Seoul Spotlight: Actor and Designer Jin-Taek Oh on the Future of Korean Fashion

The actor, TV personality and designer is part of a wave of creatives changing perceptions of Korean fashion. The style savant shares his tips for where to drink, shop and see art in Seoul.

If you could suMMArise the style of Seoul in one word, it might be streetwear, monochrome or futuristic. Indeed, the Korean capital has long been known for its urban aesthetic and clean lines, as well as a love of foreign brands – the country is one of the world’s biggest consumers of luxury goods.

From the outside, then, actor, TV personality, and Seoul-resident Jin-Taek Oh seems something of an anomaly. Although he has a strong following on social media, you’re more likely to find him in sharp tailored suits, dapper linen ensembles and suave tuxedos than dripping in designer labels. “Even from a young age, I always preferred a more classic style,” he says.

In 2020, he added another string to his bow when he co-founded Ascottage tailoring, which specialises in bespoke, made-to-measure suits in traditional materials, handmade by artisans at the brand’s in-house atelier. The actor and designer, who lives in Gangnam, says his modern and sophisticated design language is iNFLuenced by the city’s culture and architecture.

As well as having a presence in Seoul, the brand Travels around Asia doing trunk shows in other key cities, with its core mission to “promote the craftsmanship of Koreans to the world through suits”. Indeed, Oh is part of a new generation bent on helping the county’s fashion to enjoy the same level of appreciation and recognition as its music and film industry.

“Koreans make suits perfectly with unique meticulous details, but I don’t think suits made here are known all over the world yet,” he says. But he remains optimistic. Not only is he fiercely proud of the achievements made by his fellow Koreans, citing the mega-international success of brands such as Gentle Monster, as well as his friend Ji-yong Kim, who this year was a LVMH prize finalist, but his Business has also struck a chord with a young generation looking for heritage and homegrown designs. Gangnam style could soon look very different.

Where in Seoul do you call home?

Even though I’ll always be a country boy at heart, I live in the Gangnam district. It’s the third-largest area in Seoul, and there’s never any shortage of things to do

How would you describe the energy of the city?

Speed is probably the best word to describe the city’s energy. Seoul is full of passionate people, and even though I’m Korean myself, I’m often surprised by how fast the city is evolving

Your favourite art institution?

Definitely the Seoul Museum of Art (SEMA), not just for the art but also because I love the old and beautiful surrounding neighbourhood; just going there makes me happy.

Your favourite time of year in Seoul?

I always think Seoul is at its best from September to November. You can enjoy beautiful autumn leaves and wear just a light jacket, which makes a nice change after the hot summer months.

Where can I find the best fashion in the city?

The trendy Seongsu-dong area is has many different Korean and international retail stores, and there’s always a new pop-up of cool brands. There’s also some great flea markets on the weekends.

Are there any young Korean designers you have your eye on?

My friend the designer Ji-yong Kim, who was recently named as an LVMH Prize finalist. He’s really shown his potential as a fashion designer. I’m not only proud of him as a friend but also as a fellow Korean.

Your favourite hotel?

I always come back to the Four Seasons Hotel because it has one of the best views of the city, and the surrounding neighbourhood is stunning. I also love the two bars inside: Charles H, which is inspired by the American cocktail writer Charles H. Baker, and Oul, which serves traditional Korean liquor.

Check out photographer Rala Choi’s guide to Seoul here.

(Hero Image: Photography by Kim Lo)