Your Seoul hobby guide
Discover Gunpla, LEGO, model kits, Pokémon and TCG collecting, hobby stores, and family-friendly projects from Tiny Build Desk.
Bandai Namco Korea has officially announced FUN EXPO 2026, a free event bringing together some of the company’s biggest franchises under one roof. Whether you are a Gunpla builder, Dragon Ball fan, Tamagotchi collector, figure collector, or trading card enthusiast, this is shaping up to be one of South Korea’s biggest Bandai hobby events of the summer.
If you've ever walked into a Daiso store in South Korea, you've probably noticed the shelves filled with inexpensive building block sets. While most people immediately think of LEGO, Korea has a surprisingly large selection of affordable alternatives. One of these brands is Blocking.
For just ₩2,000 (around $1.50 USD), I picked up the Blocking Sports Car C, a 90-piece pull-back vehicle that immediately caught my attention because it bears a striking resemblance to the legendary Toyota AE86 from Initial D.
But can such a cheap building block set actually be worth buying?
Looking for LEGO alternatives in Korea? You have far more choices than most people realize.
From Korean-made brick sets and high-detail cars to military models, cute character builds, mini blocks, and buildable action figures, Korea has a surprisingly broad alternative building-block market. Some brands use standard-size bricks that can work alongside LEGO-style systems, while others offer completely different building experiences.
The important thing is not to assume every alternative brand is the same.
A low-priced set can be fun, but quality may vary between companies—and sometimes even between sets from the same company. Brick clutch, plastic feel, instructions, missing parts, licensing, and after-sales support all matter.
Here are the biggest LEGO alternative brands worth knowing in Korea.
| Brand | Best For | Type of Build |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford Blocks | Korean themes, city sets, younger builders | Standard-size bricks |
| CaDA | Cars, mechanics, advanced builds | Technic-style and display builds |
| COBI | Military, vehicles, history fans | Detailed display models |
| Keeppley / Qman | Cute licensed characters and small displays | Character and scene builds |
| Mould King | Large technical models and display projects | Advanced mechanical builds |
| LOZ | Small, affordable desk displays | Mini and nano blocks |
| Blokees | Buildable anime, movie, and game figures | Snap-together model figures |
“LEGO alternative” is a useful shopping term, but it can mean several different things.
Some brands make standard-size interlocking bricks that can often be combined with LEGO-style builds. Others use smaller mini-block or nano-block systems that are not compatible at all. Some brands, such as Blokees, focus on buildable action figures rather than traditional brick buildings.
That means the best choice depends on what you actually want to build.
Do you want a city scene for your child? A Korean historical model? A huge car with gears? A tiny coffee shop for your desk? Or a poseable Transformer or anime character?
Here are the brands Korean builders should know.
For many families in Korea, Oxford is the obvious alternative to LEGO because it offers familiar brick-building play at a range of prices. The brand has a strong identity of its own, with city sets, rescue vehicles, historical Korean themes, military-style vehicles, character collaborations, and larger modular-style builds.
Oxford is especially interesting for collectors who want something that feels more connected to Korea. Its Korean cultural heritage and history-inspired sets can make much more meaningful display pieces than another generic police station or race car.
Korean-made building-block brand
Great option for children and family builds
Korean history, culture, city, rescue, and vehicle themes
Standard-size brick system
Widely available through Korean online retailers and toy shops
Often more affordable than comparable LEGO sets
Oxford is not simply “cheap LEGO.” Its best sets have their own personality, especially the Korean historical, architecture, and city-focused releases.
Best for: Families, beginners, collectors in Korea, Korean history fans, and builders who want locally themed sets.
CaDA has become one of the strongest names for builders who love cars, machines, motors, and technical builds.
This is not the brand to choose for a simple afternoon build with a preschooler. CaDA is at its best when it leans into detailed vehicles, working steering, gearboxes, suspension, motors, and display-scale cars.
In Korea, CaDA sets are available through specialist toy retailers and online marketplaces. The range includes cars, motorcycles, architecture, Japanese-style storefronts, and advanced mechanical models.
Many CaDA sets are aimed at older kids, teenagers, and adult collectors who want a challenging project without paying premium collector-set prices.
