As Korea continues to be a leading source for the ‘Next Big Thing,’ Korean fashion brands and designers are taking center stage.
That’s why, in this article, I have curated 28 of the most popular Korean fashion brands taking over Seoul’s streets and beyond in 2023.
From modern streetwear to fine couture, these must-know brands represent the best of Korea’s thriving fashion scene.
1/28
HYEIN SEO
High-end Streetwear
Hyein Seo is one of the best high-end Korean streetwear brands with a uniquely sexy edge, often associated with the Fairy Grunge clothing style.
Hyein’s designs are the antithesis of classic Korean social ideals of conservative views and constant external validation.
The Korean label is loved and endorsed by Rihanna on Instagram.
As Korean social ideals are rooted in Confucianism, most Koreans have a more reserved approach to fashion.
However, as Korean women break old patriarchal norms, women empowerment movements and libertarian dressing causes are catching ground fast.
With undeniably sexy and highly conceptualized couture pieces, Hyein Seo played a significant role in this emancipation movement.
Hyein Seo’s interpretation of the female body and dress as a form of liberation shifts how Korean women express and view the latest Korean beauty standards.
2/28
ROKH
High-end Classic Staples
Rok Hwang is a Korean fashion designer based in London, UK.
Rok reached worldwide recognition after winning the LVHM Special Prize in 2018.
A year later, in 2019, he debuted at Paris Fashion Week.
Before launching his label, Rokh, Hwang worked under the tutelage of Phoebe Philo, who was then head of house at Céline, followed by stints with Louis Vuitton and Chloe.
Rok’s label boasts classic wardrobe staples reassembled in clever, new ways.
Also, most fashion critics feel the designer has an aesthetic clothing style that may fill the gap left by Phoebe Philo’s departure from ‘old Céline.’
3/28
REIKE NEN
Designer Shoes & Bags
Directed by designer Rei Yoon Hong Mi, Reike Nen is a Korean handbag and footwear label that offers contemporary and classic styles.
Reike Nen’s designs are unique yet very simple, allowing them to go well with a wide range of looks.
Moreover, the designers’ choice of colors augments the brand’s air of delicate sophistication.
4/28
EENK
Vintage Style Clothing
Known for her love for vintage fashion, designer Hyemee Lee makes sure it shows in her clothing label EENK.
Each of Lee’s collections is deeply rooted in classic haute couture but augmented with a modern, unexpected twist.
The brand’s designs take on influences from past eras, resulting in multiple styles.
“Lee has become a popular Korean designer by making the kind of clothes young people want to wear right now. Her clothes inspire confidence and timelessness,“
shares Kwon Ji-Yong, a South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer known by his stage name G-Dragon.
“The brand is also incredibly versatile. You can go in any direction with EENK pieces,“
completes Lie Sang Bong, a Korean fashion designer whose creations are sported by Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Lindsay Lohan.
Hailed as one of the top designers in Korea right now, it is only a matter of time before Lee’s creations make it on their way west.
5/28
TIBAEG
Nature-inspired Designer Clothing
Tibaeg is a creation of Chou Eun-ae, a South Korean up-and-coming designer.
The label’s designs remind me of some of the best Bohemian clothing brands.
Akin to “the way a tea bag infuses its rich flavors into the water,” Tibaeg’s garments seem permeated with bold colors and graphic prints.
I find each garment of a very delicate nature, filled with details that express “tender emotions and lots of joy.”
6/28
LIE COLLECTION
Modern Korean Fashion
LIE Collection was born from a shared vision of Chung Chung Lee and Nana Lee – children of renowned designer parents behind the legendary Korean fashion house Lie Sangbong.
Chung Chung Lee partnered in 2011 with sister Nana to launch the fashion label LIE Collection.
In simple terms, the Korean label creates fashion for modern women, whether e-girl clothing or cyberpunk fashion.
Since its launch, LIE has grown to include two free-standing stores in Korea, multiple pop-up shops throughout Asia, and a concept store in New York’s Meatpacking District.
