Shopping Switch Platina Travel Guide

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Switch Platina is the South Korean BJD brand Switch's in-person showroom, located in Anyang, just outside of Seoul. While it is not difficult to get there, it requires a bit more metaphorical and literal legwork than some other shops in Seoul to visit.

The following information is based on my experience visiting the shop in late November 2024 and is accurate to that time period.

Before You Go

• Platina visits are by reservation only. Follow the instructions on this page to submit a booking request. (They also have a Naver Booking page, but it is generally only accessible if you speak Korean and are already established in that app ecosystem.)
• You will need an existing account on the Switch website in order to make a reservation. If you've never purchased from Switch before, they may decline your visit.
• The shop is very small, so try to limit your party to six people or less.
• Visits must be scheduled at least 30 days in advance.
• The staff is very modest about their English skills, but you will be okay even if you do not speak Korean.

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Getting There

• Google Maps and Apple Maps are prone to navigation errors in South Korea. You will want to download Naver Map as part of your general preparations for visiting the country.
• When you book your appointment, Switch will request the address of your hotel and send specific directions. The guidance below is intended as supplementary to that.
• Platina is located at C-201 188 Burim-ro, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 14055, roughly .7km from the Pyeongchon (평촌) metro station on the Number 4 (Light Blue) subway line. Travel times will vary depending on where you're coming from - it's about 45 minutes from Seoul Station.
  • The Seoul Metro is very foreigner-friendly, with announcements and signage in Korean, English, and sometimes Chinese and Japanese.
  • If you tell a Seoul local that you are going to Anyang, they will act like you are going to the moon. Do not let this deter you. Be brave! Fighting!
• To get to Pyeongchon from central Seoul, board a Number 4 train towards Oido (오이도).
  • Not all trains traveling in this direction terminate in Oido. Some end at Sadang (사당). If you end up on a train that ends at Sadang, get off there and wait for a train headed to Oido. One should be along within 15 minutes.
• Once you get to Pyeongchon station, follow signs for exit 3.
  • There is no restroom at Platina, but there are public restrooms at the metro station on the way to exit 3.
• After leaving the station, walk north-northwest along the right-hand side of Burim-ro (부림로) towards Haguicheon Stream.
  • This is a flat .7km walk with sidewalks the whole way.
• Building 188 is the large building on the corner with a small courtyard and bicycle parking open to the sidewalk. As of this writing, there is a CU convenience store on the bottom floor and a sign for Platina on the building front.
• Go in through the doors on the left hand side of the courtyard and take the elevator to 2F, and you're there!

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What's For Sale

• Switch will send you a list of available wigs, clothing items and accessories, and doll heads, bodies, and parts available in-stock in advance of your visit so that you can plan what you want to purchase. You can also review these lists in store, along with catalogues, model dolls, etc.
  • Depending on the time of year, they may not have any bodies available. (Do not get your hopes up to purchase a full doll.)
  • They may have recent as well as discontinued/retired heads, heads in rare resin colors, and wigs or clothes in Platina-exclusive designs or colorways.
• If you have any online orders that are scheduled to ship coinciding with your visit, Switch will have them ready for you to pick up in-store and refund your shipping fees.
• In addition to the listed items, there is a case of eyes, doll-sized jewelry, etc. available!
• If you own a certain sculpt but can't bring it with you, chances are very good that they will have the head on hand so that you can test wigs, eyes, etc.
• Prices are similar to the website, though the exchange rate may be in your favor if your home currency is USD (and you won't have to pay shipping). Some prices are listed in KRW and some in JPY, but all purchases will be processed in KRW.
• Platina accepts international credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, etc.).

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Other Attractions

• THE DOLLS. Switch has beautiful dioramas which they change seasonally and as new dolls and products are released. You might even get a sneak peak at upcoming releases!
• Telling the Switch team how much you love them and their work.
• Special events and promotions.
• Free postcards and brochures!

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In Conclusion

Platina is an easy excursion to add to your time in Seoul, taking about three to four hours round trip including your time at the shop. The staff is friendly and knowledgable, the dolls are beautiful, and a limited edition wig or a head with the date of your visit on the COA makes a great souvenir. The appointment-only system may feel intimidating while you are scheduling, but it is so fun to show up and feel like a VIP because the staff has prepared for your visit (they'll even know which Switch dolls you have if you bought them direct from the company).

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