Get ready, gourmands and manga enthusiasts! The highly anticipated POP UP SHOP for the beloved manga Kodoku No Gourmet is making its first-ever landing in Seoul, South Korea! This limited-time event will run from November 13 to November 16, 2025, promising a unique experience for fans. Following the hugely successful “Kodoku No Gourmet Expo” held in January to celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary, this pop-up represents a new and exciting challenge to further spread the charm of the work. This special collaboration is brought to you by Parco and the popular Seoul-based select shop, HEIGHTS.
Discovering the World of Kodoku No Gourmet
For those unfamiliar, Kodoku No Gourmet (which can be translated as “Solitary Gourmet”) is a unique hard-boiled gourmet manga. It’s penned by the talented Kusumi Masayuki, with captivating artwork by Taniguchi Jiro. The story revolves around Inogashira Goro, a protagonist who runs an imported goods business and simply enjoys eating alone. The manga subtly portrays his solitary dining experiences.
Initially serialized in “Gekkan PANJA” from 1994 to 1996, the series later made a triumphant return in its sister magazine, “Weekly SPA!”. New chapters continued to be released irregularly until 2015, capturing the hearts of many readers.
Each episode in Kodoku No Gourmet is a self-contained story, chronicling Inogashira Goro’s culinary adventures as he visits various places for work. Interestingly, the eateries featured are rarely the high-end, trendy establishments one might typically associate with the word “gourmet.” Instead, Goro often finds himself in unassuming local diners and independent shops that have become part of the very fabric of the city over the years. This distinctive style, where Goro enjoys his meals alone, accompanied by his inner monologues, was unprecedented in gourmet manga at the time and has since inspired countless followers.
The series’ popularity soared even further when it was adapted into a live-action TV drama series by TV Tokyo in 2012, starring Matsushige Yutaka. Its appeal transcends borders, with translated versions available in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Denmark, Brazil, China, Taiwan, and South Korea. It even inspired a web drama adaptation in China (set in Taiwan). Adding another layer to its legacy, Kodoku No Gourmet was also novelized in 2019 by Iki Shinya, the original planner and first editor of the series.
Exclusive Goods and Special Bonuses at THE HYUNDAI SEOUL
This highly anticipated POP UP SHOP, marking the manga’s debut in Seoul, will be hosted at HEIGHTS, a store located on B2F of the major shopping complex THE HYUNDAI SEOUL.
Kodoku No Gourmet enjoys immense popularity in South Korea, and this POP UP SHOP is set to delight fans even further! In addition to popular items that were a hit in Japan, the event will feature a wide array of original goods created especially to commemorate the Korean debut. This means there’s something for everyone, from dedicated fans of the series to those who simply love Japanese pop culture.
Also, check out some of the other featured goods:
As an extra treat, customers who spend over 40,000 won (tax included) at the venue will receive an exclusive original ZINE, which features a single episode excerpted from the Korean edition of the original manga. This special, event-exclusive novelty, crafted specifically for the Korean event, is sure to be a highly sought-after item!
Don’t Miss Out and What’s Next!
The Kodoku No Gourmet POP UP SHOP, making its exciting debut in Seoul, South Korea, will be open for a limited period from November 13 to November 16, 2025. Mark your calendars!
Parco has identified content business as a new area for growth, actively promoting its expansion both domestically and internationally. This Kodoku No Gourmet POP UP SHOP is just the beginning. Parco, in collaboration with HEIGHTS, is committed to actively introducing captivating Japanese content to South Korea. This initiative promises an exciting future for Japanese cultural exports in Korea, making their upcoming ventures something to definitely keep an eye on!
Kodoku No Gourmet POP UP SHOP Event Details
- Period: November 13 (Thursday) – November 16 (Sunday), 2025 (4 days)
- Venue: The Hyundai Seoul B2, HEIGHTS Exchange
(Address: 108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea) - Opening Hours: 11:00 – 21:00
- Admission Fee: Free
- Organizers: Parco, HEIGHTS
- Cooperation: Fusosha
- Planning & Production: Parco
(C)esoope (C)Kusumi Masayuki, PAPIER /Taniguchi Jiro, FUSOSHA
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