7/28
SJYP
Designer Denim
Launched by the Korean designer duo Steve J and Yoni P in the summer of 2015, SJYP is a contemporary Korean fashion label taking the world by storm.
Winner of the Style Icon Awards Asia 2016, the Korean label is known for its denim-DNA features and signature destroyed details.
The brand stands out thanks to its crinkle pants and jackets and unique cut-offs in the most extravagant shades of blue denim.
If you’re after fantastic fashion discoveries, shop this label at SJYP at Ssense, Net-A-Porter, Nordstrom, Masarishop, and Farfetch.
8/28
GOEN JONG
Luxury Couture
After receiving a degree in fashion design from Paris’ prestigious Studio Berçot, Goen Jong returned to her native Korea to launch her eponymous label in 2012.
The designer’s architectural silhouette oozes refined romanticism, recognized and demanded by retailers such as Opening Ceremony and Harvey Nichols Hong Kong.
The balance between delicate and structural design makes a powerful visual impact on the dynamic movements of women’s bodies.
Goen J. is now carried by high-fashion online and offline retailers, including Net-a-Porter, Farfetch, Barneys, Selfridges, Liberty, Bergdorf Goodman, Moda Operandi, Shopbop, and Yoox.
As the 2017 SFDF Awards winner, the label is one of Korea’s most representative fashion brands.
9/28
MÜNN
Androgynous Clothing
Launched in 2013 by South Korean designer Han Hyun-min, MÜNN is an androgynous clothing label that impresses with brilliant cuts and a balanced blend of streetwear.
Some of Han Hyun-min’s most famous creations are deconstructed formal wear, such as wool and selvage suiting, and innovative pieces, such as his woven cape made from men’s ties.
The autumn/winter 2020 collection was filled with detailed clothes like an oversized, asymmetrical pinstripe blazer/ coat hybrid or a long coat with a flowing scarf tail.
Every outfit carries a wide range of textures, fabrics, and accessories, yet there is a sense of intent and a polished look.
For example, even when zips seemed placed in all directions – on a silver nylon jacket – the overall look resembled a perfect spacecraft retrofuturistic style.
10/28
ANDERSSON BELL
Gender-free Japandi Style
Seoul-based with a perfected urban, street-inspired style, at first glance, Andersson Bell‘s creations can be confused for a Scandinavian fashion brand.
And that’s not bad, especially now with the growing demand for ‘Japandi’ styles.
Clean, calm, and harmonious, the blending of Japanese fashion and Scandinavian designs (hence ‘Japandi’) is increasingly sought-after.
Similarly, Andersson’s couture pieces deliver that unique Scandinavian minimalism but blend with Korean straightforwardness.
The brand incorporates elements of both cultures to create genderless clothing with timeless and eccentric silhouettes.
And, as expected from a top fashion brand, Andersson Bell is now available at top clothing stores worldwide.
11/28
ROCKET X LUNCH
Designer Day Wear
Rocket-x-Lunch is the epitome of effortless chic, standing out as one of the brands not to have their logo integrated into the design.
The label aims to make its name solely based on its style and is undoubtedly doing a fine job.
Featuring a wide selection of clothing, from layered tees to leather jackets, these products are trendy pieces crafted with a quirky, irreverent touch that will stay relevant all year round.
12/28
WE11-DONE
Korean Androgynous Clothing
In 2014, lifelong friends Dami Kwon (G-Dragon’s sister) and Jessica Jung founded Rare Market, a concept store that unearths Korean labels and cult overseas gems under the radar.
The duo launched WE11DONE (pronounced “well done”), known for its androgynous, distinct, and elevated pieces that weave references from the aughts, reimagined for today.
Expect cool-girl styles in inventive silhouettes that convey an understated sophistication.
13/28
FLEAMADONNA
Maximalist Clothing
Fleamadonna is an excellent brand for Korean fashion trendy pieces inspired straight from the runway.
The brand’s designer speaks of the Fleamadonna as a girl who is never afraid to try and experiment with new designs, textures, and colors.
14/28
WNDERKAMMER
Sustainable Designer Clothing
Founded in 2010 by Hye Young Shin, Wnderkammer is an independent Korean designer label that creates closet staples with a sustainable fashion twist.
