A haven of small independent men’s and women’s brands, Obscura has operated a popular retail space in Seoul‘s emerging Seongsu neighbourhood since late 2017. And now, four-and-a-half years on, the retailer has expanded its operations with a second boutique closer to the South Korean capital’s most discerning shoppers.

Situated in Dosan, the boutique occupies a space of 165 sqm. (1,776 sq.ft.) spread across two floors of contemporary concrete structure and features a matching interior design by local design studio Practice. The chosen aesthetic is inspired by an abstract painting, entitled Burnt Uber Ultramarin, by renowned South Korean painter Yun-hyong Keun (1928-2007), and resulted in a clean, uncluttered space dotted with distinct volumes and a subdued palette of materials.

Upon entering the store, shoppers encounter an imposing large volume of black plywood which serves both as a divider and a display for clothing, set against a backdrop of concrete flooring, whitewashed walls paired with raw concrete beams, and a ceiling covered in metal grids. A striking spiral staircase in shiny metal.

The upper floor of the Obscura store sees a landing lined with sleek steel rods, and behind a cylindrical fitting room in black steel, a similar clothing display can be found. At the far end, in an adjacent space, a curved shelving unit for shoes crafted from black steel is paired with a low bench. Surprisingly, the bench is fretted with a delicate arch pine pattern.