Select shops, or โํธ์ง์ตโ (pyeon-jib-shap) as theyโre known in Korean, are stores that feature a range of brands chosen to target a specific audience. The original concept came from Japan and while it is yet to take off in Western countries, select shops are extremely popular in Korea.
Select shops commonly have a distinct theme or vibe, often decided by the head curator, who will find and โselectโ goods from different brands to stock the store with. It is a great way for customers to discover new brands and styles in a single location.
While some shops carry only one form of item i.e. clothing, stationery, many feature a large range of items from home decor to accessories. As someone who adores fashion as well as collecting knick-knacks, Iโve visited quite a few select shops. And so, Iโve compiled a list of the 3 best select shops in Seoul โ in my view, anyway. Letโs take a look.
Beaker | Hannam-dong, Apgujeong-dong
Home to the hottest brands in Korean fashion, Beaker should be a stop on every trendsetterโs travel bucket list. Stocking everything from outfits and accessories to home decor, you can decorate your wardrobe and your living room with tasteful and on-trend items.
The store is constantly updated with new products, therefore, no two trips are the same! Beakerโs flagship store is in Hannam-dong, an area famous for pop-up stores. Whatโs more, Beaker is a platform for international brands to make their mark. Most recently, the French brand Rouje entered the Korean market via Beakerโs Hannam store.
Additionally, Victoria Bakery featured here too! What could be better than buying a cute new outfit and a delicious pastry? Beaker is one of my favourite select shops because everything is so chic! I can easily spend over an hour there, agonizing over which items to bring home. If I had the money, Iโd probably buy the whole shop!
Finally, some of my favourite online brands, such as TheOpen Product, are stocked at Beaker. Therefore, I can try on the clothes and see how it looks before committing to purchase.
Beaker has stores all over Seoul, but you can find their flagship stores in Hannam-dong and Cheongdam-dong.
Beaker Hannam Flagship Store Address: 241 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 11:00am - 8:00pm everyday
Beaker Cheongdam Flagship Store Address: 408 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 11:00am - 8:00pm everyday
Nice Weather | Garosu-gil (Sinsa-dong)
Modelled after the humble convenience stores we all know and love, Nice Weather delivers a unique product range in a sleek, cool space.
With a striking logo in cobalt blue, its hard to miss this quirky store. True to its unique concept, Nice Weather stocks a large variety of food items, from alternative milks and foreign cereals to well-loved classics. My particular favourites are the Our Bakery (frozen goods) and Old Ferry Donut (fresh goods) lines.
You can also find clothing, homeware and decor here too! So if youโre looking to introduce an iconic, yet unique, theme to your home, I recommend visiting here. It is also super fun to try foods you canโt get anywhere else.
The Nice Weather flagship store is located in Garosu-gil (Sinsa-dong) but there is a newly-opened outlet available at The Hyundai Seoul (Yeouido.)
Nice Weather Flagship Store Address: 39 Gangnamdae-ro 162-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 11:00am - 8:30pm everyday
Nice Weather The Hyundai Seoul Store Address: 108 Yeouidodae-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 10:30am - 8:00pm weekdays, - 8:30pm weekends
Monoha | Hannam-dong, Seongsu-dong
Another select shop with a wide space and chic interior, Monoha evokes the atmosphere of an art gallery. Moreover, the items are displayed on glass shelves, giving an element of luxury to prospective customers. Everything in balance and nothing ostentatious. If youโre someone who prefers simplicity and minimalism, this is the place for you.
At Monoha, you can purchase sleek clothing in neutral colours and standard designs. Nothing fancy, but high quality and great for everyday wear. However, thatโs not to say that Monoha doesnโt accessorise. They have shoes, bags and jewellery but still in-keeping with simple fashion.
The Monoha curators feature Korean-style dishware too, combining their ornate style with block colour design. Monoha has flagship stores in Seongdong-gu and Hannam-dong, the former with an equally minimal tea cafe!
Monoha Seongsu Store Address: 16 Seongsui-ro 20-gil, Seongdong-gu Operating Hours: 11:00am - 7:00pm* Tues - Sat, closed Sun, Mon * Monoha Cafe operating hours: 9:30am - 7:30pm
Monoha Hannam Store Address: 36 Dokseodang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Operating Hours: 11:00am - 7:00pm Tues - Sat, closed Sun, Mon
