Which Korean eyewear brand opened its first flagship store in Seoul in 2013?

Gentle Monster opened its first flagship store in Seoul in 2013.

The South Korean eyewear brand was founded in 2011 and became known for presenting sunglasses through highly designed retail environments. Its stores often combine eyewear with installations, sculpture, and theatrical interior design, making the shopping experience part of the brand’s identity.

The first flagship store in Seoul marked an important step in the company’s growth. Gentle Monster is sometimes described simply as a fashion brand, but its core product identity is eyewear, especially sunglasses and optical frames.

The brand later expanded internationally through stores and collaborations. Its Seoul beginning distinguishes it from Cazal, a German-associated designer label, and from technical outdoor brands such as Smith Optics. The 2013 flagship opening is a specific retail milestone rather than the company’s founding year.