Korean Job Discussion Forums

[beison]

Greetings all.

I've got a question about custom leather bag making in seoul:

I've been eyeing this specific bag by saddleback leather: http://www.saddlebackleather.com/Classic-Briefcase?sc=8&category=301406

But here's the rub: It's ~600USD plus the shipping to korea, and I'm cheap. So what about finding a custom leather bag maker somewhere in seoul and commissioning this specific bag? I can get a lot of pictures and dimensions and I know the material I'd like (specific type of leather, kind of tanning, thickness, surface finish, ect..) and what not.
Does anyone have experience with custom shops in Itaewon or Dongdaemun or something? Any shop you'd trust? Think they could do it for closer to 150,000-200,000 won?

Thanks for any info.

[FMPJ]

The only good custom leather guy I know (near Kyungbokgoong) would charge more than 600k for a copy of that bag. 600 is a good price, imo.

[Scott in Incheon]

I have one of those bags. Make sure that you get a little lighter leather. I love my saddleback but it is a real heavy thing to carry around.

I have seen on ebay...saddleback copies from india and other places...you should look...same design...much cheaper.

[beison]

Actually yeah I've seen them too. I personally have the one from India and it's like 90% perfect. I paid 150 USD for in when I was in the states (with free shipping to boot) and it was absolutely worth that price (and still is going strong), but I was hoping I could get one custom made with a few minor changes to the design/what not for a decent price.
Not a big deal if I can't get it made in Korea, next time I go through Thailand or Vietnam I'd think I could find a shop to do it.

Thanks for the info.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

I'm going to second the lighter leather option if you can swing it. My saddleback briefcase/bag is pretty heavy, gorgeous as it is.