Monami - Red

Monami Red - Ink drop

This is Monami Red. In Korean, the box and bottle label are more poetic and call it “Late Winter Camellia”. Camellias (동백) are the official flower of Busan, the city where I live, but the flower is popular throughout Korea. From the color to the performance, and the unique conical bottle, Monami has done a great job with this ink.

Monami Red fountain pen ink color

This is a red that will excite red ink lovers. The color is rich and confident. It’s a decent shading ink on some papers and more consistently pure on others. Light shaded stroke ends give a slight hint of pink, but most of what you see is a dark cardinal red. Cherry red might be the best way to describe this color. KWZ Thief’s Red is always my benchmark for great reds, and Monami’s is just slightly darker at its darkest. I think this is a fantastic red.

Ink Swatches on Cosmo Air Light and Tomoe River

Writing performance is very good. From premium coated and uncoated papers to cheap office copy paper, I didn’t have any problems with feathering, spreading, or bleed-through at all. Show through was minimal on copy paper and basically absent on all others. It dries quickly, too. This is an ink made for writing, and suitable for all conditions and settings. No complaints, whatsoever!

Writing sample on Cosmo Air Snow paper

Monami inks are remarkably inexpensive. In Korea, I purchased this bottle for ₩4,500 (US$3.30) for a 30 ml bottle. Amazing value! I’ve seen similar prices at sellers in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Outside of Asia, you can find them on auction and shopping sites, but don’t think they are a second-tier company. Monami is the biggest stationery supplies company in Korea. Monami Red is absolutely worth ordering!

Monami Red ink writing samples

Monami Red - Swatch Card

Monami Red - Swatch Comparisons

Monami Red - 30 ml Ink Bottle and Box