Samuel Smalls is a captivating newtro (new-retro) vintage lifestyle shop tucked inside the SKV1 Tower complex in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. This hidden gem has become a must-visit destination for interior design enthusiasts, vintage collectors, and anyone seeking unique lifestyle items that transcend mainstream retail offerings. The concept of newtro, a distinctly Korean cultural movement that reimagines retro aesthetics through a contemporary lens, is perfectly embodied in every corner of this thoughtfully curated shop.
Walking into Samuel Smalls feels like stepping into a meticulously designed film set from another era. The space is arranged not as a conventional retail store but as a series of vignettes, each corner presenting a different lifestyle scenario using vintage furniture, lighting fixtures, and decorative props. Retro-styled lamps cast warm amber light over mid-century modern desks, while vintage signage and industrial accessories create layers of visual interest that reward patient browsing.
Wondering about Samuel Smalls? A Korean local will look into it for you — how to get there, what to order, whether it's worth it. Free on WhatsApp.
Ask a localThe product selection at Samuel Smalls spans an impressive range of categories. Vintage furniture pieces include everything from restored mid-century chairs and desks to industrial shelving units and display cabinets that could anchor any living room or home office. The lighting collection is particularly noteworthy, featuring desk lamps, pendant lights, and floor lamps that blend retro charm with functional modern design. Many of these pieces are sourced from estate sales, vintage markets, and specialty importers, giving each item a unique provenance and character that mass-produced furniture simply cannot replicate.
One of Samuel Smalls most talked-about products is their signature functional multi-plug, a power strip reimagined as a piece of interior decor. In a market flooded with generic white power strips, this product stands out by combining practical electrical functionality with aesthetically pleasing design that complements retro-styled interiors. It has become something of a cult item among Korean interior design enthusiasts and makes for an unexpectedly delightful souvenir for design-conscious travelers.
Beyond furniture and lighting, the shop stocks an eclectic assortment of lifestyle accessories that make perfect gifts or personal keepsakes. Vintage-inspired stationery, retro-styled kitchen accessories, decorative objects, and unique props fill every available surface. The curation philosophy is clear: every item must tell a story, evoke nostalgia, and serve a genuine purpose in creating a distinctive living space.
For international visitors, Samuel Smalls offers a window into Korean design culture that goes far beyond the polished surfaces of department stores. The newtro movement represents how young Koreans are reinterpreting their parents and grandparents era aesthetics, creating something that feels both familiar and excitingly new. Shopping here is as much a cultural experience as it is a retail one. The prices are reasonable for the quality and uniqueness of the items, and smaller accessories and decor items are easy to pack for the trip home.
The shop is located in the basement level of SKV1 Tower, which adds to its treasure-hunt appeal. Finding it requires a bit of navigation, but the reward is a shopping experience unlike anything else in Seongsu. Staff are knowledgeable about each products story and provenance, though communication is primarily in Korean. The nearby Seongsu cafe scene makes this an ideal pairing for an afternoon of design-focused exploration.
Located inside SKV1 Tower B107, near Seongsu Station (Seoul Metro Line 2), Exit 3. About 7 minutes walk. The shop is in the basement level of the tower.
K-beauty collabs, streetwear drops, and a luxury jewelry lab — your complete guide to Seongsu's hottest pop-ups this week.
Night views, Insta-worthy photo spots, and lazy picnic parks — 10 cherry blossom spots in Seoul organized by mood. Includes 2026 festival dates and subway directions.
Four anime collab cafes, an immersive soju museum, and BTS ARIRANG — your neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to Seoul's hottest pop-ups this week.