Korean stationery guide: Best shops for cute school supplies 2026

For many travelers landing at Incheon International Airport, the mission isn't just to eat kimchi or see a palace—it is to empty their suitcases and fill them with the world's most charming, high-quality, and affordable stationery. Korean stationery culture, or munju culture, is massive, ranging from practical ₩1,000 ($0.75 USD) study planners to designer sticker sheets that spark joy in students and professionals alike.

The short answer: The best places to buy Korean stationery in 2026 are Kyobo Book Centre (Hottracks) for the widest variety, Artbox for character goods, Daiso for budget finds under ₩5,000, and Point of View in Seongsu for high-end designer items. Plan to spend between 20,000 to ₩50,000 for a substantial haul.

The Phenomenon of "Moon具" (Stationery) in Korea

To understand why stationery shops in Seoul are often crowded from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, you have to understand the culture of studying and "Dakku" (planner decoration) in Korea. In a society that places immense value on education and aesthetic presentation, having beautiful tools is seen as a prerequisite for success.

The market has evolved significantly over the last decade. In 2026, it is not just about utility; it is about identity. The "Dakku" trend—short for daiary kkugimi (diary decoration)—has created a massive demand for stickers, washi tapes (masking tape), and memopads. According to 2025 retail data, the average Korean student or young professional purchases approximately 12-15 stationery items per month, fueling a domestic market worth billions of won.

When you walk into a Korean stationery store, you aren't just buying a pen. You are buying a 0.38mm ultra-fine gel pen that doesn't smudge, available in 24 colors, for roughly ₩1,800 ($1.35 USD). The precision and variety are overwhelming in the best way possible.

The "Big Three" Major Retailers

If you are short on time and need to hit the major spots, these three chains are ubiquitous across Seoul, Busan, and other major cities. They represent the pillars of the Korean stationery ecosystem.

1. Kyobo Book Centre (Hottracks)

Located in the basement of major Kyobo Bookstores, Hottracks is arguably the holy grail for stationery lovers. The Gwanghwamun branch alone spans a massive area where you can easily spend 2 to 3 hours. It carries everything from high-tech mechanical pencils to albums by your favorite K-Pop artists.

What to buy here:

• High-end pens: Brands like Monami (Korea's national pen brand) have premium lines here ranging from 15,000 to ₩50,000.
• Planners: The variety of academic and yearly planners released every November-January is staggering.
• Designer Brands: Hottracks stocks independent brands like Second Morning and Romane that might otherwise require a trip to a specific showroom.

2. Artbox

Artbox is loud, colorful, and incredibly fun. It targets a younger demographic (teens and university students) and focuses heavily on character goods. If you are looking for a humidifier shaped like a seal, a rug that looks like a fried egg, or notebooks featuring their signature "Galapagos Friends" characters, this is the place.

Prices at Artbox are moderate. A typical B5 notebook costs around ₩3,000, while character pens are about 1,500 to ₩4,000. There are over 100 Artbox locations in Seoul alone, so you are never far from one. For a comprehensive shopping day, you might want to visit the Coex Mall location. You can read more about navigating that massive complex in our Coex Mall complete shopping and dining guide.

3. Daiso

Do not confuse Korean Daiso with the Daiso in other countries. In Korea, Daiso is a separate entity with an obsession for quality control despite the low prices.

The Price Rule: Nothing in Daiso exceeds ₩5,000 (approx. $3.80 USD).

• Sticker Books: ₩1,000 (contains 3-5 sheets).
• Masking Tape Sets: ₩1,000 for 3 rolls.
• Disney/Sanrio Collaborations: Official merchandise for 2,000 to ₩5,000.

Trendiest Stationery Boutiques: Seongsu and Hongdae

While the big franchises provide the basics, the true "Korean aesthetic" is found in the independent boutiques located in trendy neighborhoods. In 2026, Seongsu-dong (often called the Brooklyn of Seoul) and Hongdae remain the epicenters of cool.

Point of View (Seongsu)

This is currently the most famous stationery shop in Seoul on social media. Located in Seongsu, Point of View (POV) feels less like a store and more like a museum or an English library from the 19th century. The interior features dark wood, warm lighting, and artfully arranged displays.

The items here are curated from around the world, mixed with high-end Korean designs. You will find brass paperweights (₩40,000), specialty textured paper, and calligraphy tools. It is sophisticated and mature. Be prepared to wait in line on weekends; the queue often extends 30-40 minutes down the street.

For a full itinerary in this area, check out our guide on 24 hours in Seongsu-dong, which pairs this shop with nearby cafes.

Object (Hongdae)

Object is a "stationary curator" shop that rotates its inventory based on featured independent artists. It is the best place to find items from small creators who usually only sell on Instagram. The Hongdae branch is multi-storied and hosts different pop-up exhibitions every 2-3 months.

Prices at Object are slightly higher than Artbox but lower than POV. A postcard might cost ₩1,500, while a fabric pencil case might run 12,000 to ₩18,000.

