Top 5 Select Shops in Seoul, By Camille Park

The most remarkable aspect of MIK 24/7 is that a significant majority of the merchandise in the store is the result of collaborative efforts.

'MIK 24/7' offers exceptional Korean young designer brands and carefully curated exclusive accessories from all corners of the globe. Raymond Chae, a renowned Korean stylist and the proprietor of MIK 24/7, sought to establish a space that embodied his personal style and distinctive selections, and 'MIK 24/7' is the remarkable outcome of his vision.

The most notable characteristic of 'MIK 24/7' is that approximately 70-80% of the products available in the store are the outcome of collaborations between local young designers and Raymond Chae himself. These collaborations yield exclusive items that can only be found at 'MIK 24/7'. Additionally, the prices are quite reasonable!

I wholeheartedly recommend exploring 'TRITY', which is a brand of eyewear designed by Raymond Chae. Personally, I take great pleasure in donning 'TRITY' glasses as they are lightweight and exude a cool vibe.

'MIK 24/7' is situated in Apgujeong-dong, in close proximity to Rodeo Street, in the heart of vibrant Seoul. The address is 2F Shinwoo Bldg. 664-19 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. For inquiries, kindly contact +82-2-3446-8556. Business hours are from 12 pm to 9 pm, and the store is closed on Sundays.

'Sabi Wabi' is an exclusive boutique that specializes in fashion accessories, including custom-made jewelry, hats, bags, and scarves, sourced from various regions in Europe.

Particularly renowned for its distinct custom-made jewelry, this store is nestled within the French village of Seorae Maeul in the Banpo-dong area of Gangnam. It is tucked away in a serene residential quarter, known for its tranquility.

This boutique is definitely worth a visit if you are seeking out unique and exquisite accessories. Established in 2000, 'Sabi Wabi' boasts an unconventional and timeless concept. In defiance of prevailing trends, owner Kyeong-A meticulously curates products that showcase unparalleled craftsmanship and design, and she holds great respect for the individuality of the designers. Engage in a brief conversation with her, and you will witness her unwavering dedication to these brands and designers. It is worth noting that she is also proficient in English!

The address is #101 Daesung BLD.110-1 Banpo 4dong.Seoch-gu. Seoul.
Contact number: +82-2-593-3863. Opening hours: From 12 pm to 8 pm, closed on Sundays.

Located in Itaewon, 'Never Green Store' exclusively features products from just three local designer brands. This store sets itself apart from typical select shops as it is operated by the owners of these three brands themselves.

The brands available here are the 'Chapter 6' label by Anteok, a renowned men's designer in Korea, 'MNW', and 'Blankof'. Representing a collection of unique and practical items for men, this shop, operating under the subtitle of "Home Grown Supply," immerses visitors in an atmosphere reminiscent of the 1950s, an era marked by industrialization. The interior of the store is adorned with doors, clocks, lockers, and lights that once belonged to an Ohio high school.

An interesting fact about this shop is that it is situated on the third floor of a building. To gain entry, one must ring the bell at the main entrance on the first floor. The ambiance of the store truly evokes a feeling of visiting someone's home rather than a retail establishment. It is worth noting that 'Never Green Store' operates only four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday.

The address is 3F, 532 Itaewon 2-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. For inquiries, please contact +82-2-797-4268. Business hours are from 2 pm to 8 pm (Thursday to Sunday).

'wwa' is a Bangkok-based fashion designer brand. Originally established as a men's collection in 2000, the brand expanded to include women's clothing and accessories in 2004. 'wwa' stands out as an exceptional fashion brand, as it is only one of two stores in existence, with the other being situated in Bangkok.

I highly recommend dropping by and trying on their clothing. Once you don their unique multi-functional style, you will instantly feel their fashion come alive. 'wwa' garments exude a sense of fun and imbue the wearer with a feeling of freedom.

The underlying philosophy of 'wwa' is that fashion is a means of self-discovery and self-expression, transcending mere conformity to trends or serving as a decorative tool. In the eyes of 'wwa', every individual possesses inherent beauty.

Notably, there are no external signs indicating the presence of the shop. Consequently, locating it may prove to be a challenge. However, feel free to call the shop without hesitation; the staff is more than willing to provide guidance.

You can also take a 360-degree virtual tour of the 'wwa' store or watch a video showcasing their latest collection.

The address is 3F Hyeonyeon Bldg. 79-5 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Opening hours are from 1 pm to 9 pm (Tuesday to Saturday) and from 1 pm to 7 pm on Sundays. The store is closed on Mondays. For inquiries, please contact +82-2-515-1199.

'how and what' is a distinguished women's fashion designer brand owned by Byung-kyu Park. He stands out as one of the few household names in the industry who consistently participates in the Seoul Fashion Week each season. Various Korean celebrities can often be spotted adorned in his creations.

The concept behind this brand is sentimental femininity, modernity, and power chic tailored for career-oriented women. The brand's collection, characterized by its unique identity, is priced reasonably. Furthermore, 'how and what' aspires to expand its offerings beyond clothing and venture into the realm of accessories. This means you will soon be able to adorn yourself exclusively in 'how and what' from head to toe.

In addition to the 'how and what' label, the designer also manages three other brands: 'Dress or Die', 'Anti-Cinderella', and 'Der Wanderer'. You can explore these brands at the Hannam-dong flagship store, located near Itaewon.

The address is 1F, 739-6 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. For inquiries, kindly contact +82-2-2269-0891. The Hannam flagship store operates from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm (Monday to Saturday) and from 1 pm to 9 pm on Sundays.