Shopping in Seoul: 28 Popular Korean Clothing Brands to Buy – Seoulistic

Seoul, the fearless capital of South Korea is quickly claiming the spotlight for fashion. And if you want to go shopping in Seoul, here are some of the hottest Korean clothing brands that you’ll want to know. Grab your memo pad because it’s time for Shopping in Seoul 101! 😀

Note: To make your Seoul shopping experience more convenient, we tried to include all the links straight to one hot-spot, Myeongdong (some on the list do not have stores in Myeongdong and some may be more convenient to buy online!). Also, go to their official sites to see more pictures of their apparel.

1. Bean Pole – The designers of the 2012 South Korean national Olympic team have been around since 1989. Their official website (beanpole.com) says their clothes have a “neo traditional” look, which kind of makes sense. We think it’s just easier to say that their clothes look similar to Polo by Ralph Lauren ;). Oh yea and Gwyneth Paltrow, Prison Break Guy (Wentworth Miller), G-Dragon and Tiffany (of Girls’ Generation) have lent their beautiful faces and sexy bods for Bean Pole ads. Kpop + white people in Korean advertisements? Sold!

→ Style: similar to Polo by Ralph Lauren
→ Celebrity Models: Gwyneth Paltrow, Prison Break guy, G-Dragon, Tiffany
→ Official Site: http://www.beanpole.com/
Google Map:  Beanpole – Myeongdong

 

2. Who.A.U – If you’re shopping in Seoul and are a fan of surfing and that California beach lifestyle, Who.A.U is perfect for you. The store advertises itself as the “California Dream.” And why not. Just put on one of their polo shirts and plaid shorts and see if you feel like a sporty Californian in a black and white photo (just like Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch!).

Branches throughout Korea and a few in China and America. See the Who.A.U official website for specific store locations.

→ Style: similar to Abercronbie & Fitch / Hollister
→ Celebrity Model: N/A
→ Official site: http://www.whoau.com/
Google map: Who.A.U – Myeongdong

 

3. Codes Combine – Codes Combine features the very famous Jang Keun-suk and Go Junhui in their advertising campaign wearing dark clothes, dark eye makeup, some form of leather pants, leopard skin, fur on men, and other super edgy Korean fashion. But that’s just  the marketing campaign. According to their site, they’re more focused on layering and neutral tones. Oh, and they have a pretty sexy underwear line too 😉

→ Style: Really big on layering & neutral tones (via Codes Combine).
→ Celebrity Model: Jang Keun-suk, Go Junhui,  Jang Dong Geun, Yoon Eun Hye
→ Official Site: http://www.codes-combine.com/
Google Map: Myeongdong

 

4. BANC – If you’re shopping in Seoul for a youthful Korean clothing brand, BANC is where it’s at. They specialize in their own lego inspired characters, with lego Superman, lego Batman and a host of other fun characters. They’re also known for their cute Pucca prints. BANC is a cool brand to rock hoodies, sweaters and watches if you’re a 7-year old lego builder at heart.

→ Style: characters (lego, pucca, etc.) on hoodies/sweaters/watches
→ Celebrity Model: N/A
→ Official Site: http://www.banc.co.kr/
Google Map: n/a

 

5. Colonize – Another really fun Korean fashion brand is Colonize. Just like BANC, Colonize specializes in their own originally characters such as Lava Boy, Bubble Monster, Movement Girl among others. The colors are really bright and youthful, hopefully just like you!

→ Style: jackets/hoodies with their characters
→ Celebrity Model: N/A
→ Official Site: http://www.colonize.co.kr/
Google Map: Cheon-ho Dong (천호동) (no Myeongdong outlet)

 

6. BSX – Want to look like G-dragon?! BUY THIS! Well… at least if you believe in the advertising 😉 BSX is another Korean clothing brand that stays on the simple side with singular tones or simple/classic patterns.  Maybe saving money on fabric dyes is why this brand is also on the affordable side. The fashion is safe, it’s affordable, and there’s G-Dragon. ‘Nuff said.

→ Style: Simple and Vintage (according to BSX)
→ Celebrity Model: G-dragon
→ Official Site: http://www.bsx.co.kr/
Google Map: Myeongdong

 

7. DOHC – Although DOHC has classic and simple tees, shirts and pants, it’s definitely has its fair share of splashier patterns and designs. It also has those “old-style” Christmas sweaters that seem to be in such vogue these days. And although they don’t have any official celebrity models that we know of, here’s a bunch of celebs wearing their  stuff.

→ Style: “Multi Casual” (According to DOHC)
→ Celebrity Model: Caroline Trentini
→ Official Site: http://www.idohc.co.kr
Google Map: Myeongdong Lotte Department Store (7th Fl)

 

8. ASK (Enquired) – British clothing mixed in with a bit of Korean fashion? That’s like sounds super preppy. Maybe it is. But it’s also got a pretty darn Korean flair to it. This trendy European-style brand is also the parent company to DOHC (see above). Check this brand out if you want to look like Prince William 😉

→ Style: It is a major Korean promoter of clothing based on the Britain Code (the British Flag is used in most of their clothing). Somewhat similar to ‘Tommy Hilfiger’
→ Celebrity Model: Some previous models include famous Korean stars such as Kara & Joo Won for their 2010 Fall catalog.
→ Official Site: http://www.ask4.co.kr/
Google Map: Lottle Department Store “Young Plaza”

