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Checking into a Busan mansion

Luft Mansion

I had always wanted to renovate a house and open a shop. I had even decided on a name in advance: 'Mansion,' a warm and inviting name often seen on old buildings in Busan. The long-held vision of CEO Lee Gwi-sik, who previously ran the clothing select shop Luft, came to be Luft Mansion in 2022 after finding the perfect space in Haeundae. Expanding his interests from clothing to household goods and books, this place features items selected from other brands alongside his own handcrafted products. The criteria for whatever he brings in are 'classic' and 'mansion-esque.' Recently, he has been collaborating with local artisans to create products, gradually bringing the region's people and culture into the mansion.


LUFT MANSION

A lifestyle store that opened in Haeundae in 2022, originating from the clothing select shop Luft in Jeonpo-dong, Busan. It introduces items such as clothing, household goods, and books selected based on 'classic' and 'mansion-style' aesthetics, while also consistently producing its own products. Currently operating stores in Haeundae and Jeonpo, it continues to collaborate with Busan-based brands and artisans.



Q. I am curious about what led you to open a separate lifestyle store after running the clothing select shop Luft.

I had long believed that clothing-focused shops would gradually expand their scope to include lifestyle products. While we could introduce household goods within Luft, I felt that an independent space was necessary to properly showcase a specific category. I had always held the thought that if Luft were ever expanded, I would want to create a lifestyle store. Then, I found a great space in Haeundae. I often mentioned to the owner of the cafe Low & Sweet on the first floor, with whom I frequently discussed business, that I wanted to open a lifestyle shop housed in a renovated residential home. Coincidentally, there was a space on the second floor that perfectly matched my vision. I saw it in person and signed the contract immediately.


Q. I heard that you had the name 'Luft Mansion' in mind even before opening the space. Why 'Mansion'?

When I visited YAECA’s Apartment Store in Japan a while ago, I thought that if I were to open my next store, I would want to create a shop that looked like a repurposed home. Considering the Korean sentiment, the word "Mansion" felt more fitting than "Apartment." I felt a particular fondness for it, especially since there are many buildings named "Mansion" in Busan. So, even before I encountered the actual space, I had thought that if I ever opened a store, I wanted to use the name "Mansion."



Q. The items range from clothing to household goods and books. What are your criteria for bringing items into Luft Mansion?

First and foremost, I consider 'classic.' My criteria for a classic are sustainability and authenticity. Finally, I look for whether it feels 'mansion-esque.' My standards are the same whether I am selecting products from other brands or creating them myself. We didn't intend to expand our in-house product line too quickly from the start. I believed that eventually, we would slowly create original products unique to Luft Mansion, and considering our eco-friendly image and the atmosphere of a mansion, we began with eco-bags.



Local brands and small business owners create a production structure together
I think that if that relationship continues, it becomes a culture.


Q. You operate stores in both Haeundae and Jeonpo. How do you reflect the distinct characteristics of these two regions in your spaces?

The Jeonpo store is located within Luft as a shop-in-shop, so we are considering a direction that naturally blends with Luft. On the other hand, the Haeundae store embodies the journey of growth Luft Mansion has taken since it first opened. Therefore, in Haeundae, we aim to showcase the Mansion's identity more accurately. Rather than believing that the two spaces must look identical, we are operating them to suit the specific context of each location.



Q. You described the local character of Luft Mansion as "human beings harmonizing with one another." What kind of relationships are you building in Busan?

While regional identity can be expressed in many ways, I believe it ultimately comes down to people coming together. That is why I place great importance on collaboration with local brands. It involves creating a production structure where various brands and small business owners in Busan can create products together and thrive as a mutually beneficial partnership. I do not believe this is something that can be resolved simply by our own success. We need to inspire many people in the region and work together for the long term. I believe that if such relationships persist, they become a culture, and that culture shapes regional identity.



Q. I heard that several artists from Busan participated in the Dying Bag showcased at this <Edit Debt: Neo Local>.

This is a product we created after months of deliberation with our team members. It was also our first time attempting the dyeing process at Luft Mansion, so we went through a lot of trial and error. However, the reason we are so attached to it is that the entire process took place in Busan. We completed the product by finding the right method step by step, working alongside various artisans in Busan. We also prepared an exclusive color specifically for this pop-up. It holds great significance for us as well, as it is a new approach we attempted for the first time and was made together with many people from Busan.

*Dyeing process: A dyeing technique that uses finished clothing or pigments, rather than the fabric itself, to produce unique textures and colors.


Q. I heard that you have tried to avoid holding pop-ups in Seoul as much as possible. Why did you decide to participate in <Edit Debt: Neo Local>?

We really wanted to present ourselves properly once we were a bit more prepared. However, we liked the intention of highlighting the local area this time. Even when introducing Luft Mansion in a new region outside of Busan, the first thing we look for is relationships. We consider whether there is a point of connection with our team and whether we can exchange positive energy when working together. We felt that there was such a connection this time, so we decided to participate.


Q. Are there any items or cultural aspects of Busan that you would like to bring into the 'mansion' called Luft Mansion in the future?

There is so much. Busan has natural dyeing, alcohol, and talented designers. I want to showcase more of Busan's diverse culture in the future. I have many ideas in mind, but I intend not to rush. I am contemplating how to present them one by one, infused with Luft Mansion's unique style.




Maker's Pick

Mansion eco-bag


The eco-bag is the first product Luftmansion has consistently showcased for a long time, chosen as the starting point for their in-house production. It was created as their first item with an eco-friendly image and practicality for everyday use in mind. Rather than following trends or special decorations, it aligns with Luftmansion's concept of a "classic" in that it is an item you reach for over time. It clearly demonstrates Luftmansion's philosophy of applying the same standards when creating their own products as they do when selecting items from other brands.





COMING SOON!

Upcoming September, Luftmansion Meet them in person at!


September 17 - 30, 2026, The Hyundai Seoul POP-UP ICONIC B1


fin.


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