Strong focus on cars, racing, and mechanical functions
Advanced sets with gears, suspension, and steering
Good choice for adult builders and teens
Many display-friendly vehicle designs
Offers original designs and licensed collaborations
CaDA is one of the first brands to consider if you enjoy LEGO Technic-style builds but want something different.
Best for: Car fans, engineering-minded builders, teens, adult collectors, and anyone who enjoys a long weekend build.
COBI is a Polish building-block brand best known for military vehicles, warships, tanks, aircraft, classic cars, and historical display models.
This is a very different experience from building a colorful LEGO City set. COBI models are often designed to look like realistic scale replicas, with printed details, military markings, and display stands.
For Korean builders who enjoy military history, World War II vehicles, aviation, ships, or realistic models, COBI is one of the most distinctive brands available.
COBI also has appeal for parents and older builders because many sets feel closer to a plastic model kit built from bricks.
Military, historical, aviation, and vehicle themes
Realistic display-focused designs
European-made bricks
Good alternative for builders who want fewer stickers and more printed details
Available through Korean online shops and hobby retailers
COBI is not usually the best first choice for a very young child, but it is excellent for a parent, teen, or collector who wants a serious display model.
Best for: Military history fans, aviation fans, adult collectors, and display builders.
Keeppley is a brand connected to Qman, and it is especially interesting for builders who want character-focused sets rather than generic city vehicles.
You may see Keeppley sets featuring popular licensed characters, cute rooms, small street scenes, music boxes, miniature shops, and collectible displays. These sets often appeal to anime fans, Sanrio fans, Pokémon collectors, Doraemon fans, and anyone who enjoys desk-sized builds.
Keeppley is a great reminder that alternative brick brands are not only about saving money. Many brands explore themes that LEGO simply does not focus on.
Cute licensed character themes
Small rooms, shops, scenes, and display builds
Great for gifts and desk displays
Often more affordable than large collector sets
Easy way to try a different building style
The quality can vary from set to set, so it is worth checking photos, reviews, and the seller before buying.
Best for: Character collectors, cute display builds, gifts, anime fans, and casual builders.
Mould King is one of the most recognizable names for large-scale alternative brick builds.
The brand is known for oversized cars, cranes, trains, engines, construction equipment, modular buildings, and technical projects with a very high piece count. Some sets are impressive display models, but they are not always beginner-friendly.
Mould King is best approached as an enthusiast brand. Builders should expect longer instructions, more repetitive stages, and sometimes very large final models.
Because many Mould King sets are sold through marketplace sellers and import channels in Korea, it is especially important to buy from a seller with clear product photos, reviews, and return information.
Large builds with high piece counts
Cars, cranes, trains, engines, and machines
Great for builders who want a serious project
Often offers a lot of visual impact for the price
Popular with technical and display-focused collectors
This is a brand for builders who enjoy the process as much as the finished model.
Best for: Advanced builders, adults, large display projects, and mechanical-model fans.
LOZ is not a direct LEGO substitute because its bricks are much smaller.
However, it is one of the easiest alternative building brands to find in Korea, and it deserves attention because of its compact builds. LOZ makes mini-block and nano-block sets featuring shops, food, animals, flowers, vehicles, amusement rides, and small city scenes.
The finished models are often surprisingly detailed for their size, but the tiny pieces can be difficult for younger children or anyone who dislikes fiddly builds.
LOZ is a fun option when you want a quick, inexpensive project that does not take over an entire shelf.
Tiny, detailed desk-sized models
Great for cafés, shops, food, flowers, and cute scenes
Affordable entry point for casual builders
Easy to find through Korean retailers
Excellent for small gifts
Do not buy LOZ expecting normal LEGO-sized bricks. Think of it more like a compact puzzle and miniature display hobby.
Best for: Desk displays, small gifts, miniatures, casual hobby builds, and collectors with limited space.
Blokees is not a traditional brick brand, but it has become very relevant for Korean hobby collectors.
Instead of building houses, cars, or city scenes, Blokees focuses on snap-together character figures. Popular lines include Transformers, anime characters, superheroes, movie characters, and collectible blind-box style figures.
These kits are especially appealing for people who enjoy Gunpla, model kits, action figures, and anime collectibles—but want an easier build with no glue or paint required.
Blokees figures are usually designed for posing and display rather than mixing into a brick city.
