Matsuri Vintage is a compact and cosy space tucked away in a second-floor unit (All photos: Genie Leong/The Edge)
Offering a range of luxury brands and a pleasant shopping experience, these speciality stores demonstrate how Seoul is a hotspot for buying exceptional pre-loved fashion.
4.png
The neighbourhood of Mangwon, Seoul, is perhaps most well-known for its sprawling market and streets lined with restaurants and cafés. Peppered with residential pockets, the area is a more laidback option compared to the likes of Myeongdong or Hongdae. What first-timers to the city may not know is that the quarter is also a hotspot for vintage stores, with a handful specialising in curated clothing.
Located on one of the quieter lanes, Matsuri Vintage is a compact and cosy nook tucked away in a second-floor unit. Look out for the doorway marked by a spherical sign bearing the shop’s pink logo. It leads to a short but terrifyingly steep flight of stairs you must clamber up, before arriving at an air-conditioned interior where a bedroom-pop playlist offers a much-needed respite. Though a bit of a squeeze when there are several customers milling about, the space is well organised and easy to browse. Items are sorted by type, starting with blouses and light cardigans right at the front before progressing to men’s and women’s tops, jeans, outerwear and dresses.
Commonly found brands include Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani, Sacai, Chloé and Acne Studios. Do not focus only on finding an instantly recognisable designer label, though, as Matsuri also carries pieces sourced directly from Japan. There is also a limited selection of shoes, scarves and other small fashion items, as well as beaded jewellery. Everything is available for try-ons and in mint or near-mint condition. As is customary in South Korea, those wearing makeup should use the face covers provided in the single fitting room to avoid staining the tops.
3.png
Handwritten notes plastered on the wall (in Korean and English, so people can easily understand) remind you to take your time, because is there anything worse than feeling rushed when shopping? Partners and companions with no interest in thrifting or going to a nearby coffee shop while they wait can park themselves on the cushy square sofa in the middle of the room. This is also the ideal place for solo introverts, as the shop manager is happy to leave you to your business, though perfectly friendly should you request help or approach to make payment.
Price-wise, most designer blouses and shirts will run you KRW30,000 to KRW50,000 per item (in the RM80 to RM150 ballpark), while denim, coats and jackets are priced higher. A few rare designs can enter the six-digit zone, but are still a fraction of original retail costs. So, rest assured you are still getting a good deal.
399-38 Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu. Daily, 1pm to 8pm; Tuesday and Friday, 1:30pm to 8pm.
2.png
It feels especially fitting that in Itaewon — celebrated for its diversity and vibrancy — a store named after the Hindu god of love, desire and beauty should find a home. Nestled on the third floor of a multi-use building, Kamadeva Select Shop requires customers to first ring in via the buzzer system before being granted access to enter. Do not be alarmed by the crocheted textile installation by the doorway featuring a curly red reversed swastika — originating in Hinduism and Buddhism, the symbol represents luck and peace, meanings it has retained across Asia despite its association with certain hate groups in Western history.
On brand with its deity of inspiration, the curation here is truly titillating. Three extensive rows of clothing racks border the perimeter of the room, categorised by brand. Starting from the right, the monochromatic colour palette and sharp tailoring of Yohji Yamamoto is followed by a mouth-watering collection of hard-to-find Pleats Please tops by Issey Miyake. Then come the bold prints of Jean Paul Gaultier and romantic, yet avant-garde, Dries Van Noten. The sophisticated nuances of Chanel and Miu Miu occupy the final couple of racks by two large floor mirrors.
The footwear assortment is equally, if not more, irresistible, with a multi-layer shelf and table full of extraordinary heels, flats, sandals and the odd pair of sneakers from Prada, Balenciaga, Roberto Cavalli and more. Kamadeva also carries sunglasses and bags — all vintage designer, of course.
1.png
Just like at Matsuri, there is just one curtained fitting room with a box of mesh face covers at your disposal. There are no hooks, only a single chair to place your belongings and pieces of interest on. You have to step out to use the mirror and, while it is a little extra trouble, having such a big one to easily see how each item looks on you — and the glorious amount of natural light filtering in through the floor-to-ceiling windows — does make a difference.
Given its more exclusive, high-end positioning, it is not unusual to be the only customer — or one of just a few — in the store at any given time. This does mean you get undivided service from the shopkeeper, who will help put aside potential purchases on a separate rack so you can narrow down your choices after rounds of fittings. What is eventually chosen is then packed carefully into dust bags. Owing to the exquisite preservation and calibre of clothing, heftier price tags are to be expected (lower- to mid-six digit range, in won). For collectors on bigger budgets, though, this is a must-visit spot. Oh, and if you happen to finish shopping around sunset, complete your experience with a walk across the nearby Noksapyeong Overpass for stunning views of Namsan Tower in the distance.
3F, 208-1 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 2pm to 8pm.
This article first appeared on Sept 7, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
