ELLE DECOR | Antiques Are So Cool — Go Bok-hee Bridges Tradition and Modernity

Near Dapsimni Station on Subway Line 5, an unusual atmosphere is taking hold in the antique district, where old items that look like they belong in a museum are gathered. Once frequented only by regulars, this area is now drawing a steady stream of Gen Z shoppers and international visitors. At the heart of this transformation is “Gobokhee,” the first to bring this fresh wave of change.

Run by vintage-loving couple Kim Seong-ho and Kim Ji-eun, “Gobokhee” opened its first atelier in the Janghanpyeong Antique Market and now also operates a home goods shop in Dapsimni.

“Sharing the traces of the era when these objects were alive, and actually using them while breathing together with them—that is the greatest joy of dealing in antiques.” — CEO Kim Ji-eun

As CEO Kim Ji-eun says, the antiques handled by Gobokhee blend into modern life, creating a new balance. For example, a Joseon-era sideboard stands next to a table by Pierre Chappo, and a vase by Wilhelm Wagenfeld sits beside a chair by Alessandro Mendini. Bauhaus, Mid-Century Modern, and traditional Joseon furniture coexist in a single space, each preserving its own era while breathing in unison.

Two Faces of Go Bok-hee at Two Locations

Ko Bok-hee Atelier (2nd Floor, Jangam-pyeong Antique Market)
This is the space where Ko Bok-hee’s experiments unfold with the greatest intensity. Large, substantial pieces of furniture form the centerpiece, naturally inviting one to imagine how they would look when placed in an actual living space. Recently, the space hosted an antique salon called “Mimihoe” (a collaborative project with Levanda Villa) to bring together old artifacts from both East and West and share the beauty crafted by time. The charm of antiques, as they describe it, lies in a subtle beauty—a certain “flavor”—known only to those in the know.

Go Bok-hee’s Antique Shop (1st Floor, Dapsimni Antique Market)
Located in the Dapsimni Antique Market, this shop features a collection of objets d’art in sizes perfect for bringing into the home, making it feel much more approachable. It’s a place where even those new to antique art can step inside without feeling overwhelmed.

For those starting to collect antique art

For those taking their first steps into the world of antique art, owner Kim Ji-eun recommends embracing a joyful “hobby.” She believes it’s perfectly fine to start simply by buying things “because they’re pretty.” After all, to sustain a passion for collecting vintage items, the most important thing is to know what you truly love.

📍 Store Information

Antique Shop: 158, 1st Floor, 21 Gomul-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul · Every Saturday 11:00–17:00
Atelier: 2nd Floor, 100 Gomul-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul · Check Instagram for updates