8 Popular Korean Handbag Brands 2023 | Cult Brands At Affordable Prices
Want to know the popular Korean handbag brands to buy while online shopping? Check out this review. These famous Korean bags are no less stylish or durable than luxury bag brands.
To quote Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, a purse might be just a little bag but most women can feel naked in public without it.
Which is why selecting the right brand for handbags is so important. And while many of use still dream about that fabulous Birkin or classic Chanel, sometimes there are great options available (at very affordable prices if I may add), if one knows where to look.
Yes, that’s right folks! Koreans are not all about Kpop and elaborate skincare, they have great style sense too.
There are also a lot of homegrown Korean handbag brands that give you the most stylish accessories at very reasonable prices. And guess what? They are of high quality too!
In fact, the sales of these fashion accessories have been rapidly increasing in South Korea. It is estimated that Koreans spend at least 2.45 trillion South Korean won between 2017 and 2021 on clothes, handbags and other accessories.
Whew! Now those are some numbers Carrie Bradshaw would approve of!
So without further ado, let’s get down to business and check out who are Korea’s top handbag brands. And next time you do online shopping or plan to visit Korea on holiday, you’ll know what brands to look out for!
Look at what IZ*ONE’s Kim Chaewon is carrying in her handbag!
Here is a list of the popular Korean bag brands!
Korean Handbag Brands | Vegan Friendly | Price Range |
KoiMooi | No | Affordable |
Alice Martha | No | Very Affordable |
Donkie | No | Very Affordable |
Pleats Mama | Yes | Slightly Expensive |
DeMaker | No | Affordable |
Gu_De | No | Slightly Expensive |
Find Kapoor | No | Affordable |
Marhen J | Yes | Slightly Expensive |
How I rated these popular Korean handbag brands?
To make your search for Korean bags easier, I reviewed each of these handbag brands and thn rated them on the basis of the parameters given below. I also gave them a score out of 5 depending on these factors. They include:
- Variety in Collection – I checked if the handbag brand has a vast array of handbags styles and designs. And also if they have different styles of bags like totes, purses, slings, etc. in addition to handbags.
- Eco-Friendliness & Sustainability – I also noted down if the bags are made with eco-friendly materials and if sustainable manufacturing processes were used.
- Price – Of course, these Korean handbag brands need to be affordable and I rated a bag more if its price matched it’s quality.
Popular Korean Handbag Brands 2022
KoiMooi
KoiMooi is a great Korean handbag brand if you love all things quirky and artistic. The name of this brand comes from the Koi fish that can adapt to any environment and is supposed to be representative of women’s resilience.
What I liked about this brand is that it’s very fresh and colorful. But at the same time they’ve got really understated, timeless pieces as well.
I fell in love with their beige Mini Nana Bag when I saw Kpop singer HyunA wearing it. But I also love their more contemporary pieces like the Pale Lime Egg Bag.
My Ratings:
- Variety in Collection – 4/5
- Eco-Friendliness & Sustainability – 4/5
- Price – 4/5
Check out the bags here: koimooi.com
Alice Martha
Alice Martha is a comparatively new Korean handbag brand as it was launched in 2014. But the brand has shown exponential growth and now has over 100 stores brick-and-mortar as well as online stores.
What I like about the Alice Martha bags is how classic their designs are! You’ve got clean lines, solid colors, and lots of space to keep your essentials.
These bags were also spotted on a lot of Korean celebrities like Bora from the Kpop group SISTA.
My Ratings:
- Variety in Collection – 4/5
- Eco-Friendliness & Sustainability – 4/5
- Price – 4.5/5
Check out the bags here: alicemartha.com
- Related: Top Korean Street Fashion Brands
- Related: Top Korean Streetwear Sneakers
MARHEN.J
Unlike most Korean handbag brands here, Marhen J. was founded by Hyun Hee, the creative director of popular Kpop groups like TVXQ, Girl’s Generation, and Wonder Girls.
So they already have that “Kpop glamor” to them. But what’s surprising is that Marhen J bags are amazingly durable and come in such a great variety.
And you know the best part? The bags are vegan and made of sustainable materials!
I also love their minimalist style! In fact the name “Marhen” comes from the spanish word for calmness and relaxation. Very fitting I’d say.
While they’ve got an expansive collection of bags (their Rico, Cindy, Funny, and Joy collections are ah-mazing!) I personally loved the MARHEN.J Roy Mini Bag and MARHEN.J Lolly NeoMint Crossbody bag.
My Ratings:
- Variety in Collection – 5/5
- Eco-Friendliness & Sustainability – 4.5
- Price – 4.5/5
Check out the bags here: marhenj.com
Donkie
If you’re looking for a handbag brand that combines style, economy and durability, Donkie is the way to go.
Their bags start at a very affordable price of 90,000 Korean Won (don’t get shocked, that’s just 73 USD).
And don’t be worried about the quality, the stitching and materials of the Donkie bags is impeccable.
What’s more, they are really in vogue as well since Red Velvet’s Irene seems to carry the crossbody bags often.
My Ratings:
- Variety in Collection – 4.5/5
- Eco-Friendliness & Sustainability – 4/5
- Price – 5/5
Check out the bags here: donkie.co.Kr
Pleats Mama
If you’re someone who is looking to create a more eco-conscious wardrobe, you should definitely check out the Korean accessories brand Pleats Mama.
It’s one of the best sustainable fashion brands in South Korea. Plus, the colorful designs are just so cute!
Most of the bags here are made of recycled yard that originally comes from PET bottles. And this isn’t just good for the environment. It actually makes the materials of the bags very durable and lightweight at the same time. So win-win!