"Dakku": The Culture of Planner Decoration

If you want to shop like a local, you need to buy supplies for "Dakku." This hobby involves elaborately decorating daily planner pages with stickers, photos, and drawings. It is a major stress reliever for Korean students and office workers.

The "Polco" (Polaroid decoration) trend is a sub-genre of Dakku, heavily tied to K-Pop culture. Fans decorate Instax photos or photocards of their favorite idols (BTS, NewJeans, Stray Kids) using stickers. If you are interested in the K-Pop side of collecting, our guide on collecting K-pop photocards offers deep insights into this world.

Specialized Items: What to Look For

Beyond the general cuteness, Korean stationery excels in specific categories. Here is a breakdown of what you should prioritize to get the best value and quality.

1. The Pen Test

Korean gel pens are smoother than many Western counterparts.

• Dong-A Q-Connect: Extremely fast-drying, great for lefties. (~₩1,200)
• Monami Plus Pen 3000: The classic felt tip pen, now available in 60+ colors. (~₩400 each)
• Java Pen: Excellent low-viscosity ballpoint pens.

2. Sticky Notes and Memopads

Korean memopads usually do not have sticky adhesive on the back; they are often "tear-off" sheets designed to be taped into a notebook or used for quick notes.

• Checklist Pads: Pre-printed to-do lists in cute designs (bears, rabbits, clouds). (~₩2,500 for 100 sheets)
• Transparency Sticky Notes: Made of PET material, allowing you to trace diagrams or write over text without hiding it. (~₩3,000)

3. Character Goods

Korea creates its own character universes.

• Kakao Friends: Ryan the lion and Apeach remain kings. Their flagship stores in Gangnam and Hongdae are tourist attractions in themselves.
• Line Friends (BT21): While Line is a Japanese app, the merchandise (especially the BTS-collaborated BT21) is massive in Seoul.
• Independent Characters: Look for "Quokka" (Dinotaeng), "Maltese" (Maltese Archive), and various "Gom" (Bear) variations.

Hidden Gem: Independent Bookstores

While Kyobo is the giant, Seoul is dotted with Dongne Chaekbang (neighborhood bookstores) that often curate unique stationery selections. These shops are quieter and offer items you won't see in Artbox. Places like Your Mind in Yeonhui-dong or Thanks Books in Hongdae are perfect examples. These spots often carry limited-run pencils and fabric book covers. For a curated list of these spots, read our article on exploring Korea's independent bookstores.

Practical Shopping Tips for Travelers

Shopping for stationery is generally easy, but a few local tips can save you money and hassle.

Tax Refunds

Most major stationery stores (Kyobo, Artbox, large Daisos) offer "Immediate Tax Refund" at the register.

• You must present your physical passport.
• The purchase must be between ₩30,000 and ₩500,000.
• The taxes (approx 6-7% refund value) are deducted instantly from your total bill.
• If the store only offers a "Tax Refund Receipt," you must scan it at the kiosks at Incheon Airport before departure.

Payment Methods

In 2026, almost all stationery stores accept foreign credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and Apple Pay (which has become widely adopted in Korea recently). However, smaller independent creator pop-ups or stalls at illustration fairs might prefer cash or domestic transfers. It is always wise to carry about ₩50,000 in cash for these smaller vendors.

If you are negotiating prices at street markets (though rare for stationery), check our guide on bargaining culture in Korea to avoid social faux pas.

Best Areas to Stay for Stationery Addicts

If your primary goal is shopping, location matters.

1. Hongdae (Mapo-gu): Highest concentration of independent boutiques, Object, Sangsang Madang, and sticker shops. Youthful vibe.
2. Gangnam (near Sinnonhyeon): immense Kyobo Tower (flagship), huge Artbox, Kakao Friends flagship, and Line Friends.
3. Myeongdong: Best for the massive Daiso and Artbox, plus easy access to everything else.

The Seasonal Factor: When to Visit

Stationery shopping is a year-round activity, but there are peak seasons for new releases.

• December-January: "Diary Season." Every brand releases their new planners for the upcoming year. The selection is triple the usual size.
• March: "New Semester" season. Sales on notebooks, pens, and school supplies are aggressive.
• July/August: Summer-themed goods (handheld fans, waterproof pouches).

Pros and Cons of Korean Stationery Shopping

To give you a balanced view before you book your ticket, here is what to expect.

Conclusion

Korean stationery culture is more than just paper and ink; it is a celebration of daily life. Whether you are a student looking for the perfect study planner to motivate your semester, or a traveler looking for lightweight, affordable gifts for friends back home, Seoul's stationery shops offer a treasure trove of creativity.

From the towering shelves of Kyobo Hottracks to the carefully curated tables of Point of View, the attention to detail in these products reflects the Korean spirit of doing things with excellence and style. So, leave some extra space in your carry-on—you are going to need it.