[Eye Plus] School supply stores come alive with the start of the school year

As warm weather approaches, blue skies signal the start of a new school year.

At this time of year, Cheonho Stationery and Toy Shop Street is busier than ever.

Located around Exit 1 of Cheonho Station, the resort caters to families looking to purchase school supplies and gifts for the kids at affordable prices.

The resort has shops selling basic school supplies as well as the latest cartoon character toys and party supplies that kids love.

Bundles of colored pencils, robots, miniature cars and dolls are densely displayed on either side of an aisle some 260 meters long.

Depending on the item, prices are usually offered with discounts of 30-40% off the retail price.

Having its origins in Changsin’s Dongdaemun Stationery Store Street, Cheonho Stationery and Toy Shop Street opened in 1989, starting with three stores from Changsin-dong that moved here as pioneers in the neighborhood.

About 30 wholesale and retail stationery and toy stores formed clusters from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s.

Although the place was once commonly referred to as a “street full of stationery”, sales stagnated in the 2000s as large franchise stores dominated the market.

To revitalize the district, the district has imagined an urban decoration project. Brightly painted cartoon characters and artwork can be seen on street corners and on shop walls. Artwork is inspired by beloved children’s books and popular toys.

While the kids are busy looking at the newest and most popular items, the adults can be seen wandering around the resort, either looking for retro toys that bring back nostalgia or just enjoying the cheerful vibe. .

Resort hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Although shops are closed on Sundays, most are open around the start of the new school year, until the end of March and on Children’s Day on May 5.

Pictures of Park Hyun-koo
Written by Kim Hae Yeon

By Kim Hae-yeon ([email protected])