Fuel your creativity at Korea’s Gen Z niche hobby hotspots

(Rolled Paint, a masking tape specialty store)

One of the many perks of traveling is the chance to fully immerse yourself in cultures and interests outside of your norm. Traditional and cultural activities designed for tourists are easy to find, but to truly feel like a part of an ever-evolving local trend takes more than just online research. In this edition of Editor’s Insight, we explore the latest niche hobbies captivating Korean Gen Z and the hotspots that inspire their creativity.

Journaling & Scrapbooking

While we can no longer live without social media and digital communication, the sense of constant connectivity and online drama can sometimes be just too much. Many of those who feel exhausted from the never-ending buzz have turned to good old-fashioned journaling and scrapbooking. But it’s more than just writing and keeping records—it’s about decorating and expressing oneself using a wide range of decorative tools and writing utensils. And because young Korean millennials and Gen Z have never been shy about expressing their love for cute and artsy materials, many shops ensure their needs are met.

(Exhibition corner at Stamp Mama)

VISITKOREA has handpicked a selection of stationery stores that are worth checking out, even if you’re not a stationery addict. If you already keep a journal of your own, plan to make a scrapbook of your trip, or want to write a letter to your loved ones, definitely check these stores out.

made by Hongdae

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the interior of made by. a handful of stationery goods on the shelf.

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made by Hongdae offers a handful of stationery goods such as stickers, postcards, memo pads, key rings, and more. The products they sell all have one thing in common—they’re super cute. Even the 8-bit music playing inside the store is adorable. This is a one-stop shop if you’re looking to buy an lovely souvenir for a friend, and you might as well pick up a postcard to go along with it and some sticker sets to decorate it with while you’re here.

Address: 11 Yeonhui-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 연희로 11) [See on map]

Directions: Walk for approx. 231 m from Hongdae Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Airport Railroad, & Gyeongui Jungang Line), Exit 3.

Operating hours: 12:00-22:00 * Closed on the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)

Branch stores

- made by Yeonnam: 271 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 동교로 271)

- made by Seongsu: 2F, 38 Seoulsup-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 성동구 서울숲길 38 2층)

- made by Seomyeon: 34 Jeonpo-daero 199beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan (부산특별시 부산진구 전포대로 199번길 34)

Instagram: @madeby.official

Black Heart Pencil Shop

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a sign at the front entrance of the shop.

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Located on the 3rd floor of an inconspicuous building, this store uses a pencil picture on a green A-frame sign on the sidewalk as its only marker, as if welcoming only those who know what they are looking for. You may feel weary as you walk up the dimly lit staircase, but behind the heavy steel door lies a mini pencil museum. A collection of vintage pencils is available for viewing and purchase, accompanied by a set of tester pencils and paper laid out in front. The shop also has a selection of erasers, sharpeners, and other pencil-related tools. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, you’ll find yourself scribbling your time away before you know it.

Address: 3F Rm 301, 47 Yeonhui-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 연희로 47, 3층 301호) [See on map]

Directions: Walk for approx. 608 m from Hongdae Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Airport Railroad, & Gyeongui Jungang Line), Exit 3.

Operating hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 13:00-20:00 / Weekends 13:00-19:00 * Closed on Mondays

Website: blackheart.kr

Instagram: @blackheart_pencil

Stamp Mama

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As you might guess from the name, Stamp Mama is a charming specialty shop dedicated to decorative stamps. It also offers an extensive selection of ink pads, sealing wax, and other crafting supplies to add a personal touch to your journals, scrapbooks, letters, and gifts. The shop holds one-day classes for those interested in learning new techniques or creating a customized stamp of their own. Whether you’re an avid crafter or just browsing, you might find yourself leaving with a handful of creative supplies.

Address: 2F, 82 World Cup buk-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 월드컵북로2길 82, 2층) [See on map]

Directions: Walk for approx. 115 m from Hongdae Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Airport Railroad, & Gyeongui Jungang Line), Exit 3.