But what I’m really a fan of here is the pleats design (yes, that’s why the name “Pleats” Mama!). The handbags from this brand are pleated so they can be folded up and stored away while using minimal space. I say, genius!
My Ratings:
- Variety in Collection – 4.5/5
- Eco-Friendliness & Sustainability – 5/5
- Price – 4.5/5
Check out the bags here: pleatsmama.com
DeMAKER
This Korean handbag brand shot to fame when it was used by Korean actress Kim So Yeon in a scene in the K-drama Penthouse 2.
Since then, a lot of Korean actresses and Kpop idols have donned accessories from DeMaker including names like Park Shin Hye and Park So Dam.
What I like about DeMaker is the contemporary and modern structure of the handbags. The designs have clean lines, solid colors, and quality stitching.
You will find all sorts of bags here ranging from crossbody bags, bucket bags and tote bags to handbags, wallets, and satchels.
My Ratings:
- Variety in Collection – 5/5
- Eco-Friendliness & Sustainability – 4/5
- Price – 4.5/5
Check out the bags here: demaker.co.kr
Gu_De
In scotch, “Gude” is used to denote everything good and fine. So this brand founded by designer Ji Hye Koo tries telling you that everything here is not just good but “Gude”.
And honestly it’s a great brand as it gives you luxury item level quality at very affordable prices.
What I liked most about this brand is that it has a very 70s aesthetic and I love all things vintage.
The Hardi Bag in cream and Capri bag in lavender are two of my favorites here.
My Ratings:
- Variety in Collection – 4.5/5
- Eco-Friendliness & Sustainability – 3.5/5
- Price – 4.5/5
Check out the bags here: gu-de-official.com
Find Kapoor
Find Kapoor is probably one of the most recognizable handbag brands in South Korea. It’s basically a luxury item there or at least enjoys that level of popularity.
And frankly, their handbags are well constructed with a style that merges both unconvenatility and class. So their accessories are very versatile.
I personally liked their Find Kapoor Marty Bag and Pingo Bags. However, you might find these Korean bags a tad bit more expensive than Marhen J or DeMaker.
If you’re confused about the name of this brand, let me tell you that this very popular Korean handbag brand has its roots in India. Yup, the founder of the brand is of Indian origin. Hence, the name Kapoor.
My Ratings:
- Variety in Collection – 4.5/5
- Eco-Friendliness & Sustainability – 4/5
- Price – 3.5/5
Check out the bags here: findkapoor.com
What Type of Korean Handbags Are Popular Right Now?
Here are some classic and trendy types of Korean handbags that have been popular in the past:
- Mini Bags: Compact and small-sized bags, often with crossbody or shoulder straps, have been popular for their cute and convenient style.
- Bucket Bags: Bucket bags with a drawstring or top closure have been a trendy choice due to their roomy interiors and stylish design.
- Structured Totes: Classic and practical, structured totes offer plenty of space for daily essentials and come in various materials and colors.
- Quilted Bags: Quilted patterns on handbags, reminiscent of luxury brands, have been popular for adding texture and sophistication to an outfit.
- Backpacks: Chic and functional backpacks have been embraced by many for their versatility, making them suitable for both casual and more formal occasions.
- Crossbody Bags: Crossbody bags provide hands-free convenience and are often favored for their comfort and ease of use.
- Transparent Bags: Transparent or semi-transparent bags with inner pouches have been trendy for adding a unique touch to outfits.
- Belt Bags: Also known as fanny packs, belt bags have made a comeback for their retro appeal and practicality.
- Statement Clutches: Bold, eye-catching clutches featuring unique shapes, embellishments, or patterns can make a statement and elevate an outfit.
- Prints and Embroidery: Handbags with intricate embroidery, vibrant prints, and patterns showcase individuality and artistic expression.
Remember that trends can vary based on personal style, cultural influences, and individual preferences. To stay updated on the latest Korean handbag trends, consider following Korean fashion influencers, checking out popular Korean fashion websites, and browsing social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok for inspiration.
FAQs about Korean Handbag Brands
What bags do kpop idols use?
fact, celebrities like Son Ye-Jin have been brand ambassadors for Valentino while Suzy Bae has been one for Dior. Kpop group Blackpink’s Jennie has also been a brand ambassador for handbag brand Chanel since March 2019.
Is it cheaper to buy Louis Vuitton in Korea?
Yes! In fact, South Korea is the cheapest place to buy a Louis Vuitton bag in all of Asia. This is because the bags are sold duty free at a shop in the Hotel Inchilla, inside the Incheon International Airport. So next time you’re traveling to Korea and land at Incheon, don’t forget to visit the duty free shop for some goodies.
Is Marhen J durable?
Of course! Marhen J is in fact known for its durable, long-lasting handbags that do not lose shape. It might not be a high end Korean brand, but you get your money’s worth with Marhen J.
Scared that you might be sold a ripoff of these Korean handbag brands? Don’t worry, here’s how you identify real from knockoffs.
So guys, I’ve let the cat out of the bag (pun intended!) and told you all about the most popular Korean handbag brands.
These brands are available in several retail stores in Korea that you can check out when visiting the country on holiday.
And if you’re not planning on traveling anytime soon, there are several online shopping sites where you can find these brands.
I hope I’ve made it easier for you to purchase your new handbag with my reviews and ratings.
After all, buying a new purse is no joke. Happy shopping!
Why You Should Trust Koreatruly?
All our editors including the author of this article, Song-i do extensive research on the products reviewed and recommended in the article. We also use these products ourself to give you accurate, first hand information without any prejudice or bias. Koreatruly has also got a team of medical reviewers and skincare experts to help give accurate advice and provide research-based facts concerning a product, its formulation or ingredients.
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