Buildable character figures
Strong focus on popular entertainment franchises
Fast, satisfying builds
Good for collectors who enjoy Gunpla or action figures
Often available in hobby stores, pop-ups, and online shops in Korea
Blokees is a great gateway between brick building and model-kit collecting.
Best for: Anime fans, Transformers fans, collectors, Gunpla builders, and figure display enthusiasts.
Korea is one of the easiest places to explore alternative building brands because you can find them through several channels.
Start with official brand shops and Korean distributors when possible. They are usually the safest choice for Korean-language instructions, local customer service, clear age ratings, and easier returns.
Large marketplaces such as Coupang, Naver Shopping, Gmarket, 11st, and SSG often have the widest selection. However, check whether the item is domestic stock or overseas direct import before ordering.
Hobby shops and toy stores can also be worthwhile, especially in Seoul. I’Park Mall in Yongsan, large toy stores, hobby retailers, and specialty import shops often carry brands you may not notice online.
For low-cost surprise finds, Daiso can be fun—but treat those sets as budget experiments rather than guaranteed quality purchases.
Before you buy any alternative brick set in Korea, check these five things:
Age rating: Tiny parts and advanced instructions can make a set unsuitable for younger children.
Brick size: Confirm whether it uses standard bricks, mini blocks, nano blocks, or figure-kit parts.
Seller reputation: Look for real photos, customer reviews, return information, and a clear product description.
Licensing and branding: Be cautious with sets that appear to copy a major LEGO design, packaging style, or copyrighted property without clear branding.
Korean safety information: When buying a children’s toy through a Korean retailer, look for KC safety information and Korean importer or distributor details.
Yes—but choose the brand based on the kind of build you want.
Oxford is the best place to start for Korean-themed standard brick sets. CaDA is excellent for cars and engineering. COBI is a strong pick for military and history. Keeppley brings cute character-focused displays. Mould King is for ambitious large builds. LOZ is ideal for miniatures, while Blokees is perfect for buildable figures.
The biggest lesson is simple: do not judge a set only by its price.
A cheaper set can still be fun, creative, and display-worthy. But brick quality, instructions, fit, safety information, and seller support can be very different between brands.
At Tiny Build Desk, we will keep exploring LEGO alternatives, Korean block brands, mini blocks, model kits, and hobby finds from Korea.
Which alternative building-block brand should we build next?
Fans of anime, Gundam, and collectible figures have something exciting to look forward to this weekend. Gundam Base Korea has announced several new Ichibankuji lottery releases scheduled to arrive on June 20, 2026.
Ichibankuji is a popular Japanese lottery-style collectible series where every ticket wins a prize, often featuring exclusive figures, merchandise, and limited-edition collectibles that cannot be purchased separately.
Upcoming Ichibankuji Releases
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: The Gathering of STARS
One of the most anticipated Ichibankuji releases for anime collectors, featuring characters and prizes inspired by the legendary JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series.
SpongeBob SquarePants – Welcome to Bikini Bottom!
A fun and colorful Ichibankuji themed around SpongeBob and his friends from Bikini Bottom. This release is expected to appeal to both anime and Western animation fans alike.
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Vol. 4
Gundam fans will be excited to see the latest GQuuuuuuX lottery arrive at Gundam Base. Previous volumes have featured highly sought-after figures and collectibles, making this a release worth watching.
Important Information
Availability may vary between Gundam Base locations, and individual stores may use different sales methods. Visitors are encouraged to check official Gundam Base Korea announcements before making a trip.
Due to social media posting limitations, not all prize images may be available in advance. Be sure to verify product details and availability through official channels.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a dedicated Gundam collector, a JoJo fan, or simply enjoy the thrill of Ichibankuji lotteries, June 20 looks set to be an exciting day at Gundam Base Korea.
If you plan on visiting, arrive early and check your local Gundam Base store for the latest information.
Have you tried Ichibankuji before? Let us know which release you’re most excited about!
Tiny Build Desk covers LEGO, Gunpla, model kits, TCGs, hobby shops, and hobby events across South Korea. Follow our YouTube channel and blog for the latest hobby news, builds, reviews, and store guides.
