Looking to rock some locally made footwear? We’ve got you covered!

Despite Korea’s vibrant, lucrative fashion scene, local and successful shoe designers on the peninsula are surprisingly scarce. Big-name international shoe giants dominate, with home-grown footwear designers struggling to compete against overseas magnates like Adidas, Vans and Nike. There are, however, hidden footwear gems to be found on the peninsula if you know where to look.

From the super-affordable, one-season purchase, to the long-term investments for your feet, we’ve rounded up seven of the Korean footwear brands currently carving their names into the local shoe scene.

Suecomma Bonnie

Suecomma Bonnie Mix Ribbon Tape Open Toe Mule in black and white
Suecommabonnie.com,  KRW 278,000

Bonnie Lee refers to herself as one of the “first generation of Korean shoe designers,” and she’d be right – she first opened a store of her self-designed shoes in Cheongdam, back in 2003. Suecomma Bonnie expanded to Japan the following year, and then Europe in 2011, before being acquired by Kolon Industries in 2013. Lee designs a wide selection of beautiful, high-quality shoes for women ranging in price from KRW 148,000 to KRW 300,000+. Not cheap – but worth the price, for well-made footwear that will last.

Shoopen

Shoopen Two-Band Flower Sandal
shoopen2013.blog.me, KRW 29,000

If there’s one Korean brand that springs to mind when it comes to affordable, trendy footwear, it is Shoopen. Launched in Hongdae in 2013 as Korea’s first specialty retailer of private label shoes, Shoopen has grown to become one of the country’s most representative footwear brands for both men and women. In addition to a range of high and mid-range foreign labels, Shoopen also offers a great selection of its own designs. Run by fashion giant E-Label, Shoopen recently launched in Malaysia to great success, and also has a popular store in Hong Kong.

Wise Enough

Patina by Wise Enough
www.wise-enough.com,  KRW 1,190,000

Launched in 2014, men’s brand Wise Enough are definitely not your throw-away, one-season-wear pair of shoes. Designer Junho Park and Director Seungjoon Lee create undeniably solid footwear, using only the highest-quality leather, and Park’s own patented P-Welt technique. A pair will set you back a considerable portion of your paycheck but remain an investment for your feet for years, if not decades, to come.

Chiswick

Chiswick X Siesta by Ju Woo Jae in Beige,
Chiswick.co.kr, KRW 69,000

Originating from Busan and led by designer and The Mife Korea CEO Han Eun Lee, Chiswick is currently at the forefront of Korea’s modest shoe-design scene. Launched in 2014, Chiswick reportedly took over US$160,000 in sales in its first year, available offline, in stores like FOLDER, and online, on WConcept and Hip Hoper. Chiswick quickly established itself firmly as a hipster favorite, and with good reason – the shoes are neatly designed, solidly made and affordable to boot.

Loyiq

Under the keywords “simple, practical and chic,” Loyiq designer Dong Hyun Lee creates catwalk-worthy women’s footwear that won’t break the bank. Clean and contemporary, her designs are all four-season appropriate, bringing inspiration from the feet of fashion followers in New York and Paris. You can shop for Loyiq online, or select products are also available at Moeum the Shoe Gallery outlets in Gangnam.

LQ6012 in Pink by Loyiq
www.loyiq.com, KRW 188,000

SBENU

Sbenu E-Line Lagoon Mint Shower Sneakers
www.sbenu.co.kr, KRW 89,000

Founded in 2012 by hailed entrepreneur and marketing extraordinaire Hwang Hyo Jin, Sbenu offers a huge selection of unisex sneakers and pumps with a retro, youthful vibe. The company came under fire from media earlier this year, after reporting significant financial losses and defaults on supplier payments. Still, no round up of Korean footwear would be complete without a mention of the domestic shoe magnate.

Spur

Spur Almond Oxford
www.urbanmineshop.com, KRW 64,000

Proudly declaring its products to be 100 percent handcrafted in Korea, Spur boasts more than 40 stores in Korea, and 20 abroad. Aiming for a “harmony between design and comfort,” Spur’s slip-ons, sandals and pumps are colorful, playful and just right for everyday wear. What’s more, they are extremely affordable – a pair will set you back anywhere between KRW 40,000 to KRW 80,000.

