the Coolest Places in Korea
Cute Bookstores and Curated Shops
- #Cafe
- # Bookstore
@pbysj
Sonmok Seoga is a bookstore I found on the streets of Huinnyeou-gil in Yeongdo.
It is located in Yeongdo, Busan. The first floor is a bookstore, and the second floor is a cafe so visitors can enjoy books and coffee at the same time. You will also find small items and clothing displayed here and there in the store.
The bookstore space is small, but the vast ocean seen through the window is expansive. The space has a vintage touch, and you will notice it is managed affectionately. The hospitality and welcoming atmosphere are also the charms of the place. You can enjoy a quieter time during the weekdays or late Sunday afternoons.
- Address: 307, Huinnyeoul-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
- Operating hours: 11:00-19:00
- Other information: Cocktails are available / Outdoor terrace
- Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/8A8300CB-A029-4450-B6FD-4A3CF0501EC9/daylog/626269515c3a4a7032a270fd
- #Cafe
- # Bookstore
@younggwangeee
Green Mango is a precious general store hidden in Ganghwado Island.
Green Mango was the first in Korea to import Polish dishware. The store is full of vintage cups, lighting, and many other items. The owner operates the store and works as an interior designer.
From the store's exterior to the inner court and the neighboring building, you can clearly see the owner's efforts. This is a space I recommend to those who are interested in interior decoration.
Address: 19, Haeannam-ro 474beon-gil Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
- Address: 19, Haeannam-ro 474beon-gil Gilsang-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
- Operating hours: Friday-Sunday 11:00-17:00
- Other information: Open all year-round
- Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/486D3D99-4DD4-40B4-8416-CA3879CBB522/daylog/6021d8a6093f3428458e0820
- #Shopping Mall
- # Shop
@sukyumfilm
TASTE MARKET, the shrine of colorful lifestyle items.
TASTE MARKET is a lifestyle select shop with an online storefront. It is located on Gyeongnidan Street. The store structure is unique. A wall separates the first floor and has access to move to the 1.5th floor. The displayed items differ in each space, offering a fun shopping experience. Stylish items displayed at the door will greet visitors. The store is full of unique items and will be a good place to visit when you want to find home decor items for a change.
- Address: 23, Hoenamu-ro 13ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Operating hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11:00-19:00 / Friday-Saturday 11:00-20:00 / Sunday 11:00-19:30
- Other information: Closed Mondays / Operated in connection with GALLERY NINE
- Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/64658763b1b987c5c25bb144/daylog/64658764b1b987c5c25bb15f
- #Shop
@younggwangeee
URBAN LISSOM offers a sense of softness in Mapo-gu.
URBAN LISSOM means softness in the urban area. It is a lifestyle select shop offering gentle relaxation to those living a busy life. The store is decorated like an American home in the 70s and recreated a warm and gentle kitchen corner. The sunlight coming through the window gently shines on the glass objects.
The owner said they opened the store to highlight the value of objects always at arm’s reach. It is a belief that everyday items can bring relaxation to our lives. If you are tired of your hectic life, I recommend you visit URBAN LISSOM, where you can learn the meaning of relaxation.
- Address: B1, 17, Eoulmadang-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Operating hours: Saturday 13:00-18:00 / Sunday 13:00-17:00
- Other information: Closed on weekdays
- Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/3150FA75-733A-47FB-AC9B-5F60A79CC2F2/daylog/6021d8a6093f3428458e0883
- #Shop
@sukyumfilm
MAISON DE MORI is a dishware store located in Pangyo.
MAISON DE MORI is a kitchenware lifestyle store selling cute and popular dishware at a reasonable price. It feels like a little shop found in the alleyways of Europe. The interior is decorated with a wood tone in the base and highlighted with yellow and turquoise.
They carry many famous brand items. Mainly, they sell dishware, but items that will add character to the kitchen are also available. You can also find cups to enjoy a home cafe moment. It is a place to start if you want to create a stylish kitchen.
