If you walk around Samcheong-dong, you can come across the small shop WA YU JAE, where you can fully experience the quiet, neat atmosphere and the beauty of Korean tradition.
This is not just an ordinary souvenir shop, but a space that harmoniously captures the aesthetics of Korea and everyday practicality.
From accessories with traditional meaning to practical household items! Every item has a deep story hidden within.
If you are looking for souvenirs to capture special memories of your trip to Korea, please pay attention to this blog!
👇 More information below! 👇
[Spot] Samcheong-dong Gift Shop | Wayujae
Why We Recommend It
Modern designs inspired by traditional Korean symbols.
Many items symbolize good luck which is great for gifts.
Quiet, cozy store away from tourist crowds.
Try trays and teacups before you buy.
Scents and designs capture Korean nature and culture.
Special Creatrip benefits.
Benefits
| Creatrip Coupon | 10% off on all items |
Our Visit
*The prices and display locations shown in the photo are as of July 2025 and are subject to change.
Today, I visited the traditional accessory shop WA YU JAE located in Samcheong-dong. It's an accessory shop that fits perfectly with the peaceful streets of Samcheong-dong.
If you want to experience a quiet and traditional Korean atmosphere in Seoul, there are few places as good as Samcheong-dong, and WA YU JAE is a space that fits perfectly with that vibe.
As you walk along Samcheong-dong Street and step inside, a cozy and stylish space filled with the beauty of Korea unfolds before you.
The first thing that caught my eye as soon as I entered was the meaning of the name WA YU JAE, which was displayed on the wall along with traditional Korean paintings.
'Wayu (臥遊)' means 'to travel while lying down.' This term comes from the tradition of old scholars who, when they couldn't travel themselves, would hang their favorite landscape paintings at home and imagine journeys in their minds.
WA YU JAE is a space that embodies the owner’s philosophy, based on that very concept, hoping you will continue your journey of the heart through carefully selected souvenirs that let you feel the lingering mood of travel and the beauty of tradition anytime, anywhere.
[Image Slider] 
The interior of WA YU JAE was relaxed and organized, unlike the typical souvenir shops where small items are tightly packed on display.
But if you take a closer look, you'll find a wide variety of items on display, so you can lose track of time while browsing.
As I quietly walked around looking at things while gentle music played, it felt as if I were in a traditional museum or a small exhibition hall.
I think I felt that way even more because there was an explanation describing what kind of Korean traditions and culture are included in the product!
It was a place where you could step away from the crowded Samcheong-dong streets full of tourists and enjoy some relaxation.
[Image Slider] 
The first thing that caught my eye was a cute traditional item called the ‘bad luck warding pollack’.
Pollock is a fish often eaten in Korea, but here it held a very special meaning.
With wide-open eyes, it is said to block bad energy, and with a wide-open mouth, it is believed to swallow and get rid of misfortune.
In addition, silk thread is wrapped around it, carrying the hope that good energy and luck will stay for a long time.
The modest appearance and deep meaning of the amulet pollack seemed perfect as a souvenir or a gift.
[Image Slider] 
If you go further inside the store, various blankets are on display.
The tiger blanket carries the meaning of 'warding off misfortune and bringing good news,' and the carp transforming into a dragon blanket, which depicts a carp becoming a dragon, holds the meaning of wishing for 'success and advancement.'
Lastly, the flower and bird blanket with a blue background featuring Joseon white porcelain is said to symbolize ‘a peaceful and beautiful life.’
Each blanket holds deep symbolism within its traditional patterns, so I thought it could be a meaningful gift for someone, going beyond just a simple interior accessory.
All three blankets are luxurious, and their designs make you want to have at least one hanging in your home.
[Image Slider] 
And what was especially impressive at WA YU JAE were the fans.
Fans crafted by artisans, which are hard to find in typical souvenir shops, were on display.
The fan, with its striking colorful hues, was made by covering bamboo ribs grown in Jirisan with naturally dyed ramie fabric. It was meticulously handcrafted by an artisan who has been making fans for three generations.
The white fan was made by individually heating and bending bamboo ribs over a fire to shape them, resulting in a delicate grain and a very luxurious appearance.
The last Hanji fan I saw was a work crafted and even dyed by an artisan, and each color was vivid and you could feel the intricacy.
This hanji fan has a flat handle end so it can stand upright on a table like an ornament when not in use. It’s also easy to store, and when gathered together, they’re designed to look like trees standing in a forest.
