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Where to find good thrifting/vintage shopping in Seoul?

  • Writer: JungYeol Kim
    JungYeol Kim
  • Dec 28, 2023
  • 1 min read
Soobaak Vintage in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, Seoul


Soobaak Vintage opened its doors in 2018, initially starting in Gangnam, Yeoksam-dong, and later making its way through Hyoja-dong and Yeonnam-dong to its current location in Sinsa-dong. 



Yeoksam Soobaak (2018-2021)



Yeonnam Soobaak (2019-2021)



Hyoja Soobaak (2018-2021)



Sinsa Soobaak (2021~ing)



Specializing in vintage items rooted in classic attire, original military wear, and American casual style, Soobaak Vintage sells products that embody the essence of vintage and items that are on their way to becoming vintage. 



pyongyang cold noodle
pyongyang cold noodle

Beyond clothing, we also curate lifestyle pieces like furniture and lighting. It's not about being immediately flashy from the first impression, but rather, akin to appreciating the subtly stylish aftertaste. It's like the experience of savoring Korean Pyongyang cold noodles, where the initial taste might make you wonder, 'What flavor is this?' but over time, you come to appreciate its unique swag.




 
 
 

1990s Old Coach Duffle Bag

  • Writer: JungYeol Kim
    JungYeol Kim
  • Nov 21, 2023
  • 2 min read

Some items seem to fit the label "Old" better than "Vintage." The 1990s Coach is one of them. Not that it's entirely devoid of the term "vintage," but for some reason, Coach resonates more with "old" than "vintage."


Just like "Old Gap" or "Old Polo" complements Gap and Polo from the past, Coach, as a brand, leans closer to being a "well-crafted mystery bag using quality leather" rather than a "luxury bag."




Now, who, with a proud heart, bought that well-crafted, brand-free, unassuming black Coach briefcase made of high-quality leather from a famous department store on January 1, 1994?

$29.65. After 25 years, it's hanging with a sevenfold price tag at vintage shops. That's why it's considered vintage.


As Venerable pastor Hong says, vintage clothes are indeed "clothes worn and then discarded by others," but, to add a note, they're items that have become more valuable over time. Just like that subtly aged Coach document bag.


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leather brief case was $29.65 in 1994




Coach bags were made from leather called "Glove Tanned Cowhide." It's soft yet durable, much like a well-broken-in baseball glove.




An advertisement from that time emphasizing the use of Glove Tanned Cowhide with a price of $104







Even today, Coach's official website offers "Restored" Old Coach bags under the "Vintage" category, indicating their commitment to preserving their archive.



1990s Old Coach Duffle Bag

I carry a model called the "Duffle." Jiwon from Soobaak owns watermelon-red one which is very worn. There's a a brown duffle bag in Soobaak Vintage, and some vintage charm still remains in the appropriately aged brown.



Even now, various models continue to emerge under the name 'Duffle', but I personally prefer the worn-out appearance reminiscent of the 90s, much like the old saying 'old is gold."

The only visible part of the brand's logo is on this Swatch. Inside the pocket, there's a guarantee of quality and an embossed serial number




It doesn't boast a soft lining like many luxury bags or have flashy decorations, but the quality of the leather itself is truly excellent. That's all I need.



It's not a hip bag, just an unassuming one. But it's a good bag.





Author | Choi Kwang Min

 
 
 

'90s Sweatshirt & Its Key Feature

  • Writer: JungYeol Kim
    JungYeol Kim
  • Sep 25, 2023
  • 1 min read

'90s sweatshirt I bought in Brooklyn
'90s sweatshirt I bought in Brooklyn

Last February in Brooklyn, I stumbled upon these '90s sweatshirts that were tucked away in vinyl bags (deadstock). I bought them all even though selling them didn't quite match my expectations, haha. Nonetheless, it was comforting to see a few stylish customers take some off my hands.




Here are some key features of '90s sweatshirts:

  1. The neckline is slightly narrow and high.

  2. No side seams; it's all about that "hole-garment" style.

  3. Made from a cotton-poly blend.

  4. They feature three-dimensional patterns with triangular pieces under the armpits. Comfortable, right?



Of course, vintage prints on the chest are great, but these solid ones are classic. Pair one with a casual vibe, like a bowl of Pyongyang cold noodles, some short shorts, and a pair of Vans, and you've got a really stylish look.



There are plenty of brands that make great sweatshirts, but there's a unique flavor that only vintage can bring, so I'll keep hunting for gems with Soobaak Vintage.


Author: Jung Yeol Kim

Written Date: 2019. 7. 16.

 
 
 
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