[I LOVE KOREA] BARUNSON

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SALLY J SHIM

If you love cute paper goods and stationery then you would love Korea. Although I practice quite a bit of restraint when I peruse the aisles of my favorite paper shop it is always fun to shop for other people. I put together a little package of Korean goodies for a friend and her daughters (who live in the States) including these sweet Barunson notebooks. I love the peek-a-boo element and cute graphics.

[I LOVE KOREA] JSTORY

JSTORY

I love the fun and cute designs by JStory, a Korean stationery and office supply company. I first discovered their goods several years ago and have been a big fan ever since. I love their character Mask Bunny although for the longest time I thought it was a ninja. They have so many clever products like their Hello Post Its, Desk Note and Big Monthly Planner. You can find their goods here.

[I LOVE KOREA] COMMON KITCHEN

COMMON KITCHEN

I came across Common Kitchen, a Scandinavian style housewares online shop, when I was researching Korea food blogs. I was surprised to discover Common Kitchen was based in Korea because Scandinavian goods are not as prevalent in Korea as they are in Japan. Common Kitchen stocks beautiful ceramics, kitchen goods, linens and fabric. They also carry Skinny LaMinx tea towels and pillows. I only wish Common Kitchen had a brick and mortar shop here in Busan.

[I LOVE KOREA] MMMG

MMMG

Millimeter Milligram INC. (MMMG) is one of my favorite Korean stationery companies. They have an amazing product line with beautiful paper goods and home accessories. When I lived in Busan a few years ago I would always pick up a few of their notebooks and stickers every time I would see them not knowing if I would have easy access to them in the future. But before our move back to Busan last month I gifted all of my MMMG goodies to friends in the States. And if I wasn't in a "don't buy it unless I can use it right now" phase in my life then I'm sure I would be stocking up again. 

[I LOVE KOREA] A NEW BLOG SERIES

PHOTOGRAPH BY SALLY J SHIM

Since our arrival to Busan I've been able to enjoy some much needed down time. Let's just say I'm making up for the few months of craziness leading up to our move. The boys and I have been enjoying our leisurely days walking around our neighborhood, eating at local hole-in-the-wall restaurants, making frequent trips to the bakery and visiting with old friends. Since our shipment from the States won't arrive for another month or so there isn't a whole lot for me to do as far as settling in to our new home. I've been taking a bit of a break from "work" until I can get my studio set up here in Busan although I am in the planning stages for a few new projects that I cannot wait to share. The boys start school next week and I will be creating a new routine for myself. I will be resuming classes with my old Korean instructor (in case you're wondering I am far from fluent in Korean), taking Korean cooking classes, volunteering at the boys' school and crafting/creating/working from home. This year my goal is to say "YES" to things that excite and challenge me and "NO" to things I feel I should do out of obligation or routine. A blog goal for 2012 is to share some of the things I love about Korea which of course includes good food and pretty paper goods. I decided to start a new weekly "I LOVE KOREA" blog series to highlight some of my finds with the hope of bringing a little bit of Korea to you.