In Korea, there is one trend that keeps growing year after year: byeoldakku. It's not brand new, but in 2025, it's still going strong — maybe even stronger than ever. Especially among Gen Z, decorating and customizing everything they own has become a big part of daily life. Whether it’s diaries, phones, bags, or even shoes, Korean youth are turning everyday items into personal works of art. For them, it’s not just about owning something—it’s about making it theirs.

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What is Byeoldakku? The word “Byeoldakku” is short for the Korean phrase “byeol geol da kkuminda” (별걸 다 꾸민다), which means “decorating literally everything!” And it’s true — Gen Z in Korea will find a way to customize almost any item they use regularly. Some of the most popular types of Byeoldakku include: diary customization (다꾸), bag decoration (백꾸), phone customization (폰꾸), card decoration (카꾸), shoe customization (신꾸). But these categories keep expanding. Even keyboards, drink tumblers, and umbrellas are getting personalized these days.

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There are a few reasons why Byeoldakku is such a big deal among young people in Korea:

• It shows personality – Instead of buying luxury brands, many Gen Zers want to express themselves through DIY.

• It’s fun and relaxing – Decorating can be like therapy. It helps people focus and feel calm.

• It’s social – Many people share their customized items on Instagram or YouTube. Some even post ASMR videos of their decorating process.

• It’s affordable – You don’t need to spend a lot of money. Small decorations from places like Daiso or BABOSARANG can go a long way.

Diary Customization

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One of the original and most popular forms of Byeoldakku is diary customization, or just dakku. It’s not just about writing down plans or memories anymore. Gen Z turns each page into a creative space using stickers, washi tape, doodles, photos, and quotes.

Some people plan each week with colorful layouts and decorate based on the season or their mood. Others write diary entries and add visual elements to reflect their feelings. Watching diary-decorating videos online has also become a trend, with creators showing how they design pages or offering relaxing ASMR content while they work. For many, decorating a diary is like keeping a scrapbook — it captures not only memories but emotions too.

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Bag Customization

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Bag customization, or baekku, is all about turning a plain bag into something full of personality. Many Korean Gen Zers hang cute keychains, ribbons, or plushies on their bags. Others add pins, patches, or hand-drawn designs. Backpacks covered with character keyrings, mini pouches, and tiny dolls have become a common sight, especially among students. Some even match their bag decorations to the season or their outfit style for the day. The bag becomes more than just a way to carry things — it’s a fashion statement and a personal expression of taste.

Phone Customization

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Phones are one of the most visible personal items, and customizing them — or ponkku — is a favorite activity. People decorate phone cases with stickers, gems, drawings, and even attach chains or charms. Phone grips, straps, and even wallpapers are carefully chosen to match the entire “phone vibe.” It’s no longer just a device — it’s part of someone’s personal style.

Clear phone cases are especially popular because they give more freedom to show off inner decorations like photo cards, mini collages, or printed notes. Some people use holographic stickers, while others go for minimal or pastel aesthetics.

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Card Customization

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Transportation cards or credit cards also get the Byeoldakku treatment. Known as kakku, card customization often includes using decorated card sleeves, adding name tags, or inserting fun designs into transparent holders.

People decorate their card holders with small character stickers or even add small photos inside. It’s a small detail, but for many Korean Gen Zers, even this is a way to make a daily item feel more “them.” Cards are often seen in public, like on subways or in cafes, so decorating them adds a fun little flair to everyday routines.

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Shoe Customization

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Even shoes aren’t safe from Byeoldakku — in fact, shinkku is becoming more popular each year. People add colorful laces, charms, or draw on their shoes using fabric markers. Some use iron-on patches or paint to create custom designs on canvas sneakers. Others might match their shoe accessories to their outfit theme. There are even social media challenges where people show off their unique shoe creations. It’s a cool way to stand out and make something completely ordinary feel special.

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In a world full of mass-produced goods, this DIY trend lets Gen Z shine brighter with their own colors. Whether it’s a cute diary page or a phone full of sparkle, Byeoldakku is proof that creativity, personality, and a bit of fun can turn anything into something beautiful.