Kiosk

A shop and design studio that originated from the 'Pencil Kiosk' project in 2015. Building on experience developing a single interest in various forms—such as pencil collecting, sales, publishing, and writing gatherings—it currently introduces the work of diverse designers and creators. It continues to carry out projects that are flexibly structured according to themes, like Book Kiosk and Pencil Kiosk, as well as curated exhibitions, workshops, in-house production, and collaborations. Based in Seoul, it operates a space that combines the characteristics of a shop and a studio, curating and introducing the works and stories of creators.

Q. 'Pencil Kiosk' started in 2015 from a personal interest in pencils. What was the driving force that led a single project to become the Kiosk Kiosk of today?

'Pencil Kiosk,' launched in 2015, was first unveiled at the 7th Unlimited Edition. Reading Propaganda’s *The Art of the Pencil* and Henry Petroski’s *The Pencil*, I became deeply immersed in the pencil, an object I had previously been too familiar with as merely a tool. What began as a personal interest evolved into collecting pencils, selling the growing collection, compiling the gathered materials and stories into books, and even hosting writing workshops. Through this process, I realized that sales could serve as a tool for communication, enabling us to continuously share thoughts and stories. To this day, Kiosk continues to function as a studio and shop where the stories of various designers and creators converge, and sometimes, where we share our own narratives.

Q. What is the meaning behind the name 'KioskKiosk'?

The term 'kiosk' originally refers not to an unmanned terminal, but to a makeshift stall or a small roadside stand. It also signifies a temporary and variable structure that moves flexibly without being bound to a single theme. 'Kiosk Kiosk' represents a space where such kiosks continuously gather and evolve—in other words, 'Kiosk in Kiosk.' We hoped that diverse and fluid works and stories, like a Book Kiosk or a Pencil Kiosk, would exist within this space. It embodies the meaning of a flexible shop and studio that gathers and introduces works created by creators and designers to continue their narratives, along with the temporary yet dense perspectives found within them.

I plan the form of images or objects in design and

I don't think of it just as production work.

When given a task or problem, find a suitable method

I believe that the process of solving problems is also a form of design.

Q. How has your experience as a graphic designer influenced the way you run your shop and studio?

My experience in design has established criteria for when to select content and how to present it. I do not view design merely as the planning and production of images or the forms of objects. I believe that the process of finding the appropriate solution to a given task or problem is also design. I developed this perspective after encountering the concept of "Design Thinking" in the SVA Graduate School of Design program. Thanks to this, I was able to identify what was needed to set up a store that truly embodies the spirit of a kiosk and apply the appropriate methods. It also serves as a foundation for flexibly considering what we can do in the future as both a store and a studio.

Q. What does Kiosk consider most important in introducing creators' work and organizing exhibitions and workshops?

What I consider most important in design and creation is 'joy.' I am deeply inspired by creators and designers who know how to enjoy themselves. In curated exhibitions and workshops, I also want to flexibly share the joyful contemplations and perspectives of creators. I place great importance on acting as a connecting link that creates spaces where the stories of each artist and brand can naturally unfold, helping visitors sense and experience that joy.

Q. When you encounter a new artist or brand, what is the first potential you try to discover?

As expected, I focus on new sources of enjoyment. I think I first examine what kind of new pleasure this work can offer us. I also pay close attention to what people enjoy and at what points they react.

Q. As you have introduced numerous works, you must have built up criteria for judging 'good work.' What do you consider most important right now?

I place great importance on whether the work was created with genuine enjoyment and immersion. While perfection is certainly important, I believe that work possesses a lasting power that endures over time when the creator knows what they are fascinated by and has deeply delved into their own contemplations. I also examine whether that joy can be naturally conveyed to the viewer.

Q. What do you think is the most strongly reflected regional characteristic in the brand?

It is the unique sense of speed and flexibility inherent in the city of Seoul. I believe that the very way we nimbly accommodate and refine these elements into variable formats within an environment where countless creators and cultures rapidly intersect and mingle is the regional character of Seoul reflected in us.

Rather than explaining regionality solely by geographical location

Stories and resources from the place where one settled

You must be able to present it in an enjoyable way from a unique perspective.

Q. What kind of brand does Kiosk consider a 'good local brand'?

I believe it is a brand that has grown based on one's own background. Rather than explaining regional identity solely through geographical location, you must be able to joyfully showcase the stories and resources experienced in the place where you settled, from a unique perspective.

Q. What aspects of 'local' discussed in this <Edit Debt: Neo Local> particularly resonated with you?

I wanted to explore the unique significance of the "local" aspect of Seoul. I believe that the "mix culture" created by people with diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences coming together effectively showcases Seoul's local identity. I also resonated with this project, which views the local as both a source and a context where creation begins. I decided to participate because I wanted to share the stories of creators who are shaping culture through their own distinct perspectives within the flexible space of Seoul.

People with diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences come together

I think the 'mix culture' being created effectively showcases Seoul's locality.

Q. You also presented a project proposing new uses for materials left over from the production process. What possibilities did you discover in these discarded materials?

Rather than discussing reuse in a heavy tone—a topic many people are now interested in—I wanted to share the flexible perspective of creators who believe that "new play and uses can be discovered even in discarded byproducts." I believe that viewing and reconfiguring byproducts generated during the production process from a different perspective can be both a new design challenge and an enjoyable problem-solving process for the creators.

Q. What specific task does Kiosk Kiosk want to showcase in this pop-up?

This is a project created in collaboration with artist Lee Seung-jae from the woodworking studio Plyground. While crafting bookends, wooden storage boxes, and small furniture, I explored the structure and colors of objects on a desk, as well as the joy derived from the process of using them. I wanted to showcase the unique pleasure of Kiosk Kiosk, along with the joy shared by various creators.

Q. What is it that Kiosk Kiosk wants to continue preserving for a long time to come?

It is "the joy not lost within flexibility." I hope that the shop and studio will grow in diverse ways as time passes. I want to become a brand where creators and visitors can freely exchange and share the joys of their daily lives.

Maker's Pick

Large Spring Note

A notebook created for Kiosk Kiosk’s Second Kiosk project in collaboration with Doosung Paper and Binderly Portfolio. Premium Original Gmund and Arabelle papers, which are rarely used, are stacked thickly like bricks and finished with custom springs and a hand-bound hardcover. Produced using a slow-making method that requires materials, craftsmanship, and time, only 33 copies of each type, totaling 99 copies, were produced. As a thick notebook that retains the fine texture of the handwork, it is ideal for keeping on a desk to record ideas for a long time.

COMING SOON!

In the upcoming September, the kiosk Meet us in person at the pop-up!

September 17-30, 2026, The Hyundai Seoul B1 Event Hall

fin.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗲 KioskKiosk

Saeeum Kim

Edeit Seulgi Lee