Hallyu Diary Vol.3

Hey there! I’m Joy—Miru’s hallyu bestie :)

Lately, I’ve fallen in love with Korea’s vintage scene which is having a serious moment
I’ve been treasure hunting through the many hidden gems tucked away in Seoul!

These shops are full of unique, beautiful finds and are so charming you’ll lose track of time!
Today, I’m getting deep into how I became a vintage fan!

Dongmyo is the go-to destination for vintage newbies and fashionistas alike.
The equation is simple: Dongmyo = Korea’s trendiest vintage hotspot.
It’s a fashion-forward playground made popular through word-of-mouth
and often spotlighted on TV shows and the media.

One unforgettable moment was SHINee’s Key exploring Dongmyo in the hit show I Live Alone!
Key went treasure hunting for secondhand gems in Dongmyo
and styled them in his own unique way.

I visited Dongmyo and wandered through the maze of vintage shops,
brushing past racks of preloved clothes, ancient tableware, and even antiques.
With uniquely Korean finds sporting reasonable price tags, there was always something to see!

After some browsing, one piece in particular caught my eye and I ended up taking it home.
Check out what I’m wearing now! Doesn’t this vintage look totally suit my style?

And just like SHINee’s Key, I ended the trip with street-food toast and iced coffee!
Enjoying this tasty snack underneath the warm sun? Amazing!
The combo was refreshingly sweet and the perfect finale to a nostalgic shopping stroll!

After treating my eyes to a glorious feast at Dongmyo,
I made my way to nearby Sewoon Plaza.
This place is popular among Korea’s Gen MZ as the hottest mecca for vintage cameras,
and it was easy to see why!

Formerly Korea’s very first general electronics store built in 1968, Sewoon Plaza was known
as the “mecca of electronics” where cutting-edge tech and everyday hobbies came together.
Fast forward to today, where it is now hailed as a retro paradise,
a hotspot for Gen MZ’ers on the hunt for vintage cameras!

Wander through the aisles and you’ll find rows of items rich with nostalgic glamour,
including film cameras, digital cameras, manual lenses, and even old-school video equipment!
But that’s not all. Throwback electronics such as classic VCRs, brown-screen TVs, and vintage
game consoles are a delight to browse.
Most of the gear is preloved and ready to be touched and appreciated; time will fly by!

The best part was that the store owners are ready and willing to help you out.
Although I was no expert, they walked me through the basics and the features of each model.
When we got to the vintage cameras, I felt the buyer’s itch
upon listening to their descriptions, and in the end, I bought myself a digital camera!

After taking in my fill of vintage cameras at Sewoon Plaza,
I wanted to enjoy an analog music experience as well.
For that, I headed straight to Seoul Records, located nearby.

From the outside, the storefront looks like any old music shop,
but from the minute you walk inside, you’re treated to a blast to the past!
Everything from Korean old pop, the LPs of globally renowned legendary musicians,
and even the latest hits can all be found in this one delightful shop!

Seoul Records is already famous among LP lovers and was featured
as a romantic rendezvous spot in such TV shows as Heart Signal and Exchange!
No wonder the place was full of lovebirds, listening to music and enjoying cozy conversation.

From classic K-pop to the latest hits on LP all in one spot, you can listen before you pick,
making it the perfect place for vinyl fanatics and international fans hoping for a taste of K-retro!
Flip through the records one by one; once you’re in, you’ll never forget the fun!

For my final stop in a day filled with vintage vibes,
I headed to the Jongno 3-ga Pocha Street!

I couldn’t believe I was finally at a pojangmacha, seen all the time in K-movies and dramas!
Narrow alleyways were lined with outdoor food pochas,
each glowing with colorful neon signs that lit up the night.
It felt like I’d stepped right into an old-school movie set.

Caught up in the mood, I picked one of the many stalls and grabbed a seat.
Not to be missed was a steaming bowl of janchi guksu (hot noodles),
along with the ultimate Korean street food combo of crispy nogari (dried pollack) and mayo,
and of course, a big, fluffy gyeranmari (egg omelet) to complete the holy trinity of pocha snacks!
The prices were easy on the wallet and the vibes just right for a night to remember!

In my journey full of vintage vibes,
I couldn’t find a better end to the retro-style Korean night than Pocha Alley.
If you want to soak up the local atmosphere, this spot is an absolute must!