people enjoying swimming are intricately rendered in mother-of-pearl.
Designed to both display and store items, the box can hold business cards or small photographs while keeping them neatly stored at the same time.
Production Year: 2023
Production Technique: Mother-of-pearl inlay on solid wood
This coaster features a pattern of swimmers rendered in mother-of-pearl, arranged in a continuous line across the surface.
As additional coasters are placed side by side, the pattern extends seamlessly, adding a playful and engaging element to the design.
Production Year: 2024
Production Technique: Mother-of-pearl inlay on solid wood
This sliding cabinet was inspired by an aquarium.
On the front of the sliding doors, various native freshwater fish are depicted swimming leisurely among aquatic plants.
Divided into upper and lower tiers, the cabinet is designed so that the mother-of-pearl imagery on the doors connects vertically, adding a sense of playfulness and vitality to the piece.
Production Year: 2025
Production Technique: Mother-of-pearl inlay on solid wood
Inspired by the Sobokam, this two-tier box features mother-of-pearl decoration on the lid and can be used to store snacks or a variety of small items
Production Year: 2025
Production Technique: Mother-of-pearl inlay on solid wood
