THIS SUMMER, the past came back in full blast. A remake of the 1994 hit song topped the music charts, and several Korean fashion YouTubers uploaded “lookbook videos” on how to dress like celebrities from the past. Newtro*, a reinterpretation of aesthetics and styles from the past, continues to influence Korea’s pop culture today. In line with this trend, newtro-themed shops and cafes have sprung up on the streets of Seoul. Newtro stores allow customers to travel back in time with their unique, retro items you cannot find anywhere else.

Million Archive

   Before you take a stroll in Seoul Forest, why not stop by a unique shopping destination? Million Archive is currently one of the trendiest second-hand shops on social media, known for its abundance of vintage clothes. Million Archive offers reasonable deals to both experienced collectors and vintage newbies. For this reason, the place is always filled with people shuffling through the clothing rack in search of perfect clothes.

   What is more interesting about Million Archive is that the store concept changes quite frequently, at least once every season. Last year during wintertime, the theme was “Christmas sweaters.” The shop then sold hundreds of blouses during the “Blouse Shop” concept that followed; more recently, the shop prepared dresses and Hawaiian shirts for the summer vacation period. Although travel plans may have been disrupted or even canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people still visit the store because they do not want to miss out on new themes and products. When you are trying to visit Million Archive yourself, however, make sure you fill out the reservation form; since March, the shop has been running on an appointment basis to control the number of people entering the shop. More information on how to make a reservation can be found on Million Archive’s Instagram account (@millionarchive).

Opening hours: 13:00-19:00 Tuesday to Sunday

PAIRS

   As you walk along the Changdeokgung Palace dol-dam-gil (stonewall walkway), a direction board tells you that Bukchon Hanok** Village is only a few steps away. Amidst the traditional Korean Hanok surroundings, a showroom full of American vintage appears. Catching the passerby’s eye with its vibrant colors, the store showcases tie-dye shirts, surfer shorts, and many other vintage goods.

   Directed by a husband-and-wife designer duo, PAIRS is filled with their favorite retro clothes, bags, shoes and other collectible items for sale, many of which were brought from California and Hawaii. Old school pop music plays in the background and sets the vibe; vinyl LP records of American punk bands as well as cassette tapes of R&B artists can be spotted on bookcases next to the clothes hanger. PAIRS has its own merchandise on display as well. The brand’s bestselling product is the basic logo print T-shirt that comes in various colors. Items such as hoodies, phone cases, and other PAIRS goods can also be purchased online at pairs-shop.com. If you are looking to put your hands on some classic American vintage products, PAIRS shop is the place to go.

Opening hours: 12:00-19:00 Monday to Saturday, 12:00-17:00 Sunday

Grandma Cabinet and Chorus No-rae-bang***

   A neon sign on the streets of Euljiro reads “Chorus No-rae-bang.” However, once you enter the narrow doors, there are signs that tell you that this is not your ordinary No-rae-bang. This old karaoke room was remodeled into a trendy, newtro-themed shop, and it is now branded as “Grandma Cabinet” to imply that visitors will find little things that they remember from their childhood. The owner decorated the place with all things vintage, from a typewriter to an arcade game machine.

   The shop sells various products including dolls, pajamas, old books, and vintage jackets. If there is a price tag attached to the item, customers can purchase it and take it home. Customers can also find handmade accessories since Grandma’s Cabinet has arranged collaborations with several crafters. For example, fabric bags and pouches made by the brand Little Fancy can be found in the store. The shop even sells small tin cases and old-fashioned clocks; such items may look useless at first glance, but there are people who appreciate the products for their “vintage” aesthetic. If you want to indulge and reminisce the good old days, consider paying Grandma Closet a visit.

Opening hours: 13:00-20:00 Wednesday and Friday to Sunday

Porong Porong Jap Hwa Jeom

   Porong Porong Jap Hwa Jeom or Porong Porong Lifestyle Shop is hidden in the Mangwon-dong neighborhood. Once you get to the second floor, a black toy poodle named Po-rong will greet you at the door. Porong Porong Lifestyle Shop’s selling point is the wide variety of tableware offered. Bowls and plates are placed on long tables that surround the store, goblets are displayed on the shelves above, and beautiful teacups and teapots sit on the round table in the middle of the room.

   You can also find other kitchen utensils such as cutlery and rattan trays as you walk through the shop. In one corner, you can find jewelry, hair accessories and home décor goods. All these products add up to the “lifestyle shop” concept. The store is worth a visit regardless of how much you are willing to spend, as it also sells affordable items such as postcards and chopsticks in addition to its antique ceramic pieces. Also, for those who might have thought that all secondhand stores are cramped and sell shabby items, Porong Porong Lifestyle Shop is quite spacious and its products are of good quality, unlike most stereotypical “vintage lifestyle shops.”

Opening hours: 14:00-20:00 Tuesday to Saturday, 13:00-19:00 Sunday

*Newtro: A portmanteau of new and retro

**Hanok: Traditional Korean house

***No-rae-bang: Korean term for karaoke