The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has produced a global economic crisis, hitting small businesses the hardest. When youโre travelling in South Korea, why not buy from original, independent sellers instead of huge corporate businesses? Let me introduce you to some of my favourite small businesses via Tumblbug, the crowdfunding platform for creatives.
Tumblbug
Founded in 2011, Tumblbug is one of the most popular crowdfunding platforms in Korea. Tumblbug nurtures the freedom and creativitiy of independent businesses by providing the opportunity for funding. There are almost no barriers to what product can be uploaded to the site, so you never know what you might find. Whatโs more, if you think a certain business has a bright idea, investing in them may just benefit you in the future.
The word โinvestmentโ may remind you of swanky skyscrapers and rich stockbrokers, but you can invest in a small business with as little as 1,000 KRW. Itโs a great experience for young people to engage in and every penny helps!
Youโre sure to find a like-minded seller on Tumblbug, with more and more cultural products cropping up on the site. If youโre a fan of Korean culture, youโll love the Modern Hanbok brands floating around on Tumblbug.
Oranblue
Oranblue creates wearable and fairytale-like reinterpretations of the Hanbok. One of their most unique clothing items is the Gon Hwa Po Blouse. The blouse is a modern recreation of Gon Ryong Po, the Dragon Robe traditionally worn by the King.
The traditional style features the image of a dragon embroidered in a circle on the chest, however, Oranblue incorporated the hibiscus flower instead. Also known as โmugunghwaโ the Oranblue design was named Gon Hwa Po. As well as hibiscus, the national flower of Korea, the design features patterns of white plum blossom that symbolize the family of Taejo of Joseon, the first King of the Joseon era.
Check out the Gon Hwa Po blouse >> here <<
Teterot Salon
Teterot Salon produces retro fashion items that feature elements of traditional Korean culture. Their first product featured on Tumblbug was a Jeogori fleece. A Jeogori is a traditional Korean garment that makes up the upper portion of a womanโs hanbok.
Teterot Salonโs unique product combines the elegancy of the Jeogori with the warmth of a cozy fleece. While the brand does have an offline store in Ikseondong, Seoul, youโre sure to find what you love on their online store, or via Tumblbug.
Check out their Jeogori range and others >> here <<
Body Expression
Body Expression makes stunning accessories out of unique materials and techniques. One product that caught my eye was their โDokhwaโ earrings, made from sea shell fragments and mother-of-pearl. Their goal was to add the flare of traditional treasures into everyday fashion.
The enticing holographic shimmer of the floral design against a dark backdrop encapsulates the fitting name of โdokhwaโ, which means โpoisonโ in Korean.
Learn more about Dokhwa and itโs brand, Body Expressions >> here <<
Conclusion
I expect there will be more unique products like these on Tumblbug. If youโre looking to #ShopLocal or want to buy a Korean fashion item that is unique and special, I suggest you start scrolling through Tumblbug! Give these artists the opportunity to grow and stand out from the crowd with a truly special garment or accessory.
