[Instagram Walk] Oval - Bringing Back the Crunchy Memories #Small Pencil Museum

Stationery as a collectible beyond just tools
Diverse styles from vintage to modern designs
Stocking antique products over 100 years old
Charming stationery shop for adults frequented by customers in their 30s and 40s
Recommended gifts that leave memories for someone

Various brands of pencils showcase their unique personalities. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] The crisp sound of a pencil scratching across paper has become rare. As the environment rapidly shifts to digital, pencils are gradually disappearing from desks one by one. Nowadays, wherever you go, the only noisy sound is the tapping of keyboards. Pencils have become objects that evoke old memories and serve as triggers for childhood nostalgia. In this era, spaces frequented by those enchanted by the charm of pencils are gaining attention. They may lack sophisticated style, but they possess a deep affection within their rustic simplicity. Let's visit 'Oval' in Mapo-gu, Seoul, which is even more eye-catching with pencils over 100 years old, antique pencil sharpeners, fountain pens, and more.

This place is about a three-minute walk from Exit 7 of Hongdae Entrance Station on Subway Line 2. Located on the third floor of a building in a narrow alley mixed with residential houses and shops, Oval's first impression is its stylish interior. When you open the door and enter the store, a quiet atmosphere welcomes you along with sunlight pouring through the glass ceiling. The items bathed in that sunlight each boast their own personality and presence. Vintage-designed pencils, modern fountain pens, and notebooks of various sizes fill the space. Especially notable are the many long and short pencils, pencil cases rarely seen on the market, and pencil sharpeners that have preserved decades of history. This place is aptly described as a 'small pencil museum.' It is also known as a stationery store for adults and is a charm point for so-called 'stationery enthusiasts (maniacs)' who want to collect special writing instruments.

Various types of fountain pens are displayed. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

It first opened in 2008. Although more than 10 years have passed, it has maintained its unique identity as a 'vintage stationery store.' The owner, Mr. Kim, who preferred not to reveal his full name, introduced this place as "a space born from an interest in everyday objects." He said, "When we opened the store, there didn't seem to be many places showcasing a variety of stationery. I think we were the first to present stationery like a multi-shop."

He has stocked pencils that are over 50 years old as well as those with a long history of 100 years. Since the period when pencils were most widely used was between the 1920s and 1940s, many pencils were produced to meet the demand of that era. Mr. Kim said, "It doesn't make much sense to say that any one product here is old. Just as electronic devices continue to develop now, various pencils were produced according to needs back then. Also, stationery items are more widely distributed now than in the past, so none can be said to be particularly special."

Perhaps because of the charm of vintage pencils, many customers who visit once become regulars. Mr. Kim explained, "Our store tends to have more regular customers than new ones. Since the prices are somewhat high, the main customers are in their 30s and 40s." The most popular product here is, needless to say, pencils. Especially for those using pencils for the first time or wanting to give a memorable gift, the owner personally recommends products.

Stationery items densely filling the display counter. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

There is also a unique pleasure in viewing attractive stationery collected and exhibited from around the world. From the American pencil company 'Dixon' to the German writing instrument company 'Faber-Castell,' brands with distinct personalities can be easily found here. Mr. Kim said, "I like products that, although not flashy, embody the brand's own philosophy. Especially brands like POSTALCO and Papier Labo, which we introduced from the beginning, are popular among visitors."

He emphasized that stationery has value not only as a 'tool' but also as a 'collectible.' Mr. Kim said, "I personally think that stationery doesn't necessarily have to be used." He added, "Many people’s recent interest in stationery seems to include the concept of collecting rather than just using it." He himself sometimes purchases stationery for the purpose of keeping it.

Oval maintains its identity as a stationery store while also functioning as a design studio. It continues work encompassing visual elements such as branding, art directing, and graphic design. Mr. Kim confided, "When I was young, I was interested in flashy things, but now I prefer classic designs. I like designs that pay attention to subtle details that are not easily noticeable."

Mr. Kim hopes this place will become a space where people keep coming back. He said, "We are trying to be a store that keeps its place, and fortunately, it seems that this goal is being achieved so far." He added, "We continue to think about how to develop the store, but we don't want to change anything radically. We want to strengthen the foundation within the image we already have."