- Address: 32, Pangyogongwon-ro 5-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Operating hours: Weekdays 11:00-18:00 / Weekends 12:00-17:00
- Other information: Break time 13:00-14:00
- Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/63624831f74cf3edf1fc5abd/daylog/63624832f74cf3edf1fc5ad3
- #Shop
@sukyumfilm
solethings is a lifestyle store full of character.
It is a general store filled with cute and pop lifestyle items. The store is full of witty and unique charm as the items are unordinary and witty. All items are special and eye-catching but are displayed in harmony.
There are various stylish mid-century items perfect as a gift to bring to a house-warming party.
- Address: 87, Donggyo-ro 51-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Operating hours: Wednesday–Sunday 13:00-20:00
- Other information: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
- Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/63626c69f74cf3edf1fd302d/daylog/63626c69f74cf3edf1fd3043
- #Shop
@spot_editor
Kuviolo is a showroom with a joyful and clean-cut vibe unique to Northern European culture.
The lifestyle store Kuviolo is a name that combines the Finnish words kuvio, meaning pattern, and ilo, meaning joy. The store showcases furniture and items using colors that are gentle to the eye and have stylish patterns.
Abstract patterns are made with inspiration from nature, people, and everyday lives. Their collection reminds us of the cheerful design of Northern Europe, where they get the motif from nature. In fact, the designer’s works are influenced by living in Finland.
It is a place resembling nature, offering a comfortable yet active vibe.
- Address: 24-6, Seongmisan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Operating hours: Tuesday-Friday 13:00-19:00 / Saturday-Sunday 11:00-21:00
- Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/474B61B0-AD2F-4E78-B7D2-DC3CCC89C02F/daylog/60acbca2ca9ddc5f7f110ff7
- #Shop
@bongtographer_
danbirok is a specialty store selling items for plant interior decoration and is located on the hills of Buam-dong.
Green plants will greet you until you reach the door. The sales manager will gently guide you through choosing the right plant. You can get plant recommendations even if you are a beginner.
The store offers gardening projects for indoor and outdoor spaces and gardening classes.
- Address: 142, Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Operating hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-22:00
- Other information: Closed Mondays / Operating hours are notified on the Instagram account
- Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/629b0a049e7a230b2ebe6172/daylog/629b0a069e7a230b2ebe6175
- #Shop
@spot_editor
Commentary Sound is a general store selling various items, including wine and groceries, in Mangwon-dong.
You can buy ceramics made by the owner and items imported from Europe. You can also buy the owner’s selection of wine and groceries.
There is a small bar seat in the store to enjoy the wine and food you bought at the store. Plants placed around the store create a gorgeous atmosphere. In no time, you will be attracted to the stylish interior decorations and small items you want to own.
- Address: 18, World Cup-ro 23-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Operating hours: Tuesday–Friday 18:00-24:00 / Saturday–Sunday 15:00-24:00
- Other information: Operating hours are notified on the Instagram account / 50% discount to public parking fee when you eat at the in-store bar
- Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/6277bfff8b56f361d96304b2/daylog/6277c000d1c1a4365e6009a4
- #Shop
@pillter_
The sales manager, a dog named Byung-wook, tends the MANDOO STORE.
It is a small general store located in Hamdeok, Jeju-do. Byung-wook, the sales manager, greets the guests even before they reach the door. The green door on a red brick wall and the fabric poster with drawings of the mandu are eye-catching.
Inside, the store is filled with items full of vintage touches unique to Jeju. You can find various items from plates and bowls to postcards.
- Address: 6, Hamdeongnam 14-gil Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
- Operating hours: 12:00 -18:00
- Other information: Closed days are notified on the Instagram account / Parking available
- Link: https://app.daytrip.io/ko/space/621f038e579d48527da7f643/daylog/626f29219b4c251effe425cd