Written by Rhiannon Shepherd

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picnic in Style

Enjoy outside while looking good

The weather is finally cooling down, and we’re starting to get comfortable with the idea of leaving our air conditioned hideouts! There is nothing better to do on a breezy weekend in Korea than enjoy an outdoor picnic with cool drinks, yummy snacks and good friends. For this welcome September weather, we’ve got the lowdown on the perfect picnic style.

First things first, comfort and convenience are key. Inflatable hammock-like lounge chairs are a popular choice among those who love to chill outdoors. This sofa from Jnex Korea inflates easily, with only a few scoops of air, and is ready to relax on within a few minutes. We also recommend pop-up tents, because the quicker the setup, the quicker you can start snacking away!

Lucky for picnic aficionados, this season the laidback style can also be extended onto the streets, the most important accessory being the picnic bag, of course. Basket-style carriers are the way to go, especially if you have a tendency to want to pack a little more than you actually need. Otherwise, net bags are a lovely option this season. The lightweight bags come in an array of colors, and are a cute way to display what other goodies you have with you.

As we start to put the sweltering summer behind us, feminine fall dresses are in full effect. Think vintage, stripes, linen and layers. Don’t be afraid of what is longer and looser this season. We recommend cinching or tying dresses at the waist to create a flowing shape. Online shops Femme Muse and Ribbon Tie, and the offline store Merci, offer solid fall dress options you can slip on and count on.

Now that you’ve got the goods, where to flaunt your newfound picnic fashion? An easy favorite would be by the Hangang River at Mangwon Station. The riverside is decorated by tents and groups of friends enjoying a few beers and the fresh air. Other equally great options are the Hangang Park at Yeouido or Ttukseom Resort, and Seoul Forest.

Femme Muse Dresses

femmemuse.co.kr, KRW 49,000

Ribbon Tie Dresses

www.ribbontie.co.kr, KRW 66,000

Net Bags

storefarm.naver.com/bymiroom, KRW 17,000

Pollapo from Jnex

jnex.kr, KRW 75,000

Written by Samia Liamani

As any lady who’s spent time outside Asia will notice, summer skin is a little more conservative on this side of the world. Though showing a bit of shoulder is totally Seoul-approved, the décolletage can turn heads for all the wrong reasons. But showing respect for local modesty doesn’t have to cover up your creativity; there are more stylish loopholes than a closet full of those ironic “summer cardigans.”

Start off with your basic camisole or one piece. General rule of cleavage: No “Y” looks fly. Next, feel free to layer over it with a structured crop top or the sheer layers that you’ve been saving for festivals only. The straighter cut of these trendy shapes will add dimension to your look while masking the collar line, making it both Korean workplace appropriate and evening-ready in a snap.

If you’re still feeling exposed, try a dickey or bib underneath, unbuttoned of course, or a summer scarf casually knotted over. And if you insist on that cardigan, drape it over your shoulders, collegiate style; your arms will be singing thank you all summer long.

Basics

AIRism Bra Camisole,

Uniqlo, KRW 29,000

 www.uniqlo.kr

Sleeveless One Piece,

8seconds, KRW 25,000

 www.8seconds.co.kr

Sleeveless Tee,

8seconds, KRW 15,000

 www.8seconds.co.kr

[divider]

Cropped tops

Pineapple Crop Top,

Mixxmix, KRW 27,000

 www.mixxmix.com

Yellow Heart Crop Top,

Salad Bowls at Aland, KRW 56,000

 www.a-land.co.kr

[divider]

Sheer Layers

Flower Knit Tee,

Style Nanda, KRW 47,000

www.stylenanda.com

Simple Blouse,

Wonderplace, KRW 24,000

 www.wonderplace.co.kr

[divider]

Bibs

Bib Shirt,

Mixxmix, KRW 26,000

 www.mixxmix.com

[divider]

Summer scarf

Trendy No. 6 Scarf,

2econd Button at Wonderplace, KRW 39,000

 www.wonderplace.co.kr

[box_dark]IFC MALL[/box_dark]
The IFC Mall is a new mega shopping center located in the space underneath the International Financial Center in Yeouido. The mall features 100 stores and restaurants, including a major bookstore, two-floor H&M, nine-screen cinema, and international food court. The layout is very American, and it has a good range of inexpensive to mid-range stores.
All of the dining outlets are located on the lowest level, L3. The mall houses global brands such as H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo, along with the flagship stores of popular brands such as Banana Republic and Hollister. Window-shoppers can check out the latest bestsellers at YP Books or see a movie at the nine-screen CGV multiplex.

