Korean Home Decor Buying Guide: Modern Hanok Style Shops 2026

Finding authentic Korean home decor that blends traditional aesthetics with modern functionality can be challenging for international visitors. You might see beautiful Soban tables in cafes or minimalist ceramics in K-Dramas, but finding where to purchase them—and how to get them home—is a different story.

The short answer: To buy Modern Hanok style decor, head to the quiet side streets of Anguk-dong and Bukchon for high-end artisan crafts, visit the KCDF Gallery in Insadong for certified quality goods, or shop at JAJU (often called the "Korean Muji") for affordable mass-market items. Expect to pay between ₩150,000 ($110 USD) for a small wooden table and roughly ₩50,000 ($35 USD) for quality ceramic-ware.

Defining Modern Hanok Style: The Aesthetic of Emptiness

Before diving into specific shops, it is crucial to understand what you are looking for. Modern Hanok style is not just about old furniture; it is about Yeobaek-ui Mi (the beauty of empty space). It prioritizes natural materials like light pine wood, rough ceramics, hemp fabrics, and Hanji (mulberry paper).

Unlike Western decor, which often focuses on filling space, Korean traditional design focuses on low-profile furniture to maintain an open visual field. In 2026, the trend has shifted towards "Newtro" (New + Retro), where traditional shapes—like the Moon Jar—are reimagined with modern matte textures or slightly altered silhouettes to fit contemporary apartments.

Where to Buy: The Best Districts in Seoul

Seoul is massive, covering over 605 square kilometers, so targeting the right neighborhood is essential to save time. Do not waste time in Myeongdong for home decor; that is a hub for cosmetics and street food. For decor, you need to go where the artisans are.

1. Insadong & Anguk: The Traditional Hub

While the main street of Insadong can feel touristy, the side alleys and the area toward Anguk Station are goldmines for authentic goods. The crown jewel here is the KCDF Gallery (Korea Craft & Design Foundation). Unlike souvenir stalls selling plastic trinkets, this government-supported venue sells high-quality works from certified masters.

2. Samcheong-dong: The Boutique Artisan Experience

Just a 15-minute walk north of Insadong lies Samcheong-dong. This area is famous for its mix of traditional Hanok architecture and modern concrete galleries. Here, you will find small, owner-operated boutiques. The prices here are generally 20-30% higher than in markets, but the curation is impeccable.

Walk along the main Samcheong-ro street, but be sure to climb the stairs into the Bukchon hills. This is where you find pottery studios where you can buy directly from the kiln.

3. Seongsu-dong: The Hipster Modern Twist

If you want "Modern Hanok" that leans more "Modern" than "Hanok," go to Seongsu-dong. Known as the Brooklyn of Seoul, this area is filled with concept stores that blend industrial gray concrete with warm Korean wood accents. You can find excellent lighting fixtures and modern interpretations of traditional bedding here.

For a deeper dive into this area, read our guide on 24 hours in Seongsu-dong, which highlights the contrast between luxury and market vibes.

Must-Have Items for the Hanok Look

If you cannot renovate your entire house, adding specific key items can instantly create that Korean atmosphere. Here are the top items to look for and what you should expect to pay.

The Soban (Small Tray Table)

The Soban is perhaps the most iconic piece of Korean furniture. Traditionally used for dining, these small, portable tables are now used as coffee tables or side tables.

• Hoju-ban: Known for its tiger-leg shape, offering a sturdy, curved elegance.
• Naju-ban: Features a rimmed tray top, originally from the Naju region.

Korean Ceramics: The Moon Jar

The Moon Jar (Dal-hangari) is a white porcelain jar that resembles a full moon. It represents purity and modesty. While an original from a master can cost upwards of ₩10,000,000 ($7,500 USD), many modern ceramicists make smaller, affordable versions.

Look for "Buncheong" ware as well—a grayish-blue ceramic with white slip that looks earthy and modern. A good Buncheong mug usually costs around 30,000 to ₩45,000 ($22-$33 USD).

Bojagi (Traditional Wrapping Cloths)

If you are tight on luggage space, Bojagi is the perfect purchase. These are square fabrics used for wrapping gifts or covering food. In modern decor, they are framed as art or used as table runners.

• Ramie (Mosi): Translucent, stiff, and airy. Perfect for summer vibes.
• Silk: Luxurious and colorful.

