You're not short of shopping options when in Korea, but finding quality clothing is another thing.
Express Bus Terminal and Gangnam's underground malls have fast fashion clothes that are affordable, but the quality is not guaranteed.
GABO, a local designer's brand, offers trendy, stylish clothes made with valuable fabric. This designer brand never ceases to produce unique, classy wardrobe essentials without breaking your bank, which is why it's loved by a number of local shoppers, many of them regulars.
If you're near Gyeongbokgung Palace and want to shop for luxurious pieces, why not stop by GABO?
Due to the spread of COVID-19, the number of people allowed and business hours may be limited, or a vaccine pass may be required.
Please refer to the linked blog for the latest social distancing restrictions.
Latest Social Distancing Restrictions
INFORMATION
Address: 서울 종로구 삼청로 133
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00
Closed: Sun
WHY WE RECOMMEND GABO
1. The designers pick each fabric from a wide selection of global sources.
2. They only use natural substances which reflects their green brand philosophy.
3. Each piece boasts an amazing flair created by Korea's craftsmen.
4. That shop's luxurious interior resembles an art gallery.
5. The shop is located in Samcheongdong, a classy neighbourhood with a peaceful vibe near Gyeongbokgung Palace.
PRICE RANGE
One-piece Dress ₩300,000-₩500,000
Coats ₩500,000-₩1,000,000
Jackets ₩300,000-₩400,000
Blouse ₩200,000-₩300,000
Pants & Skirts ₩200,000~
Information On The Mandatory Vaccine Pass
According to the mandatory vaccine pass system, from December 13, 2021 to January 2, 2022, visitors to all indoor multi-use facilities such as restaurants, cafes, and movie theaters must provide proof of vaccination completion or a negative COVID-19 test result when entering.
You will not be permitted entry to the facility if the aforementioned documents are not present and failure to comply will result in a fine of 100,000 KRW.
[Required Documents]
A. Those who have completed vaccination: You must select one of the documents below to prove that two weeks have passed since you completed vaccination.
(If you have completed your vaccination abroad, you must first register your vaccination certificate issued overseas at a nearby community health center.)
1. Electronic certificate of vaccination completion: Confirmation provided by Coov, Kakao, and Naver (QR code allowed)
2. Paper certificate of vaccination completion: Bring your ID and visit a public health center or community service center in person.
3. Vaccination completed sticker: Bring your ID to a community service center and attach it to your ID after receiving it.
B. Those who have not been vaccinated: You must select one of the documents below to prove the negative result of a PCR test that has been taken within 48 hours.
1. Text message: Negative PCR test result message sent from the laboratory and date received
2. Paper negative result certificate: Visit the inspection center with your ID.
C. Recovered COVID-19 patients: You must bring the documents below to prove that you are within 6 months of release from quarantine.
1. Paper confirmation of release from quarantine: Visit the public health center with your ID.
※ Restaurants and cafes allow one unvaccinated person to accompany a group based on regional restrictions for private gatherings.
※ For ID, you may use either your passport or a foreigner registration card.
OUR REVIEW
On a breezy autumn's day, we had an amazing opportunity to visit GABO in Samcheongdong.
The exterior is classy and charming, looks almost like an art gallery or a trendy cafe.
We could see lots of pedestrians stopping for a second to snap a photo of the place!
Look at how luxurious and gorgeous the jackets on display look! Let's rush inside and see what else is in store.
The first floor overall has a clean, white theme, which brings out the colours of the clothes well.
The nicely-decorated space makes the fitting room experience even more fun! Who's to say no to a beautiful background, right?
The first impression I got of GABO's clothes is, while not flashy, they don't fail to automatically attract people's eyes.
I was able to find out why from the head designer herself.
The secret behind its attractive design was from the designers testing each and every fabric, made with natural substances, available all over the world!
Because clothes directly touch our skin, the designers take into deep consideration how each fabric feels on the skin. They don't make clothes that they themselves can't wear!
Instead of mass producing at a factory, the designers' touches go into making each piece at GABO, so each season puts on a completely different look.
Undoubtedly, they have lots of regulars at GABO who trust their quality and brand philosophy.
The head designer was rocking one of GABO's green jackets! As mentioned above, her philosophy is designing pieces that she herself can wear.
The jacket looks amazing as itself, but it looks even more stunning when tried on and the silhouette can be seen!
GABO's simple yet stylish designs attract customers from the 30s all the way up to the 60s.
But even our editor, in her 20s, after checking out the clothing in person, mentioned she would be more than willing to shop here.
In fact, their pieces suit people of all ages because they're not the ones that die out by trend. Rather, they are wardrobe essentials that will last a long time.
Moreover, GABO wants to lessen pollution the fashion industry produces by entirely eliminating synthetic fabrics and only sticking to fabrics made of natural substances like cashmere, wool, silk, linen and cotton.
Their buttons, never made of plastic, are indeed made with pearls, cow horns and coconut buttons.
They even advocate these problems caused by the fashion industry to regular shoppers who might not be aware of them.
The second floor has on a different demeanor from the first. It's a more private space where you can take your time browsing through their collection.
The leaves behind the windows add a picturesque atmosphere to the space. Plus, we were told that the sofa in the picture above is the place for photo-ops, so don't miss out!
Have you ever had the experience of dismay from trying on clothes from abroad that didn't fit as you wished or finding a loose thread only after you've unpacked?
I can definitely testify to the experience and it's disheartening because you can't get a refund or exchange.
GABO's clothes can guarantee you no such experience. Their clothes are sewn by master craftsmen, presenting a completely different quality from factory-mades. The luxurious looks and fits cannot be duplicated.
Plus, the thread they use? Germany's Gütermann, the same thread luxury brand Hermès uses.
Be sure to stop by the terrace on the first floor once you've finished shopping.
Pre-Covid, tea was given to every customer, but it's not operating at the moment. But we always have post-Covid to look forward to!
The real luxurry fashion isn't expensive clothing, but a well-made one.
GABO, visited in person by us, reflects it well from their quality fabric and classic designs to each piece carefully assembled by master craftsmen.
We can attest that the prices you pay are well-worth what you get here and you'll still have money left for all the deliciousness the Gyeongbokgung area offers!
Take yourself on a private and luxurious shopping spree at GABO when around Gyeongbokgung Palace.