Operating hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00-18:00

* Closed on Sundays

Website: www.stampmama.com

Instagram: @stampmama_official

* For one-day class inquiries, contact via Instagram @stampmama_class (classes are conducted in Korean)

Rolled Paint

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Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not a paint shop, but a masking tape shop. As soon as you step inside, a palette of colors and patterns rolls out before your eyes. A wide range of originally designed and imported masking tapes is arranged by theme and color scheme, alongside creative masking tape arts and crafts. Every customer is offered one free rectangular cardstock to test out all the sample masking tapes on display. Feel free to experiment and be creative, as you can keep this cardstock as a bookmark or a simple souvenir.

Address: 2F, 57-6 Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 마포구 양화로6길 57-6, 2층) [See on map]

Directions: Walk for approx. 352 m from Hapjeong Station (Seoul Subway Lines 2 & 6), Exit 5.

Operating hours: Mondays, Wednesday-Friday 13:00-20:00 / Weekends 13:00-18:00

* Closed on Tuesdays

Website: rolledpaint.com

Instagram: @rolled_paint

Music Appreciation

Appreciation for music transcends generations and eras, and K-pop is still thriving as ever but a different kind of music culture is gaining attention. Audio and sound effects have always had their place in the niche market worldwide, but more people are now turning to sounds and music not just for entertainment, but as a way to relax and self-reflect. From immersive listening spaces to unique soundscapes, here are a few locations where both locals and travelers can explore Korea’s evolving sound culture.

Music Complex Seoul

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Located in the heart of Insa-dong, Music Complex Seoul is a vinyl record listening café and bar designed for those who truly appreciate music. It has a wide selection of vinyl records across various genres, and each table is equipped with a turntable and two sets of headphones, allowing guests to appreciate the resonant sound of vinyl whether alone or with a friend. There is also a basic guide with instructions in Korean and English on using the record player for first-timers along with a list of popular records for those unsure of where to start. Get a drink, put on the headphones, and unwind as music becomes your companion. The establishment also has a private listening room for groups. If vinyl music and vintage goods are your thing, we also recommend checking out Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center, as it’s a great place to hunt for hidden gems that are easily overlooked.

Address: Anyeong Insadong Bldg. 5F, 49 Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 49 안녕인사동 5층) [See on map]

Directions: Walk for approx. 230 m from Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6.

Operating hours: 12:00-23:50

Fees: Entrance fee is included in the drink (20,000 won~); 1 drink order per person is required. Entrance fee does not apply to food orders.

Branch store - Music Complex Busan: 1F, Dongbusangwangwang-ro 34, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan (부산특별시 기장군 기장읍 동부산관광로 34, 1층)

Instagram: @music.complex.seoul

While you’re here…

The exterior of Seoul Museum of Korean Folk Music.

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Although not a local hotspot, the Seoul Museum of Korean Folk Music is worth mentioning as it serves as an archive of folk songs and sounds of Korea. Spanning three floors, the museum features an audio room featuring regional folk songs, an exhibition of everyday and ceremonial folk songs, and a digital screening room where visitors can appreciate Korean folk songs while chilling on a bean bag. Listening to the collection of samples offers insight into the lifestyle and the values of common people in the past.

Address: 96 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 96) [See on map]

Directions: Walk for approx. 323 m from Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 4.

Operating hours: 09:00-18:00

* Closed on Mondays

Admission: Free

Website: museum.seoul.go.kr/sekm

Audeum Audio Museum

Audeum Audio Museum is like a dream come true for anyone fascinated by audio and sound reproduction devices. As the first dedicated audio museum in Korea, Audeum offers an experience that goes beyond simply listening to music. Carefully designed and built to deliver sound waves in the most refined setting, the building’s architecture itself is a jaw-dropping masterpiece. The museum boasts an extensive collection of sound reproduction devices dating back to the late 1800s, most of which are extremely rare. Admission is free, but advance reservation is required.

