Korea Souvenir Road

Are you handwriting lover? Despite almost writing system was altered to digital method, People still prefer handwriting for some reason. Someone loves transcribe sentence from noble or quote, others loves writing as it is. Mostly, they love both. For me, hand write is kind of Enter key which input some information to my brain. So, I used to organise note before testing period, I spent a lot of ball point pens with black, red, blue colour. 

What is Monami 153

The Mon Ami 153 ballpoint pen is an easy choice for everyone. With its signature black cap and white body, it’s become symbolic. Just like someone wearing all white with a touch of black, we call it the “Mon Ami look.” Nearly every company offers this pen as basic stationary for their office workers, making the Mon Ami 153 a household name in Korea. 

Variations

The company name Mon Ami is derived from the French word meaning “My friend.” The ballpoint pen was their third product since starting their stationary business. Priced at 15 won, the same cost as a bus ticket in 1963, they named it the Mon Ami 153, with the number 153 representing both its price and order of production. Some believe the number also has biblical significance, referencing an episode in the Gospel of John where Peter, a fisherman, catches 153 fish by following Jesus’ instructions. Beyond the 153 model, other numbers are used to highlight line thickness, with typical options being 0.7mm, along with 0.5mm and 1.0mm alternatives. 

Modified for Digital world

Despite bus ticket prices rising to 1,500 won, the Mon Ami 153 maintains its affordability at less than 500 won each. With Korea’s government signing exchange agreements with Japan, people now have a wide selection of stationery. However, as digital devices increasingly replace traditional tools, pen usage has decreased significantly even for jotting down notes. 

Mon Ami has found a unique selling point by introducing special editions of the 153. They’ve revamped the design with punky aesthetics and collaborated with various companies and events to create limited editions. While the pen’s materials were traditionally plastic, they now offer metal bodies in distinctive colors and allow customers to personalize their pens with laser-engraved names. A highlight is their concept shop, where customers can assemble their own customized Mon Ami 153, choosing unique ink and body colors for a price of 1,000 won. Sometimes, I mix and match ink, body, and cap colors to surprise my friends. It’s a moment I cherish, imagining my friends using the pens I’ve created, leaving a lasting memory with each stroke.

Official Website

http://www.monami.com/en/m/

Monami concept store

Monami head quater

address

17, Songok-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Opening Hours

10:00 ~ 20:00 everyday.

Insadong concept store

Address

315-71 Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga Seongdong-gu Seoul

10:00 ~ 21:00 everyday.

SeongSu concept store

Address

49, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul49, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours

10:00 ~ 21:00 everyday.

Starfield Suwon concept store

Address

175, Suseong-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

• Other concept store is situated in Everland, in the souvenir shop near the Entrance.