Inside The 3-Storey KAKAO FRIENDS Flagship Store In Busan, A Massive Wonderland Of Character-Themed Merch

KAKAO FRIENDS is to South Korea as Sanrio is to Japan; Characters like Ryan, Apeach, Muzi and co have gained cult status both within the country and abroad, and if you’re a fan, then a “pilgrimage” to any KAKAO FRIENDS store during your Korea trip is a must - especially since their products are not the most accessible in Singapore.

While there are plenty of official KAKAO FRIENDS outlets scattered across Korea, only three of them are multi-storey flagships. The first two are duplex outlets both located in Seoul, at Gangnam and Hongdae respectively. The newest one which we visited during our trip to Busan is a massive 3-storey establishment, situated in the heart of the lively Gwangbok-ro fashion street. Here’s a look inside! 

Photo from KAKAO FRIENDS

Unlike most KAKAO FRIENDS stores, the flagship in Busan is a standalone outlet that operates out of its own building. It’s standing bright and tall in the Nampo-dong district, Busan’s central shopping area with some of the best fashion and food finds.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Among the row of other shops like Footlocker, JD Sports, and Olive Young, there’s no way you’ll be missing its storefront with a vivid yellow doorway and window displays full of the latest merchandise!

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

There’s only one way to describe this place: KAKAO FRIENDS GALORE. The entire store is piled high with all sorts of products pertaining the adorable characters, including plushies, stationery, and accessories like keychains and card cases.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Mini plushies like the ones above cost KRW12,000, which works out to around ~S$12.50.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

It’s not just frivolous stuff - there are practical home items too, including waffle makers, humidifiers, and a pink Apeach pop-up toaster for KRW49,000 (~S$50) - pretty reasonable considering the cute designs and their exclusivity. 

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

There’s even a section dedicated to showcasing the top few trending products of the moment. Looks like new character Choonsik is taking the lead for now, trumping long-standing favourites Apeach and Ryan!

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Speaking of which, there’s a “Choonsik’s Room” corner with all things related to the little cat! Yup, Choonsik fever is definitely going strong right now.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

While browsing, check out the larger-than-life KAKAO FRIENDS sculptures which you can pose for photos with, including a royal throne where you can take your place next to Ryan - whom, if you didn’t know, is a lion, aka the King of the Jungle.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

It’s easy to lose yourself in the shelves full of cute items upon entering, but don’t forget to make time for the higher levels too!

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The second floor has more gadgets and tech items, including an entire wall of smartphone cases. Smooth, textured, or with squishy 3D embellishments - they’ve got them all!

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

There are also fashion items like casual tees, cosy pyjama sets, and nighties.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Going up to the third floor brought us to an Apeach “shrine” with an ocean theme, with the anthropomorphic dressed up as a clownfish. Other products in this space include everyday items like mugs, backpacks, socks, and, well, even more plushies than you could ever hope for.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

There used to be a 4th level that was home to an Apeach Cafe, but it sadly closed down in 2021 due to Miss Rona. Hopefully it’ll make an eventual comeback! 

Photo from KAKAO FRIENDS

The KAKAO FRIENDS Flagship Store in Busan is a short walk from Busan Subway’s Nampo Station. Get out from Exit 7, turn left, and walk straight - you should be able to reach within 5 minutes.

There happens to be another KAKAO FRIENDS store at Busan Station, but it’s a regular-sized outlet with a smaller range of products.

KAKAO FRIENDS Flagship Store Busan
Address: 62 Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea
Opening hours: 12pm - 9pm daily
Telephone: +82 51 256 0815
Website

This post is brought to you in collaboration with Korea Tourism Organization (Singapore).

More places to visit in Korea:

• Rustic hanok-themed Starbucks: With traditional floor seating
• Hotel 1 Busan: Gorgeous marble-themed hotel by the sea
• Snoopy Garden Jeju: Calming nature park full of Peanuts photo spots
• Cafe with Daisy field: Located in Incheon