Q:

BLUF: Looking for local/smaller stores/shops selling collectibles, books/manga, vinyl, pop culture stuff (not so much clothing) that I can become a regular customer at.

Hey all, I’ve been living here in Korea for a couple months now. I love the shopping scene here, and i’d really love to get into the more local spots here.

I’ve gone through the big chain stores like Nike, Adidas, HM, etc. and would like to move away from these. I’ve found the Artbox/Popmart/Butters stores too, which are really good because I like the little things they have (like Smiskis), But if there’s smaller stores selling things like that i’d like to go there more.

I like to get bedroom stuff/stationaries/collectibles, books/manga and vinyls and stuff like that. Weird stuff you can’t get everywhere. I’ve been to Dongmyo market as well but would like some options that are away from the thrifted scene.

If anyone’s got good places that I can go to and become a regular customer i’d greatly appreciate it!

A:

Here’s a list of local/smaller stores in Korea that sell collectibles, books/manga, vinyls, and other unique pop culture items. These are perfect if you’re looking to explore beyond the mainstream chain stores:

1. Collectibles and Pop Culture

• 피규어샵 (Figure Shops)
  • Mania Club (마니아클럽): Located in Seoul, this shop specializes in action figures, pop culture merchandise, and collectibles. Great for enthusiasts of niche and unique items.
  • Toycat (토이캣): A treasure trove for figurine collectors, especially anime or game-related merchandise.
• Character Stores
  • Line Friends/BT21 Flagship Stores: While technically bigger brands, the flagship stores often have exclusive items you won’t find elsewhere.
  • Crying Nut Collectibles: Smaller shops in Hongdae and Sinchon offer quirky, locally made pop culture items.

2. Books and Manga

• Indie Bookstores
  • Your Mind (책방 유어마인드): Located in Mangwon, this indie bookstore has curated collections of art books, zines, and unique publications.
  • B Platform: A hidden gem in Itaewon specializing in illustration books, graphic novels, and limited-edition manga.
• Manga-Specific Stores
  • Book Park (책바코): Known for its large manga section alongside other collectibles.
  • AniLand (애니랜드): Found in areas like Dongdaemun, AniLand has a great selection of manga, light novels, and anime-related items.

3. Vinyl Shops

• Vinyl and Turntables
  • RM Vinyl Store: A cozy shop in the Euljiro area specializing in second-hand vinyls and rare pressings.
  • Hyundai Card Music Library: While not a shop, this unique venue lets you browse an extensive collection of vinyl records and rare music memorabilia.
• Vinyl Street in Hongdae: Around Hongdae, smaller vinyl shops like Gimbab Records sell Korean indie vinyls alongside international selections.

4. Stationery and Bedroom Decor

• Stationery Shops
  • MMM Gagopa: Located in Gyeongridan, this small shop specializes in quirky stationery and vintage-style goods.
  • 10x10 (텐바이텐): While a chain, it focuses on unique and local Korean designs for home goods, stationery, and collectibles.
• Bedroom Decor
  • Artbox (Smaller Branches): Smaller Artbox stores often have different, localized stock. Look for branches in less touristy areas.
  • Small Street Markets: Try Garosu-gil or Seongsu for independent sellers offering cute and quirky bedroom decor.

5. Additional Recommendations

• Hongdae Free Market (홍대 프리마켓): While it focuses on handmade goods, you can find a variety of collectibles and artsy items from local creators.
• Ikseon-dong Alleys (익선동 골목길): This area is packed with tiny artisan shops selling quirky items, pop culture collectibles, and one-of-a-kind goods.
• Ikseon-dong Alleys  (서울애니메이션센터): Located near Namsan, it’s a hub for anime, manga, and collectible fans.

6. Tips for Finding Hidden Gems

• Explore neighborhoods like Hongdae, Mangwon, and Seongsu for small, unique stores.
• Visit KakaoMap or Naver Map and search for terms like “소품샵” (small goods shop), “빈티지샵” (vintage shop), or “레코드샵” (record shop).

These spots should give you a head start in finding hidden gems that match your taste.