Address: 6 Heolleung-ro 8-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서초구 헌릉로8길 6) [See on map] Directions: Take the subway to Yangjae Citizen’s Forest Station (Seoul Subway Shinbundang DX Line) and exit through Exit 1. Take Bus No. 452 or 440 to Tapseong Village and walk for approx. 75 m or take a taxi to Audeum Audio Museum.

Operating hours: Thursday-Saturday 10:00-17:00

* Closed Sunday-Wednesday

* By appointment only; 1 ticket per person.

Admission: Free

Website: audeum.org

Reading & Text Hip

If you’ve been keeping up with trends in Korea, you may already be familiar with the expression “text hip.” In November 2024, the announcement of Han Kang as the Nobel Prize in Literature laureate sent the nation into a frenzy of excitement, naturally drawing public attention to her works and sparking a renewed interest in literature as a whole. Many K-pop idols have revealed themselves to be bookworms, occasionally sharing their latest reads and unintentionally causing recommended books to skyrocket in sales as fans rush to buy them. Whether it’s the joy of reading or the appeal of owning beautifully designed books, literature has become the new “hip.”

(“Text Hip” event wall in Kyobo Book Centre)

Besides the well-known Starfield Library in COEX Mall and Kyobo Book Centre in Gwanghwamun, here are a few other text-friendly spots popular among locals but where language is no barrier as they offer much more to enjoy.

Chosochaekbang Book Café

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Chosochaekbang Book Café sits at the foothill of Inwangsan Mountain. It takes a few minutes’ walk uphill to reach the café, but the view and baked goods are rewarding to those who make the effort. The rooftop space offers a great vista, spanning Inwangsan Mountain and a glimpse of the cityscape, with Namsan Tower coming into view. The term “bookstore café” is more precise since you need to purchase a book to read it, but the overall atmosphere, delicious treats, and the view make the place a great spot to relax. If you want to enjoy the scenery from a different angle, follow the Forest Rest Stop marker to reach Inwangsan Shelter in the Woods, a secluded rest area within the forest (closed on Mondays).

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Address: 172 Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 인왕산로172) [See on map]

Directions: Take City Bus No. 7022, 7012, or 1020 from Gyeongbokgung Station Bus Stop near Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) to Yundong-ju Literature Museum Bus Stop. Cross the street and walk uphill for approx. 15 minutes.

Operating hours: 08:00-22:00 (Last order 21:30)

Instagram: @deosup_chosochaekbang

While you’re here…

The exterior of Cheongwun Literature Library.

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We also recommend stopping by Cheongwun Literature Library, located on your way uphill to Chosochaekbang Book Café. The library consists of two floors: the first is a charming little community library, while the second is a hanok complex that serves as an open-air reading space.

The interior of The exterior of Cheongwun Literature Library.

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Address: 40 Jahamun-ro 36-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 종로구 자하문로 36길 40) [See on map] Operating hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00-21:00 / Weekends 10:00-19:00

* Closed on Mondays, January 1, Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holidays

Café PAO

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A book café serving meals and drinks, Café PAO is the perfect place to blend in with the locals and recharge. Tucked away on the third floor of a commercial building in the middle of a busy street, the café is a bit tricky to find. Because of its proximity to universities, the café’s customers are mostly college students, either hanging out or catching up on their studies. The overall atmosphere is cozy yet lively. If you have enough time to spare, be sure to check out the bookshelves as the café has quite a selection of art and resource books in English.

Address: 3F, 34 Ehwayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서대문구 이화여대길 34 신흥빌딩 3층) [See on map] Directions: Walk straight for approx. 157 m from Ehwa Womans Univ. Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 3.

Operating hours: 12:00-22:00

Instagram: @bookcafe_pao

While you’re here…

Our honorary mention is Mystery Union, a bookstore dedicated to mystery novels. The place isn’t exactly foreigner-friendly as all books are in Korean, but if you consider yourself an avid mystery reader, check out this little bookstore to find a Korean edition of your favorite mystery author!