Made from organic and natural fabrics, Wnderkammer pieces have an eco-friendly take on women’s wear.
The elevated outside-the-box designs create a subtle and charismatic vibe, reflected by minimalist silhouettes and clean details.
15/28
NOHANT
Korean Streetwear
A mash-up of collegiate prep and streetwear, Nohant‘s specialty lies in its signature Lonely/Lovely sweatshirts (so loved by model Barbara Palvin) and Université de Nohant hoodies.
The brand is famous for its casual rugby-striped tees, checked dusters over slouchy denim, and sweatsuits topped with varsity jackets.
You can shop the brand directly or browse for it at the W Concept store.
16/28
13 MONTH
Korean Street Style
According to the founders, the reason behind the label 13 Month is a shared ambition “to launch something that does not exist,” just like the 13th month of the year.
Instead of returning to January from December, the creators hope to grow further from a place most people call “the end.”
Thus, the brand’s name symbolizes further growth and continuous development, and the creations are just that – figments of imagination turned into reality.
17/28
IISE
Streetwear
IISE stands out by infusing streetwear fashion with unique elements of Korean culture.
As a result, the brand’s designs have a relaxed and modern look, blending timeless cuts with practical functionality.
IISE has everything from sweats and tees to accessories, even clothing for petit silhouettes.
There’s also an ethical side to this Korean label.
The designer uses local fabrics and eco-conscious manufacturing techniques to remind the strength of Korean culture.
And to top it up, IISE blurs the line between genders with its gender-neutral clothing collections, which are uncommon in traditional Korean culture.
18/28
CHARM’S
Streetwear
If bold and grunge chic is your aesthetic, then Charm’s is a Korean fashion brand to shop for.
The brand fuels fun and loud silhouettes, best known for a unique urban streetwear style loved by K-pop royalty.
Charm’s has sportswear capsule collaborations with Key from boy band Shinee and Irene Kim.
19/28
CHANCECHANCE
Streetwear
Launched by Kim Chan in 2013, CHANCECHANCE deftly blends streetwear, punk, and a hint of a dandy.
Not yet known in Europe or the US, the Korean designer is endorsed by Korean influencers, including the boy band BTS.
Chan’s collection stands out via its colorful and multitextured technical fabrics.
Expect high-waisted punk trousers, oversized peach blazers, matching shirts, checkered skinny trousers and vests, and lots of vests.
And yet, everything in Kim Chan’s collections can be incorporated into everyday wardrobes.
20/28
MINJU KIM
Luxury Couture
If you watch the ‘Next in Fashion’ series on Netflix, you’re probably familiar with the bold and playful aesthetics of Minju Kim’s namesake label.
As the winner of Netflix’s reality competition series Next in Fashion, designer Minju Kim had a chance to introduce her eponymous brand to a global market, including the opportunity to be stocked on NET-A-PORTER.
Kim, who has created world tour costumes for the boy band BTS, brings a unique sense of playfulness and joy to her couture designs.
The brand’s unique creations are “forward-thinking, and yet super feminine.”
Kim is also famous for creating couture for members of BTS.
The designer doesn’t copy trendy currents in the industry but instead uses nature’s ever-changing facet – at a micro and macro level – to drive her collections.
In bright colors and prints, Kim’s designs will make you feel like you’re living in the fairytale world.
21/28
STYLENANDA
Premium Women’s Clothing
Stylenanda is a trendy clothing brand in Korea.
While the company only offers Korean fashion for women, it has an English website and international shipping.
The site hosts a large variety of apparel from its brand, with the cheapest product starting at under $20.
While most clothes in the store are pretty affordable, Stylenanda has a premium offering, with prices going up to $400.
22/28
KYE
Designer Casual Wear
If you have not heard of this brand, it’s because it is not too popular in some parts of the world.
More popular in the US, KYE has showcased designs at New York Fashion Week.
KYE is a label for fashion lovers that love to look well put together without sacrificing comfort.
And, if United States celebrities like Rihanna and Kylie Jenner love the brand, I guess you, too, can trust this Korean fashion brand.
