HEART AND SEOUL

A revived dedication to traditional crafts makes for memorable souvenir shopping in the South Korean capital

- CHRIS SCHALKX

K-POP SENSATIONS and hit TV shows have helped Seoul grow into a pop culture powerhouse. But if you look beyond the neon glow of the streets and the hypermodern architecture, you'll find a city proudly celebrating its deep artisanal history. Recent arrivals like the Seoul Museum of Craft Art, which opened in the historic Jongno-gu district in 2021, and 2022's inaugural Frieze Seoul art fair (along with a slew of international galleries) have spurred renewed interest in the horsehair weaving, paper-making, and ceramics-slinging artists and creators carrying South Korea's ancient traditions boldly into the future. And their shoppable ateliers and showrooms serve as some of the best spots to pick up unique keepsakes to take home. 

CRAFTED CURIOS

Soluna Living, the Seoul outpost of Hong Kong-based Soluna Fine Art, works with expert makers around South Korea to produce housewares and objets d'art that marry contemporary designs with time-tested skills. The pint-size space features basketry by Dahye Jeong, who employs an intricate horsehair-weaving technique traditionally used for men's headwear; colorful goblets by glassblowing artist Glory G; and handmade hapjukseon bamboo fans from a fourth-generation master craftsman in Jeonju.

solunaliving.co.kr