Delightful designs of MMMG

Written by on March 31, 2011 in Brands & Products, Lifestyle, Travel

A millimeter, a milligram. It is the tiniest difference that can make the biggest impact; this happens to be the main philosophy of Korean stationery brand MMMG. MMMG is one of the many Korean stationery brands that are currently on the market, but whose designs don’t rely on the popular approach of utilizing “characters” in their products. Their designs are aesthetically pleasing in a simple, clean, to the point sort of way while not being stark and modern, but full of heart and charm.

MMMG has been around since the late 90s, which makes them a fairly young stationery company.

The oldest maker of stationery in Korea is Monami, whose ballpoint pens have been a staple in students’ pencilcases since the 1960s. Monami’s classic 153 ballpoint pen design hasn’t changed over the decades; it’s simple, functional, and by this time so iconic it would actually be counterproductive to change.

Korea did not pay much attention to decorative stationery design until the 80s, after the country’s surge in economy. Companies such as Barunson and Morning Glory led the way for what is called “fancy goods”, which are mostly bright colored stationery adorned with cute characters.

Art Box, another company established in the 80s, took another direction. Unlike the cute approach that their competitors were taking, they focused on a wider market covering children and adults alike with pop art elements in their designs, which was new at the time.

The term “design stationery” was introduced into the public lexicon in the 90s. Independent designers came together to establish their own brands and specialty shops started to open around the country. MMMG was one of the brands set up during that period who successfully faced the trials of time, keeping up with the changing consumer trends while also keeping true to their design identity.

Store and café front. I wonder who rides the bicycle.

MMMG’s main store is in Anguk, across the street from Insadong. The building is also home to its own café and the brand’s office.

Stationery goods greet you as you enter and are on display throughout the store. Purchase of the goods is possible, of course. You can browse while waiting for your coffee.

Notebooks, planners, owl pouches

Cellphone straps, pens, schedule post-its

Letter capsules, card holders, greeting cards, and more

An assortment of goods on display

The space itself is cozy and feels like a homey place for artistic and creative souls to gather round, share ideas, and come up with brilliant collaboration projects.

Light floods in from the windows looking out to the main street

Look for interesting details in the nooks and crannies

An upper level mezzanine has a more private atmosphere

The café has a “Happy Hour” on weekdays, 20% off for coffee from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. (Weekends and holidays excluded.)

Is the answer really blowing in the wind?

To be frank, I enjoyed the napkin and mug more than I did the café latte this day. (The crema was too heavy and thick and not foamy enough.) Although the photo of the potatoes looks tempting, I never thought to try the food there. Perhaps another time.

Information

Insadong Main Store

MMMG has branches in Myeongdong and also Garosugil. They distribute their goods through various online shops, major bookstores, and stationery stores. They also have distributors in Japan, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

For more info:

http://www.mmmg.net

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About the Author

Suzy Chung

Suzy Chung is a multilingual writer, editor, and translator with a marketing background. A coffee addict, bookworm, art junkie, foodie, oenophile, K-pop enthusiast, and occasional painter, she has been online since the mid ’90s when the internet wasn’t really the internet but a blue screen with text only discussions. She has lived in three continents but truly believes that Korea is the place to be and is willing to convince anyone who will listen!