Another major highlight of Pokémon Mega Festa 2026 is Pokémon Secret Forest, a special outdoor Pokémon exhibition and shop located at Seoul Forest’s Ginkgo Road in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The event runs from May 1 to June 21, 2026, and is open from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Unlike a regular indoor pop-up store, Pokémon Secret Forest at Seoul Forest uses the natural atmosphere of the park to create a more immersive Pokémon adventure. Visitors can walk through a forest-themed area, look for Pokémon displays hidden throughout the space, take photos, and enjoy the feeling of exploring a real-life Pokémon forest.
This makes the event especially fun for families, Pokémon fans, and visitors who want a more relaxed outdoor experience in Seoul.
Pokémon Secret Forest is one of the main attractions connected to Pokémon Mega Festa 2026. It is also linked with the larger 2026 Seoul International Garden Show, making it a great stop for anyone already planning to visit Seoul Forest or nearby Seongsu-dong.
The event includes a shop area with Pokémon merchandise, including event-themed goods. For collectors, this is a nice chance to check out special items while enjoying the outdoor setting.
Because Pokémon Secret Forest at Seoul Forest is free and very popular, visitors should expect crowds, especially on weekends. It is best to arrive early, check whether a waiting system is being used, and plan extra time around Seoul Forest or Seongsu while waiting.
If you are visiting Seoul and looking for Pokémon events, family-friendly outings, or character-themed experiences in Korea, Pokémon Secret Forest is a fun outdoor stop to add to your list.
Event: Pokémon Secret Forest
Part of: Pokémon Mega Festa 2026
Location: Seoul Forest Ginkgo Road, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04770
Dates: May 1 – June 21, 2026
Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Entry: Free
The HG XXXG-01S Shenlong Gundam is a classic Gundam Wing Gunpla kit with a clean High Grade build, bold colors, and one of the most recognizable weapons from the series: the Dragon Fang. In this short review, I share my thoughts after building the High Grade Shenlong Gundam for the Tiny Build Desk YouTube channel.
Building the HG Shenlong Gundam was simple, relaxing, and very enjoyable. The kit is not overly complicated, which makes it a good choice for beginners or anyone looking for a smooth Gunpla build. Even though the assembly is straightforward, the finished model still has a strong presence and captures the classic look of the original XXXG-01S Shenlong Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.
The color separation looks nice for a High Grade kit, with the familiar white, blue, red, and yellow Gundam colors coming together well. Shenlong has a clean silhouette, and the design feels different from many other Gundam Wing mobile suits because of its martial-arts-inspired style.
The highlight of the HG XXXG-01S Shenlong Gundam is definitely the Dragon Fang. This weapon gives the kit a unique personality and makes posing much more fun. The extended arm gimmick helps Shenlong stand out on the shelf, especially when displayed in action poses.
The beam glaive is another great part of the kit. Together with the Dragon Fang, it gives the Gundam Wing model kit a strong close-combat feel. If you enjoy Gunpla kits with iconic weapons, Shenlong is a very fun build.
You can watch my HG XXXG-01S Shenlong Gundam build video below. This cozy Gunpla build shows the assembly process on the Tiny Build Desk YouTube channel.
For fans of Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, the High Grade Shenlong Gundam is a great kit to add to the collection. It looks good on display, it is easy to build, and it has enough unique features to feel memorable. It is also a good choice if you are collecting the main Gundam Wing suits in HG form.
Overall, the HG XXXG-01S Shenlong Gundam is a solid and enjoyable Bandai HG Gunpla kit. It is simple, nostalgic, and fun to pose. If you like Gundam Wing Gunpla or want a High Grade kit with a cool weapon gimmick, Shenlong is worth building.
Thanks for watching and reading! If you enjoy cozy Gunpla builds, LEGO, model kits, TCGs, toy unboxings, and hobby content from Seoul, South Korea, follow Tiny Build Desk for more builds and hobby guides.
During my visit to I'Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul, the main stop I was most excited for was, of course, Gundam Base. If you are into Gunpla, model kits, or just enjoy looking at beautifully displayed builds, Gundam Base I'Park Mall is always a fun place to visit.
The shelves were full of Gunpla kits, display models, and plenty of inspiration for future builds. For anyone interested in Gundam model kits in Korea, this is one of the best hobby stops to check out in Seoul.
