The Monami Store

Hey there fellow explorers! If you’re anything like me, you can’t just walk past a charming old mill without stopping. And in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, there’s a spot that’s a magnet for all stationery enthusiasts (or as we say in Korean, 문덕 – “Munduk”).

Introducing the Monami Store in Seongsu-dong. This isn’t just any stationery store; it’s an experiential space where you can bring your daily records to life using Monami products.

Visitors exploring the Monami Store

A bit of a throwback – Monami started its journey in 1960, producing writing instruments. By 1963, they launched Korea’s very first ballpoint pen, the ‘Monami 153’. This Seongsu-dong store is a modern reinterpretation of their old factory, offering visitors a chance to dive deep into the brand’s history and products.

On my weekday visit, the store was buzzing with visitors, mostly from the MZ generation. On average, they get about 600 visitors daily!

The highlight? The ‘Ink LAB’ where you can mix and match various ink colors to create your own fountain pen ink. It’s a bit like a science lab from our school days. Once you settle in, a staff member gives a brief overview, and then you’re free to experiment with colors. And if you nail that perfect shade? They’ll save the ‘ink recipe’ for you, so you can repurchase it anytime.

Monami Staff introducing the Ink LAB experience

Apart from the Ink LAB, there’s a ‘Note DIY space’ where you can choose from 10 types of paper to craft your own notebook. You can even get initials embossed on it. And for those who love customization, you can design your own ballpoint pen or get a personalized engraving on a fountain pen.

Various stationery products on display @ Monami Store

Monami ‘s drawing’ experiences for millennials

Monami now would like to provide content and focus on ‘drawing’ experiences for millennials. The brand director said in an interview with the Korean media that it took about 8 months to open the Seongsu branch as more than 4 departments put their heads together to provide new experiences that Monami could provide.

I overheard a college student, shopping for an artsy friend, saying, “I knew about Monami’s signature pens, but I had no idea they had such a diverse range of art tools and colors.

The fact that I can customize inks and pens? I’ll definitely be coming back!”

Monami Store is more than just a stationery shop

Monami Store is more than just a stationery shop; it’s a cultural hub connecting with consumers through the medium of stationery. Currently, they have branches in Suji, Seongsu-dong, Insa-dong, and a Lotte Department Store in Busan. The Seongsu-dong branch is open every day from 10 am to 9 pm.

So, if you’re in Seoul and have a soft spot for stationery, make sure to drop by. And if you do, share your experience with me!

Monami Store at Seongsu-dong

5 Best Places to Visit in Seoul For Stationery & Design Lovers

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