Living in Seoul, Korea is a wonderfully unique experience, and it’s a great time to be a cosplayer. One word: Dongdaemun. This is an area in South Korea’s capital that will blow the mind of anyone who has ever bought fabrics for their costume. The first time I walked in, my eyeballs popped, my breath quickened and I got a little dizzy. Why? Think about an entire building full of more fabrics you could ever dream of. Six floors of fabrics. Now add two more buildings and you have Dongdaemun’s fabric market.
Everywhere you turn, there are tiny shops selling specific fabrics. Often there’s barely any room for two people to pass each other in the isles as these buildings take full advantage of all the space. ALL. THE. SPACE. The basement has laces, chords, fur, leather, thread and all the sewing accessories ever invented. The top floors offer buttons, accessories, jewels, wooden items, foam shapes and all things shiny.
And the prices? Phenomenal. To give you a comparison, one yard of purple wool cost me $12 in Dongdaemun. Online in the U.S. the same 100% high-quality wool can cost $40-$40.
If you’re into cosplay and you ever get the chance to travel to Seoul for whatever reason, make sure you stop by Dongdaemun for all your fabric needs. Take exit 8 or 9 on the subway and the buildings will be right next to you.
Or find a friend who lives in Korea.