The more amazing thing is that these fans are not only nice to look at, but they also actually let air through really well.
Even with a gentle shake, a cool breeze softly blows, making me think this is perfect as an essential item for summer.
[Image Slider] 
Near the entrance, hand creams, diffusers, and incense sticks were on display.
I smelled each scent one by one, and none of them were the common fragrances I’ve encountered before. They felt even more special because they were inspired by Korea’s nature and traditional spaces.
Among them, the incense sticks were especially memorable.
This incense recreates the scent of the Joseon royal family, and when you smell it, the time you spent in Korea will naturally come to mind.
It's not just a simple scent, but a fragrance filled with memories, so I thought it would make a really great souvenir.
Next to the incense sticks, traditional design incense holders were also on display, featuring moon jar and octagonal bottle shapes that capture the beauty of Korea.
The moon jar, as its name suggests, has a shape resembling a full, round moon and has long symbolized abundance and wealth.
The octagonal bottle also contains the elegant curves of Joseon Dynasty ceramics, so it was beautiful not only when burning incense but also as an interior object in itself.
[Image Slider] 
At WA YU JAE, I was able to find unique candles that are hard to see elsewhere.
What was especially eye-catching was the candle made with a 3D printer, where modern technology and traditional motifs created a unique harmony.
The candles were crafted so intricately that it felt almost too precious to actually use them.
The design was so delicate that it was perfect even just for decoration.
[Image Slider] 
The handmade soap with pretty patterns was also really charming.
This soap is modeled after the lotus pattern used in the decorative painting of palaces, and is made with luxurious fragrance and natural ingredients, making it gentle on the skin and long-lasting in scent.
The products from WA YU JAE are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also offer excellent functionality for actual use, which made me even more satisfied.
I think the real charm of this place is that there are many items you can enjoy for a long time in your daily life, not just as souvenirs.
The special point of WA YU JAE is that the owner serves a warm cup of tea to guests who visit.
When the editor visited, they were served 'Yuja Sprout Tea,' and the refreshing first taste, the subtle middle notes, and the lingering finish created a truly special tea experience.
You could also purchase this tea directly at the store, and the packaging looked luxurious, making it a great gift option.
[Image Slider] 
The teacup in which the tea was served also caught my eye, and all of them were products sold at WA YU JAE.
From traditional teacups with the natural grain of pottery to lacquered teacups, a variety of styles were available, and it was so fun to look around that I lost track of time.
If you like tea, there were so many options that you could definitely find at least one cup to suit your taste.
[Image Slider] 
In addition to teacups, products like tumblers and mugs were also displayed together.
The tumbler with a traditional feel had a clean and stylish design, and the mug was made with motifs from famous spots in Seoul, making it a great practical souvenir.
[Image Slider] 
The wine stopper featuring the royal patterns of the Joseon Dynasty was also impressive.
These days, as more people enjoy wine, the stylish design caught my eye, and thanks to the small yet intricate details and luxurious packaging, it was an item that had both practicality and decorative appeal.
Even if you don't use it as a wine stopper, it would look great as a decorative item on a bookshelf or table, and it's also a good product for a gift.
A small, cute traditional broom was displayed together under the wine stopper.
This broom carries the meaning of 'sweeping in good fortune,' making it a symbolic item that brings luck.
It's small and compact, so I thought it would be really nice to put it on a desk as decoration or use it to clean up small dust.
[Image Slider] 
In WA YU JAE', not only various accessories but also a wide variety of traditional Korean foods were available.
The first thing that caught my eye was the various types of honey. There were three kinds: yuzu honey, ginseng honey, and hodge honey.
The especially good point was that tasting was available, and I could try a spoonful of citron honey with a mini mother-of-pearl spoon.
The unique freshness of yuzu and the sweetness of honey went really well together, and I thought it would taste even better with yogurt or toast.
We can't leave out red ginseng, a health food that represents Korea!
Red ginseng sticks were also on display, and instead of the usual slightly bitter red ginseng flavor, they were made with the refreshing taste of peach and plum so that even those trying them for the first time could enjoy them without any discomfort.
For those who know that red ginseng is good for health but have hesitated because of the taste, this will be a really welcome product.
Above the displayed food, there was a tissue case with a traditional painting and a uniquely designed flip-type vase on display.
