Haeundae optician: horn-rims with photochromic lens deal, Second Face

Why I visited Second Face Sinsigaji Branch

It was time to replace my husband's glasses, so this time we went to Second Face Sinsigaji Branch (세컨페이스 신시가지점), an optician in Haeundae. We wanted a place where we could see a wide range of brand frames like Lindberg and Kaneko Optical (Kinjaku). Second Face Sinsigaji Branch carries Lindberg, Kaneko Optical, Oakley and plenty more, so we decided to go and compare in person.

Where is Second Face Sinsigaji Branch, and how is parking?

Second Face Sinsigaji Branch is at 175 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, Daea Plaza, Units 103 and 104, Haeundae-gu, Busan, and it is open 09:30–21:00. Parking is available. It sits on the big main road right in front of Sangdang Middle School in Jwa-dong, Haeundae.

We came by car and used the public parking lot in front of Blue Club, behind the shopping building. When we finished ordering our glasses, the shop gave us a parking ticket, so we didn't have to worry about the fee. If the lot is full, you can reportedly park at the Haeundae Office of Education and still get parking support.

Frame selection and displays at Second Face Sinsigaji Branch

The selection of frames in the shop was much wider than I had expected.

From affordable frames you can pick up without a second thought to famous brands like Lindberg and Kaneko Optical, the range was huge, so it was great for comparing lots of options in one place! The displays are divided by price range, which also made it easy to look through them one by one.

Lindberg frames

Lindberg in particular is a Danish brand famous for clean, minimalist design and ultralight titanium. Its distinctive hinge structure, with screws and rivets kept to a minimum, is another Lindberg trademark, and I heard many people seek it out for how comfortable it is to wear. It felt clean and high-end!

Kaneko Optical (Kinjaku) frames

Kaneko Optical (금자안경) caught my eye too. Maybe because it is a traditional Japanese eyewear brand, the overall feel was classic with delicate details. There were lots of frames that looked like you could wear them for years without getting tired of them, rather than trendy designs, so I could see why Kaneko Optical is so popular.

Kamemannen, Project Product and budget frames

Beyond those, there were quite a few pieces from well-known luxury brands such as Kamemannen and Project Product, and also a surprising number of inexpensive frames. So even if you aren't looking for a pricey brand, it works for choosing glasses to fit your budget.

Sunglasses, goggles, even kids' glasses!

Which frames did my husband pick?

With the owner's recommendations, my husband tried on lots of frames and ended up choosing the most understated horn-rimmed pair. However pretty glasses look in photos, they feel completely different once they're on your face, right? Size and shape change how your face looks, and even the same frame gives quite a different mood depending on the color.

He agonized for a long time, trying on one after another, and the owner helped by looking with us at which suited him better and which tinted options were nicer. Having someone look alongside us really helped with deciding. After all that deliberation, what he chose was the plainest horn-rimmed style^^ Since they're glasses he wears every day, he went for a style you won't tire of over time rather than a flashy design.

Photochromic lens event discount and the eye exam

Second Face Sinsigaji Branch happened to be running a discount event on photochromic lenses, so we decided to try photochromic glasses for the first time. They look like ordinary glasses most of the time, then the lenses darken in sunlight, which seemed handy for outdoor activities.

After picking the frames, we did a thorough eye exam. They didn't just check his vision roughly and call it done; they compared against his current glasses and carefully checked the lens prescription.

When we picked up the finished glasses and my husband put them on, they looked so much cleaner and nicer, as new glasses do. I think he'll get good practical use out of the photochromic lenses too.

Who I'd recommend Second Face Sinsigaji Branch to

From famous brands like Kaneko Optical and Lindberg to cheap frames you can buy without pressure, Second Face Sinsigaji Branch, a Haeundae optician, has a wide selection and the staff were very kind. If you'd like to compare frames at many price levels in person while you choose, it's worth a visit.