23/28
DABAGIRL
Women’s Casual & Formal Wear
As the name suggests, Dabagirl is another Korean clothing brand for women’s fashion.
Dabagirl’s clothing line is also available on the site among many other Korean.
Similarly, you can also find Dabagirl clothing on other Korean clothing websites.
The site has an English version; it is easy to browse and shop – it also delivers worldwide.
Although Dabagirl only offers women’s fashion, they also provide accessories to complete the outfits.
They offer everything from handbags to jewelry and other accessories.
You can easily purchase a complete outfit here if that’s what you want!
Price-wise, Dabagirl is one of the more expensive Korean clothing brands.
24/28
BEYOND CLOSET
Versatile Korean Clothing
A creation of Tae Yong, the concept of Beyond Closet is true to the brand name; it offer a selection of pieces beyond just clothes that hang in the wardrobe.
This varsity-inspired Korean clothing label celebrates individuality and style, offering trendy pieces that mix high school preppiness and funky streetwear.
Beyond Closet is about creating comfortable and easy-styling pieces, from check shirts to graphic knits and sweaters.
25/28
JUSTONE
Affordable Basics
Justone is a Korean label targeting a more elegant look.
Justone runs a dedicated fashion line that can be found along with other great Korean online stores, such as Yessstyle.
Despite the intentional approach, Justone’s online store offers affordable clothing collections where you can find shirts under $20.
The label also offers some rather pricy collections; however, in my experience, the quality is high, and the extra cost is always worth it.
26/28
CHUU
Aesthetic Clothing
Chuu is a womenswear brand famous in Korea for its high-quality, super skinny jeans and aesthetic clothing.
The brand’s pants are so popular that buyers call them -5kg jeans (apparently, wearing them makes you look super skinny).
Apart from -5kg jeans, Chuu has a variety of clothing that is hard to find anywhere else.
The online store offers all kinds of fashion for women, from tops and pants to phone cases.
However, Chuu has limited edition goods created in collaboration with Asian celebrities that sell exceptionally well.
The prices are slightly higher than those you might get in shopping malls such as Yesstyle and Kooding.
27/28
KORE LIMITED
Streetwear
Kore Limited is a Korean streetwear brand that has reached popularity in recent years.
Many Korean celebrities are wearing their clothing, and the label is getting more popular daily.
Kore Limited is one of the few popular Korean clothing brands that cater to women, men, and children.
However, since Kore Limited is a pure streetwear label, they offer street-style clothing.
Assuming that street fashion isn’t your thing, I still recommend you check them out, as I am sure you’ll love their unique pieces and iconic designs.
The brand launches fashion catalogs every season, each containing unique designs and limited editions.
Kore Limited is more pricey than the other online clothing stores on this list.
And, since it offers only its designs, the label is seen as a premium brand with top-quality clothing.
28/28
THE BALD TIGER
Streetwear
The Bald Tiger is one of the emerging affordable streetwear brands from Korea with a unique twist to Korean fashion.
The label is Loved by Jessica Jung – a Korean-American singer, songwriter, actress, and former member of the South Korean girl group, Girls’ Generation.
Like Kore Limited’s style and concept, The Bald Tiger excels with different execution.
For once, The Bald Tiger clothing infuses American and Korean streetwear elements into each piece.
Blends of Korean tigers and yin and yang symbols, American flags, and eagles join forces to create recognizable yet unique designs that’ll help you stand out immediately.
While The Bald Tiger offers clothing for everyone, its catalog is limited as it sells only its brand.
Conclusion
I hope you liked my article covering the most popular Korean fashion brands in 2023.
As a form of a recap, in this article, you’ll find a blend of contemporary Korean fashion brands, Korean designer labels, and Korean couture houses.
Leading the Korean fashion trends, some are more niche than others, but the prices are for all pockets.
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Now it’s your turn…
Which one of these Korean clothing brands is your favorite and why?
Are there any other great Korean fashion brands you’ve tried and want to add to this list?
Please leave your comments below; we always appreciate your comments and use them to learn, improve, and update these articles.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London’s office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
