[Well-curated] Popular select shop, unique souvenirs and nighttime stroll at Deoksugung

Kith Seoul emerges as Seoul’s premier flagship store

Seongsu-dong has become a hot spot for young locals and international tourists alike. Among the bustling streets, the newest attraction drawing crowds is Kith’s flagship store, which opened its doors on May 31.

Originating from New York, Kith is both a select shop and a fashion brand. What sets Kith Seoul apart is its distinction as the only Kith flagship store worldwide occupying an entire four-story building.

The ground floor has a dessert shop, Kith Treats, and a range of fashion accessories, while the second floor is dedicated to sneakers and clothing. The third and fourth floors house Sadelle's, a restaurant marking its debut in Asia. The third floor boasts a bar area, while the fourth floor offers a spacious terrace. The menu at Sadelle's features bagels, salmon, sandwiches, pancakes, omelets and French toast.

The heart of Kith Seoul lies on its second floor, particularly the bustling shoe section at the entrance. One side of this floor showcases limited-edition graphic tees, hoodies, keychains and other items inspired by Seoul.

A visit to Kith Treats is highly recommended. Known for its signature dessert -- ice cream topped with finely chopped snacks or cereals -- it has earned praise from popular K-pop girl group Blackpink members Jennie and Jisoo.

Due to its popularity, reservations are essential for visiting Kith Seoul, especially on weekends when long queues are common.

Kith Store

70, Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Make your own items at prop shop

If you are looking for a unique souvenir, visiting a prop shop or a pop-up store is one of the best options, and Object, which operates as a combination prop shop and pop-up store, stands out among them.

Located next to the quiet Gyeongui Line Forest Park near Hongdae, Object's main store occupies a four-story white building.

Here, you can find monthly exhibitions featuring new works by different creators, along with related goods on sale. The shop displays over 120 brands offering a wide range of products including candles, mobiles, stationery, interior decor, and jewelry as well as diverse handmade products.

Currently, the main Object store is hosting an exhibition in collaboration with Inapsquare. The creative studio known for its black-and-white, simple drawings, Inapsquare is popular among young people and has undertaken numerous collaborations. The exhibition runs until July 30.

One of the most popular features at the Object main store is a corner where visitors can customize their items using various patches. You can choose from letters, icons, images of Korean food or characters to create your own combination, which can then be ironed onto bags, pouches, and pencil cases.

In addition to the main store in Mapo-gu, Object has branches in other areas such as Jongno-gu, Seongdong-gu, Daegu, Busan, Jeonju and Jeju Island. Each location has different holidays and business hours. The main store operates daily from noon to 9 p.m., except on major holidays.

Object

13, Wausan-ro 35-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Night walk at Deoksugung, embroidery show

Deoksugung, a Joseon royal palace, is a tranquil place in the midst of hectic Seoul. The palace remains open until 9 p.m. in summer, and you can stroll around the place, enjoying the unique atmosphere of an old palace at night.

Inside the palace is the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea’s Deoksugung venue that shows Korean modern art. Currently, the exhibition “Korean Embroidery in Modern Times: The Birds Trying to Catch the Sun” brings together some 170 works, showing how the genre has evolved from the late 19th century. The museum closes at 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

While embroidery has largely been neglected compared to other art genres in contemporary art, you will be awed by the beauty of embroidery and the struggles of the artists in pursuit of their art. The exhibition runs through Aug. 4.

If you crave some dessert after your nighttime stroll, there is a popular spot called Liege Waffle that is located right next to the palace’s main entrance.

Deoksugung

99 Sejong-daero, Jung District, Seoul