Gundam Base I'Park Mall is a great place for both beginners and longtime Gunpla fans. Even if you are not planning to buy anything, it is still fun to walk around, look at the completed display builds, and see what kits are currently available.
For me, visiting Gundam Base is always a mix of shopping, inspiration, and wish-list building. It is the kind of place where you go in thinking, “I’ll just look,” and then suddenly start planning your next few builds.
What makes I'Park Mall especially fun is that Gundam Base is not the only hobby-related shop there. The mall also has several other stores that are worth checking out if you enjoy collectibles, figures, model kits, and building sets.
During the visit, I also noticed:
Banpresto shop for figures and character goods
Tamiya for model kits, tools, and hobby supplies
Blokkee for brick-style building sets
Other collectible and character shops around the mall
This makes I'Park Mall in Seoul a great destination for hobby fans, especially if you enjoy more than one type of collecting or building.
I'Park Mall is one of those places where you might plan to visit one shop but end up spending much more time exploring. Whether you are into Gunpla, anime figures, model cars, brick-style builds, or collectibles, there is a lot to see.
For hobby fans visiting Seoul, I'Park Mall Yongsan is definitely a fun stop to add to your list. It is especially worth visiting if you want to check out Gundam Base Korea, browse hobby shops, or find inspiration for your next build.
Want to see more hobby shops, Gunpla builds, LEGO, model kits, and family-friendly hobby content from Korea? Check out our YouTube channel and more articles here at Tiny Build Desk.
One of the cutest attractions at Pokémon Mega Festa 2026 is metamong PLAYGROUND, a special Ditto-themed pop-up experience in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The event runs from May 1 to June 21, 2026, and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, making it an easy stop for Pokémon fans visiting Seoul.
The whole space has a soft purple Metamong / Ditto takeover theme, with photo spots, displays, and playful areas inspired by Ditto’s squishy and funny personality. Visitors can walk through the Metamong Playground exhibition, take photos with the many Ditto-themed decorations, and enjoy the cheerful Pokémon atmosphere.
For fans of cute character events in Korea, this is a fun place to visit, especially if you enjoy Pokémon, photo zones, pop-up stores, and themed cafés.
Inside metamong PLAYGROUND, visitors can also check out special Pokémon merchandise areas. There is a Pokémon Card Game showroom with card-related displays and activities, including sticker giveaway events while supplies last.
Another fun highlight is the DJ Pikachu photo spot, which adds a playful music-and-party feeling to the event. It is a nice area for families, collectors, and Pokémon fans who want memorable photos from Pokémon Mega Festa 2026.
The event also includes a Metamong Café, where visitors can enjoy themed drinks and ice cream. This makes the pop-up a nice stop during a day out in Seongsu, especially for families with children or anyone looking for a cute Pokémon-themed café experience in Seoul.
Entry to metamong PLAYGROUND at Pokémon Mega Festa 2026 is free, but the event uses a QR-code waiting system. Because of that, it is a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends or busy days.
If you are visiting Seoul and looking for Pokémon events, character pop-ups, or hobby-related places to explore, metamong PLAYGROUND in Seongsu is a fun and family-friendly stop to add to your list.
Another major highlight of Pokémon Mega Festa 2026 is Pokémon Secret Forest, a special outdoor exhibition and shop located at Seoul Forest’s Ginkgo Road in Seongdong-gu. The event runs from May 1 to June 21, 2026, and is open from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Unlike a regular indoor pop-up store, Pokémon Secret Forest uses the natural atmosphere of Seoul Forest to create a more immersive Pokémon adventure. Visitors can walk through a forest-themed area, find Pokémon displays hidden throughout the space, take photos, and enjoy the feeling of exploring a real-life Pokémon forest.
The event is also connected to the larger 2026 Seoul International Garden Show, making it a nice stop for families, Pokémon fans, and visitors already planning to explore Seoul Forest or Seongsu-dong. There is also a shop area with Pokémon merchandise, including event-themed goods.
Because the event is free and very popular, visitors should expect crowds, especially on weekends. It is best to arrive early, register if a waiting system is being used, and plan extra time around Seoul Forest or nearby Seongsu while waiting.
Address: 04770 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Dragon Ball fans in South Korea will soon be able to step inside the world of Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and many other legendary charact...