[Image Slider] 
The editor was particularly impressed with this flip-type vase. While it could simply be seen as a decorative item, there's a small bottle hidden on the back, so you can actually put flowers in it and use it as a vase.
Moreover, you can easily change the background paper, so you could create a different atmosphere depending on your mood or the season.
It was an original idea product that combined functionality, design, and sensibility.
In the center of the prop shop, there was a large sofa designed with obangsaek-colored stripes.
Obangsaek refers to the five traditional colors of Korea. This traditional saekdong sofa was like a central objet that made the overall atmosphere of WA YU JAE even more traditional and warmer.
Originally, it wasn't for sale, but due to many customer requests, they plan to produce and sell a small-sized saekdong sofa, so if you're interested, it might be a good idea to inquire!
In one corner of the store, a modern reproduction of tableware used by Joseon Dynasty kings was also on display.
Bronze dishes were made from an alloy of copper and tin, and since their color turned black when they came into contact with poisonous food, they were considered tableware that protected the king's life.
And this bowl has a sterilizing effect and maintains temperature well, so you can eat your food more safely and deliciously.
They say brassware is tableware used only in Korea, so it seems like a great item for those looking for a special souvenir that can only be found in Korea.
[Image Slider] 
There were also many practical traditional accessories that could be used, especially bags, bojagi, rugs, and lucky pouches—products that can be easily used in daily life.
Especially, bojagi could be used in various ways, so it was very useful.
[Image Slider] 
In addition, practical items such as umbrellas, pouches, and handkerchiefs were also well-made, combining traditional designs with a modern touch.
These products are designed with both functionality and style in mind, so I felt like I could use them for a long time even after buying them out of necessity while traveling.
[Image Slider] 
Cute and charming accessories were displayed in the right section of the store.
There were notebooks made with hanji, various stationery items, and trays. The tray that the editor tried was actually the one the owner uses to serve tea to customers.
At first, I thought it looked thin and would be weak, but after hearing the explanation, I learned that it is coated with an insect resin called 'shellac,' so even if it gets wet, you can just wipe it off. It also has an aluminum frame inside, making it sturdy, and you can shape it however you want. It's a practical product.
At WA YU JAE, being able to actually see the products in use made me trust them more, and it was nice to get ideas on how to use them.
[Image Slider] 
The badges were really diverse! There were so many meaningful badges related to Korean tradition, including badges inspired by the face-patterned roof tile from Gyeongju, palace-shaped badges, 12 Zodiac character badges, and Hangul Day commemorative badges.
The size is small, but each badge has a clear symbol and meaning, so it was great for collecting, and the price was affordable enough to purchase without burden.
[Image Slider] 
And what captured the editor's heart once again was the magnet.
There are a lot of people who collect magnets as souvenirs after traveling!
The magnets from WA YU JAE have a variety of designs, and each magnet has a deep meaning, making them highly collectible.
Above all, the price is reasonable, so it seemed like buying several wouldn't be a burden.
Name tags for travelers were also prepared.
This name tag is an item that helps prevent your luggage or bag from being confused with someone else's when you attach it.
Wayujae's name tag is designed with cute illustrations of traditional Korean clothing, so every time you use it, you can be reminded of Korea. Since it's an uncommon design, it also seemed like you could find your luggage more easily at the airport or your accommodation.
It's a must-have practical item for travel, and with its traditional charm, it's also perfect as a gift.
[Image Slider] 
Besides the larger props, there were also plenty of cute items like postcards, keyrings, and watercolor sets, so it was fun to look around.
Especially, postcards containing Korea’s traditions seemed likely to be popular with travelers.
I thought it would be great to use this as a small gift to remember your trip to Korea, or as a postcard full of traditional charm to send to friends.
'Wayujae', located in Samcheong-dong, was not just a simple souvenir shop, but a special place where you could naturally experience the tradition and charm of Korea in everyday life.
It was fun to slowly look around and discover the meaning behind each item, and just browsing made me feel at ease.
If you want to make special memories of your trip to Korea, be sure to visit 'Wayujae' in Samcheong-dong!
How to Get There
- Since the subway station is a bit far, we recommend taking the bus.
- If you are taking the bus, please board the 'Jongno 11' bus at exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station on the subway, and get off at Samcheong-dong Community Center Station.
[스팟] WA YU JAE | Korean Accessory Shop
If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Youtube to stay updated on all things Korea!