 

9. Banila B – Basic, Comfort, Free, and Easiness,” is the motto that Banila B targets (according to their website). Banila B is a Korean casual brand combined with a bit of girlish sensibility. If you are into chic style clothing, you really ought to check this place out. Banila B can be categorized as ‘basic casual’ wear with a pinch of trendiness. It’s a trusted brand for people who are more refined and like showing off to the general public that they are unique and have a sense for fashion. Pricing is not too harsh on the wallet either 😉

→ Style: Style is very colorful and has a playful scheme to their clothing line (especially their actual shop outlet – it’s almost like “Barbie” land, if you know what we mean).
→ Celebrity Model: The whole gang of Girl’s Generation has been known to wear Banila B.
→ Official Site: http://www.banilab.com/
Google Maps: Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong

 

10. Crux – “Tradtional Casual Brand” is what Crux shoots for. Koreans seem to really embrace the European trend and like to incorporate it into their own Korean fashion. The design philosophy is British Fashion (similar to that of ‘ASK Enquired’). Crux’s clothing line ranges from flashy to the basics which includes checkered shirts and jackets for both men and women. Great quality.

→ Style: Similar to that of ASK Enquired (#8 on the list). It’s for guys and gals with a fashion sense who admire British youth culture.
→ Celebrity Model: Previous models include 2AM singer Changmin, Epik High rapper Mithera, and IU.
→ Official Site: http://www.cruxkorea.com/
Google Map: Lottle Department Store “Young Plaza”

Keith
Keith
Keith Kim is a Korean-American who has been living in Korea for almost a decade. Being in a unique position as both a Korean and a non-Korean, he's put all his experience and knowledge for surviving in Korea in Survival Korean . Read it to learn how you can survive in Korea. Follow him on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

284 Comments

  1. bob says:

    goodbye this sucks

    • TRINITY says:

      Hey bob. I don’t know who u r but ur problems is that u r too pessimistic. Have u ever bought any of the clothes in one of those shops? I bet u didn’t and u r just judging by the pictures. U r seriously stupid cuz those clothes will only fit well to good looking person not a fatso

      • Hi-C says:

        those clothes will only fit well to good looking person not a fatso

        too bad, looks like i can’t shop with these brands… guess the world only welcome skinny people to shop.

  2. James says:

    I always had problems working out what was when I lived in Korea. Always ended up getting stuff in Uniqlo. I guess English teaches aren’t known for being particularly trendy!

  3. Christine says:

    Like any other female, I am appreciative of the article on clothing stores. I hope you make this an annual report on what’s hot in apparel in Seoul.

    I would appreciate any direction you could give me on clothing sizing and general fit, when buying clothes in Seoul. Being a tall woman – all five feet eleven inches of me, AND athletic to boot in an American size 14 long everything, it gets a little hard to buy, even in the USA! I generally don’t buy much clothing on trips, but its always good to know a good store or two in case your luggage gets lost.

    I prefer to buy jewelry for keepsakes, so any good jewelers, or unique jewelry artists would also be cool to know about. I hear there’s an artists row in Kangnam (sp?)that’s nice.

  4. Christine Perrin says:

    Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Africa in March. Anyone know of where I can buy safari clothes in Seoul?

    Thanks

  5. hyunjae says:

    I saw a lot me western models rather than Korean or any Asian. Which is quite disappointing for me for I am very Oriental in taste…

  6. I am web surfing in excess of 3 hours recently, nonetheless I never identified any appealing content similar to your own. It is really quite cost satisfactory personally. Many people feel, in the event many webmasters plus web owners built superior information just like you have, the internet could be a much bigger beneficial than in the past.

  7. Julianna says:

    I think StyleNanda is pretty famous too!

  8. This is my first time visit at here and i am truly pleassant to read all at single place.

  9. Mimi says:

    Can you do an updated one of this? Lots of the links don’t work 🙁

  10. LeeMin says:

    found this http://kakuubasic.com
    i think this shop is based on South Asia

  11. Deepak Tiwari says:

    Would like to buy your shirts

  12. NyNy says:

    Banila B and Code Combine are quite interesting. Thanks for this.

    http://www.nynyonline.co.uk

  13. model says:

    Thanks for every other fantastic article. The place else could anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal approach of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the search for such info.

  14. wildlife says:

    This article has helped me a lot, I love Korean fashion and many of my favorite brands are here. The links were so helpful as well.

  15. pve says:

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  16. vher says:

    Try also Red Homme and Kooding for on line shopping

  17. Liz says:

    This is the most useful website for a Canadian trying to figure out the different Korean brands! THANK YOU so much!

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  19. Sazzad says:

    wow really helpfull for every foreigneer

  20. ALEX RYNKIEWICZ says:

    need help–i have a heavy hooded pullover jacket– no name but logo is an oriental man with tossel cap–and has a diamond ring on his finger—WHAT BRAND IS THIS—10 YEARS OLD–

  21. ALEX RYNKIEWICZ says:

    need help–i have a heavy hooded pullover jacket– no name but logo is an oriental man with tossel cap–and has a diamond ring on his finger—WHAT BRAND IS THIS—10 YEARS OLD– MADE IN KOREA

  22. hahhaha what a start Seoul, the fearless capital of South Korea is quickly claiming the spotlight for fashion.

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