FYI>
www.ifcseoul.com
(서울시 영등포구 여의도동 23 | 23 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul)

GO>
Yeouinaru Station 여의나루역 (Line 5), Exit 1 or Yeouido Station 여의도역 (Lines 5, 9), Exits 3 or 4.

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The stock list includes quality-made Korean brands such as Needlework, Eastlogue, Blackship, Moss Green, Labor Day, and All-Knit Works. The unique shop sign—designed by owner Min Jae-ki—is a testament to the shop’s American workwear spirit.

FYI>
T. 02-337-4022
www.facebook.com/pages/Storage-Co/409831225746517
(서울시 마포구 서교동 328-18 | 328-18 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul)

GO>
Hongik Univ. Station 홍대입구역 (Line 2, A’REX), Exit 6.

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ⓒ Seoul Selection

Located at Hapjeong Station, Mecenatpolis is the latest addition to Seoul’s mixed-use commercial district that embraces shopping, entertainment, and residential compounds. A diverse range of retail, dining, and vibrant communal spaces merge to create a new urban haven under a single roof, providing a new social destination for city slickers. Lotte Cinema is conveniently located within the compound.

EAT>
Along with fast food chains and coffeehouses, a wide range of upscale and modest restaurants await patrons, offering unique dining experience in their terraced balconies and open-air spaces.

BUY>
Its first floor features apparel brands like Uniqlo, Muji, 8 Seconds and TopTen10.

SEE>
Online retail giant Interpark operates two cultural halls under its corporate name on the second floor of the mammoth commercial establishment. It’s worth check out its theatrical program.

FYI>
mecenatpolismall.co.kr
(490 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 마포구 서교동 490)

GO>
Hapjeong Station 합정역 (Line 2, 6), Exit 10

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Ayasophia Wedding Dress | 아야소피아 웨딩드레스

This cozy hanok shop hidden away in an alley near Bukchon’s Jeongdok Library deals almost exclusively in wedding dresses. You can try on dresses before making up your mind, and the friendly owner even provides refreshments as you shop. Prices are quite reasonable, just $200 to $600. Reception dresses, wedding shoes, and wedding accessories can be purchased at reasonable prices, too. For the time being, when you buy a dress, they’ll throw in an accessory for free.

FYI>
T. 070-7518-1088, www.aya-sophia.com
(32-18 Jae-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul | 서울시 종로구 재동 32-18)

GO>
Anguk Station 안국역 (Line 3), Exit 1

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© Seoul Selection

Times Square | 타임스퀘어

Yeongdeungpo’s Times Square shopping mall is one of Seoul’s more visually appealing shopping centers thanks to its futuristic design by Junglin Architecture. Like any proper Korean shopping complex, it’s a virtual city unto itself, with a major department store, a multiplex theater, supermarket, fitness center, hotel, tons of restaurants, and much, much more. If you’re looking to stay indoors all day, this is your place. If you’d like a breath of cool, fresh air, there’s a lovely roof garden, too.

EAT>

You’ll find plenty of places to eat on the third and fourth floors.

BUY>

You’re in a shopping mall. The options are endless.

SEE>

If you’re a history buff, the old office of Kyungsung Textiles (1937) is located just behind Times Square and now serves as a café and gallery. Now known as Kyungbang, Kyungsung Textiles was one of Korea’s first big companies, and is in fact the owner of Times Square.

FYI>
T. 02-2638-2000, www.timessquare.co.kr
(442 Yeongdeungpo-dong 4-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul | 서울시 영등포구 영등포동4가 442)

GO>
Yeongdeungpo Station 영등포역 (Line 1). Exit through the Lotte Department Store, cross the street, and walk 200 meters. Swing a left, walk 150m and you’re there.

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