Other top picks include Soul Soban table, which contains the symbolic landscape of Seoul on its tabletop. This small and portable design combines a tray and a table and goes well with the contemporary lifestyle. Another interesting find is Beyond DDP, a series of office supplies by Sung Jung-gi which are made of concrete. These feature images of Dongdaemun in the past. Unroll Surface's bioplastic products, which suggest a sustainable future, are also not to be missed. 

You might feel like travelling back in time at Insa-dong, a representative traditional neighbourhood that coexists with the ambience of old and new despite being a quite busy area. One of the must-visits in the area is the KCDF (Korea Craft and Design Foundation) Gallery. Located in the hub of Insa-dong, the cultural complex focuses on craft and design, and has exhibition spaces, a library, and a rooftop garden as well. Among them is Craft Garden, a treasure-filled venue on the first floor that introduces crafts in a friendly way. KCDF, which comprehensively promotes Korean culture ranging from craft, design, and even Hansik and Hanbok, (which means Korean food and traditional clothing respectively), introduces over 200 artists from rising talents to master craftsmen.

A wide range of selections by categories including fashion, office, kitchen, and home interior, is also an advantage of Craft Garden. Fans made of Hanji, a traditional Korean paper that even the Louvre Museum admires, are suits for all regardless of age or gender, but also perfect for baking hot weather these days. Even the unique stories behind each product such as the Gyeongbokgung Animals Candle series with motifs of animal figures found in the Gyeongbok Palace, and Tiger objects designed by Lim Byung-han have auspicious meanings that are fascinating. These delightful handicrafts enhance the value of daily life with respective usages, and are presented in a bright and spacious interior.

Chapter 1 has had a winning formula the last decade with its interesting curation of unique collections that veer away from famous logos and statement-makers. That's why it was able to establish itself as a representative Korean lifestyle shop without being swayed by the latest trends. Based on an “understanding of product, space and sensibility”, the consistent message delivered by Kim Ga-on and Koo Byung-jun, the co-CEOs, has found a loyal following locally.

It continues to evolve with its newer stores. These include Chapter 1 Edit, which focuses on craftsmanship while Chapter 1 Hannam devotes to contemporary design. Chapter 1 Edit delivers a more immersive experience through Gallery Doqument, an airy exhibition space on the fourth floor, and Found Local, a cafe and bistro on the first floor. “We are currently preparing a special exhibition with our great artists who are collaborating steadily to celebrate the upcoming 10th anniversary in September,” says Koo. That's enough to get excited about the special event, another new spot, and the brand’s next decade.

The Seoul Bund contains the aspirations of serving as a “port of Seoul” through which Asian treasures come in and leave. As such it is focusing on Asian treasures sourced from Korea as well as beyond its shores. “The products that people use on a daily basis are mainly from the West, it was regrettable that crafts containing our inherent culture were regarded as just high-priced art pieces, which were not friendly at all.” says Park Chan-ho, the founder and CEO of Seoul Bund.

There are as many as 180 of such unique Asian collectibles discovered by Seoul Bund, and each has its own identity based on unique storytelling, materials, and functionality. These include works by homegrown brand Geochang Yugi, which has continued its special techniques for over a century, as well as pieces by brassware maestro Lee Jong-oh, and Park Gang-yong, a master craftsman of lacquer Park Gang-yong. All of these objects are prime examples of how well-crafted objects can be used in our daily lives. 

Displayed with well-established brands such as Yang Jung-mo, BKID, and WGNB, the works of young artists —including Studio Shinyoo, Mowani Glass, Ottott, and KHJ Studio—have provided a fresh new approach to the showroom showcase. Not only that, Seoul Bund has been constantly launching private-label products that reflect its experience and know-how. In particular, a practical brass cutlery set La lune, created in collaboration with designers Song Seung-yong and Lee Jong-oh, is a steady bestseller. Following the shop in Seocho-dong that was launched in 2015 to the recently opened restaurant Laxxa in Seongsu, Seoul Bund aims to convey the highly sensitive experience of handicrafts to more people in a variety of ways.

It was a courageous move for director Kim Ko-eun to open Finork during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in Seongsu-dong, the hottest neighbourhood in Seoul right now. “The meaning of Finork is a compound word excluding E and W from ‘Fine Work’. With the slogan ‘Look Fine, Work Fine’, I want to discover great artists and convey the value of craft deeply into our daily lives.” says Kim, who loves celebrating the story of each work based on her knowledge and expertise in craftsmaking.

Remarkable objects are tastefully displayed against a modest white background in the gallery-like craft concept shop. Highlights included the work of Cho Hyun-seung, a young Korean ceramist whose pieces are characterised by a very delicate expression of accidental and irregular shapes derived from the potter’s wheelworks. Her exquisite craftsmanship is getting noticed so she is planning a solo exhibition at the end of this year. 

Other top finds include the collections by Iwasaki Ryuji, a Japanese ceramic artist from Osaka; he is fascinated by the richness of colours and his art pieces have an aura of calm and serenity. Italian ceramist Paola Paronetto has also created beautiful sculptural objects found in the store, which bear not only unique forms but also neutral colours using special paper clay. Kim is rolling up her sleeves as she plans to gradually expand Finork's private-label collections and has recently opened a second shop in Village de Ananti, a luxury resort in Busan for welcoming craft lovers.

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