Last time I was in Seoul, the group of friends I made at Studio Floating became the center of my social world. I don’t think I could ever get back the amazing time I spent there or with those people, so it’s a bit awkward now that I’ve setup shop back in the same studio and with a totally different crowd.
To be fair, I can’t say that I don’t like it… but it’s not the same and it’s really impossible to try to not make comparisons. The dents in the metal door are still there, the walls are still blue, the bathroom is still cold, and the same music comes through the floor from the live club in the basement. But the people… are shy (just like me).
Despite a couple days of coming and going without saying more than “hello” and “goodbye”, I’ve managed to make friends with our new manager (정인) via the last surviving member of the studio from when I was here before, Dajung. Today, 정인 took me to see one of her friends perform at the “playground” in front of Hongik University—I’ve walked by many times, but never spent a lot of time hanging out there before.
Afterwards we hung out with her friend who bought us bubble tea (!!!) at Quickly (?!?) and then showed us his studio nearby. It’s nice to know that there are independent designers in Seoul, though to be honest, this is the first one that I think I’ve met.
Here’s to hoping that more fun with new studio mates is in store, or at least that the awkwardness will vanish!
Music at 홍대 놀이터.