top of page

Where Fashion Meets Fantasy: The Dual World of Park Sang-won

     Inside Plan B store.
Inside Plan B store with Park Sang-won (first from the left in black clothes).

In the heart of Gwangju (Jeolla Province), creativity doesn’t just live, it thrives. And few people embody that spirit as vividly as Park Sang-won, a young entrepreneur whose two ventures, Plan B and Lucchetto, blur the lines between fashion, art, and fantasy.


At 33, Park isn’t just running two businesses, he’s crafting two different worlds. One filled with bold self-expression and edgy streetwear, and another that feels like stepping straight into a magical storybook.

 

Plan B: Where Style Tells a Story

For Park, fashion has always been more than fabric and trends, it’s a way to communicate who we are. His clothing store, Plan B, located  downtown  Gwangju, stands out for its distinctive vibe. Inside, you’ll find racks of clothes that mix animal prints, punk influences, and tech-inspired pieces, all personally curated by Park himself from Seoul, Busan, China, and Japan.

“There are no stereotypes about the garments I sell,” he says. “My customers can be anyone, regardless of gender or age.”


That inclusivity runs through everything he does. Plan B’s styles are bold and experimental, but what keeps customers coming back isn’t just the fashion, it’s the atmosphere. Park’s positivity and openness have created a welcoming space where self-expression feels effortless.

He also offers custom repairs and alterations, a rare touch that adds to the boutique’s charm. “Seeing a shy person gain more confidence just by dressing up is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” Park shares.


In front of the Plan B store.
In front of the Plan B store with Park Sang-won (right).

And while competition in the clothing world is fierce, Park believes that authenticity wins. “I think people come to Plan B because they can feel my energy and because the clothes are unique, made with good fabric and style,” he adds with a laugh.

 

Lucchetto: Unlocking the Magic

Just a short distance away in Bongseon-dong lies Lucchetto, Park’s second passion, a restaurant and an underground catacomb  that transports you straight into the world of fantasy.


First opened in 2019 as a jazz bar, Lucchetto  underwent a complete transformation in the past years adding one more level to its first underground cave. From the moment you approach its entrance, Lucchetto signals that you’re stepping into something different. The exterior hints at mystery: soft lighting, moody tones, and an air of anticipation. Once inside, the design transports you further: walls draped with sculpted roots, vintage-style cutlery, textured surfaces, and cozy alcoves that suggest hidden corners waiting to be discovered.


Entrance of Lucchetto.
Entrance of Lucchetto (day and night view).

“In Italian, lucchetto means ‘lock,’” Park explains. “But I chose the name with the meaning that each person who comes here is the key and the lock to their own story.”


Beyond the whimsical design, Lucchetto is a place that celebrates connection. With a menu that blends Italian-inspired fusion cuisine: pastas, pizzas, fried chicken, and hearty snacks, with an impressive wine selection and other spirits, the space offers much more than good food. It’s where art and community come alive.


Every evening, the restaurant turns into a friendly hub where regulars and newcomers mingle, sometimes singing songs or sharing stories over wine. “Our customers come from all over,” he continues. “Many of them become my friends and that’s what I love most.”

And if you’re in town during Halloween than this is the place to be!


The customers describe staff members as warm and approachable, always ready to guide, chat, or make recommendations. Many say the owner’s passion is visible in every detail, from the lighting to the playlist to how tables are arranged for interaction. And as someone who’s a regular I can guarantee you won’t regret coming to this place.


Friends without borders gathered at Lucchetto.
Friends without borders gathered at Lucchetto, their home away from home.

Evenings are when Lucchetto truly shines. Soft music drifts, glasses clink, and conversations float easily. The ambiance encourages lingering: it’s a place to talk, to share, to unwind not just to eat and go.

One common sentiment? People come alone or in pairs and leave feeling they’ve made connections. Guests say they return because Lucchetto “feels like home,” not just a restaurant.


Lucchetto is more than a dining spot, it’s a crafted experience. For those seeking more than just a meal and immersive spaces, it’s a destination worth visiting. For foreigners living here, it’s a welcoming Korean spot where backgrounds and language barriers fade away, giving room for genuine connections and new friendships to grow. If you’re in Gwangju and craving a night where fantasy and flavor intersect, plan to visit Lucchetto. Let the lighting, the décor, the menu, the warmth of its people and Park Sang-won himself do the work, then sit back and let the evening unfold.

 

Celebrating Halloween at Lucchetto.
Celebrating Halloween at Lucchetto.

Running a clothing store and a restaurant might sound exhausting, and it is. Park works 15 to 18 hours a day. Yet, when you talk to him, there’s no trace of fatigue. “When people come to see me and we communicate and laugh together, I forget about being tired,” he admits.


Both Plan B and Lucchetto share one common philosophy: freedom of expression. Whether through clothing, conversation, or creativity, Park’s spaces invite everyone to be themselves.

“I just want to create places where people can meet without prejudice,” he says. “We can all be friends, regardless of who we are or where we come from."


Halloween party with Park Sang-won at Lucchetto.
Halloween party with Park Sang-won at Lucchetto.

From edgy streetwear to enchanted interiors, Park’s ventures prove that business can be deeply personal and art can live in everyday life. His dream isn’t just to run successful enterprises, but to build communities around authenticity, style, and joy. And as someone who has called Gwangju home for eight years, I can honestly say he’s achieved that. He’s built a welcoming space where we can come together, feel a sense of belonging, and find warmth and friendship even far from home.


So, whether you’re browsing through bold, unisex outfits at Plan B or sipping wine under tree roots at Lucchetto, one thing is certain: you’re stepping into a story, one that celebrates individuality, imagination, and the beauty of human connection.


Photographs courtesy of Park Sang-won and Melline Galani.

 

PLAN B (플렌비)

Address: Gwangju, Dong-gu, Chungjang-ro 3-ga, 38-9 (Underground)

광주 동구 충장로 3가 38-8번지 지하,

Business Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Phone: 010-9866-9611 

Instagram: @ilove_sangwon

 

Lucchetto (루껫또)

Address: Bongseon-jungang-ro 123-beon-gil 10, Nam-gu, Gwangju

광주 남구 봉선중앙로123번길 10

Operating Hours: 18:00 – 3:00 (a.m.), closed Mondays and national holidays

Phone: 010-9866-9611

1 Comment

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
Brittany
2 days ago
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Are there no branches in Seoul?

Like
bottom of page