You can find excellent Bojagi at Dongdaemun Shopping Complex (5th floor) for a fraction of the price of boutique stores. Expect to pay about 8,000 to ₩15,000 per yard for fabric, or ₩25,000 for a finished piece.

Major Retailers: The "Target" and "Muji" of Korea

Not everyone has the budget for handmade artisan goods. Fortunately, Korea has excellent mass-market brands that nail the aesthetic at a lower price point.

JAJU (Natural Lifestyle)

Often referred to as the "Korean Muji," JAJU offers minimalist homeware, pajamas, and kitchen utensils. Their "Korean Modern" line features stainless steel dishes, brass spoons (Sujeo), and simple wooden trays that fit perfectly in a modern home.

• Locations: COEX Mall, Garosu-gil, and inside many E-Mart locations.
• Price: $$ (Moderate)

Modern House

This is cheaper than JAJU and offers a wider variety of seasonal decor. It is great for soft furnishings like cushion covers with Korean motifs or simple bedding.

• Locations: Major department stores and malls like Times Square in Yeongdeungpo.
• Price: $ (Budget)

For a full shopping day that includes these brands, check out our COEX Mall complete shopping guide, which details the massive JAJU flagship store located there.

How to Ship Furniture Home from Korea

Buying a table is easy; getting it to New York or London is the hard part. Here is a realistic look at the logistics.

Korea Post (EMS)

For items under 30kg (approx 66 lbs) and under certain dimensions (length + girth < 3 meters), Korea Post EMS is reliable and relatively fast (3-7 days).

• Cost: Sending a 10kg box to the USA costs approximately 130,000 - ₩150,000 ($100-$115 USD).
• Process: You can use the Korea Post app or visit any local post office. Most boxes and packing materials are sold on-site for under ₩2,000.

Private Cargo Services

If you buy a large piece of furniture, like a vintage wooden chest (Bandaji), you cannot use the post office. You will need a freight forwarder. The antique street in Dapsimni has specialized shippers who handle crating and customs.

DIY: Making Your Own Decor

Sometimes the best souvenir is one you make yourself. Seoul offers incredible workshops where you can create decor items.

1. Najeon Chilgi (Mother of Pearl) Class: In Bukchon, you can learn to apply iridescent shell pieces to small jewelry boxes or mirrors. This art form dates back to the Goryeo dynasty.
2. Ceramics Class: Pottery villages in Icheon (an hour outside Seoul) or studios in Gangnam offer one-day wheel throwing classes.

For those interested in traditional skills, reading about calligraphy classes in Seoul can provide insight into the brushwork aesthetic often seen on Korean scrolls and pottery.

Where to Stay for a Decor Shopping Trip

If your primary goal is shopping for home goods, location matters. Carrying heavy ceramics across the subway system during rush hour is a nightmare.

• Stay in Jongno-gu: This puts you within walking distance of Insadong, Ikseon-dong, and Bukchon. You can drop off your purchases at your hotel mid-day.
• Stay in Gangnam: Better if you are targeting high-end luxury goods or department stores.

Check our guide on best neighborhoods for expats in Seoul to understand the vibe differences between north and south of the river.

A Note on "Ssamzigil" and Tourist Traps

Ssamzigil is the famous spiraling shopping complex in Insadong. Is it a tourist trap? Partially. While the architecture is fun, many shops on the lower levels sell mass-produced items. However, as you go higher up the spiral, you find more independent artists.

The Golden Rule: If you see the exact same item in three different shops, do not buy it. It is factory-made. If the shop owner is sitting there making the item (sewing, painting, carving), that is the place to spend your money.

For a break during your shopping spree, you will likely need caffeine. Insadong is full of traditional tea houses, but if you prefer coffee, consult our list of best coffee shops in Seoul.

Timeline: A Perfect Decor Shopping Day

If you have one day dedicated to finding the perfect piece for your home, follow this route.

Conclusion

Bringing a piece of Korea into your home is about more than just aesthetics; it is about embracing a lifestyle that values nature, simplicity, and slowness. Whether you buy a $500 handmade Soban or a $20 tray from JAJU, the key is how you use it—creating a small corner of calm in your busy life.

Remember that the best items are often found by wandering slightly off the main map. Do not be afraid to open the sliding wooden doors of a quiet shop in Samcheong-dong; inside, you might just find the treasure that ties your whole room together.