Moving into a new apartment in Korea? Just arrived on a work visa and realized your officetel comes completely empty? Or maybe you’re a student on a tight budget who needs a washing machine that actually works without paying new-product prices? Welcome to the world of Korean used appliances (중고 가전) — a massive, well-organized secondhand market that can save you 50–80% compared to buying new.
For foreigners living in Korea, buying used appliances can feel intimidating: the platforms are in Korean, the sellers communicate via KakaoTalk, and delivery logistics seem opaque. This guide walks you through every step — from the best platforms and pricing, to negotiation tips, delivery options, and what to watch out for — so you can furnish your Korean home without burning through your budget.
Why Buy Used Appliances in Korea?
Korea has one of the most active secondhand markets in Asia, driven by a cultural cycle of frequent moving (Koreans move every 2–4 years on average) and a strong preference for newer models. This creates an enormous supply of perfectly functional, relatively recent appliances being sold at steep discounts simply because the previous owner upgraded or relocated.
- Price savings: A Samsung washing machine that costs 800,000 KRW new can be found for 150,000–300,000 KRW used (1–3 years old).
- Quality: Korean-made Samsung and LG appliances are built to last. A 3-year-old Korean washing machine or refrigerator typically has years of life left.
- Speed: New appliance delivery can take 3–7 days. Used appliance sellers often deliver same-day or next-day.
- Environmental impact: Korea generates significant appliance waste from its upgrade cycle. Buying used is genuinely sustainable.
Best Platforms to Buy Used Appliances in Korea
#1. Danggeun Market (당근마켓) — The King of Korean Secondhand
Danggeun Market (당근마켓), literally “Carrot Market,” is Korea’s #1 peer-to-peer marketplace — think Craigslist meets Facebook Marketplace, but far more popular and trusted. With over 30 million monthly active users (in a country of 52 million), it’s where most Koreans list their used items. The app is location-based, showing you listings from sellers in your neighborhood.
- Pros: Largest selection, direct seller contact, often the cheapest prices, many “free” appliance listings from people who just want items removed before moving
- Cons: Korean-only interface (Google Translate’s camera mode helps), you often need to arrange pickup/delivery yourself, quality varies widely
- Typical prices: Washing machines 100,000–250,000 KRW, refrigerators 150,000–400,000 KRW, microwaves 30,000–80,000 KRW
- Foreigner tip: Many sellers are hesitant to deal with non-Korean speakers. Having a Korean friend help with initial KakaoTalk messages dramatically increases response rates. Use polite Korean openers like “안녕하세요, 아직 판매중인가요?” (Hello, is this still available?)
#2. Bunjang (번장) — The Secondhand Superstore
Bunjang (번장) is Korea’s other major secondhand platform, with a slightly different model than Danggeun. While Danggeun focuses on local, in-person transactions, Bunjang supports nationwide shipping — making it ideal for buyers who can’t find what they need locally. The platform also has a payment escrow system (번개페이, Bungae Pay) that adds a layer of buyer protection.
- Pros: Nationwide reach, payment protection through escrow, seller ratings and reviews, more structured listings
- Cons: Shipping costs for large appliances can be significant (30,000–80,000 KRW), Korean-only
- Typical prices: Similar to Danggeun, sometimes slightly higher due to the platform’s convenience premium
- Foreigner tip: Bunjang’s escrow system makes it safer for foreigners worried about scams. Always use 번개페이 instead of direct bank transfers.
#3. Junggo Nara (중고나라) — The OG Secondhand Community
Junggo Nara (중고나라) is Korea’s oldest and largest secondhand community, operating primarily through Naver Cafe (Korea’s equivalent of Reddit forums). With over 20 million members, it has the deepest inventory of any platform — but the interface is essentially a forum, making it less user-friendly than Danggeun or Bunjang.
- Pros: Massive inventory, many professional resellers with warranties, detailed product descriptions
- Cons: Forum-based interface (not app-native), higher scam risk without escrow, requires Naver account
- Typical prices: Competitive, especially for bulk sellers who offer delivery packages
- Foreigner tip: Stick to sellers with high transaction counts and positive reviews. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
#4. Used Appliance Shops (중고 가전 매장) — The Offline Option
Every Korean neighborhood has physical used appliance stores (중고 가전 매장). These shops buy, refurbish, and resell appliances with basic warranties (typically 1–3 months). They’re the easiest option for foreigners because you can see the product in person, test it, and get same-day delivery — all without navigating Korean-language apps.
- Pros: See before you buy, test functionality, same-day delivery included, basic warranty, no language barriers for visual inspection
- Cons: 20–40% more expensive than peer-to-peer platforms, limited to what’s in stock
- How to find them: Search “중고가전” on Naver Map or KakaoMap. Look for shops with signs showing 세탁기 (washing machine), 냉장고 (refrigerator), or 중고가전 (used appliances). They’re everywhere.
- Foreigner tip: This is the recommended option for foreigners who just arrived and need appliances immediately. Point-and-pay simplicity, and most shops handle delivery.
#5. Coupang (쿠팡) — New Budget Alternatives
While not a used platform, Coupang — Korea’s Amazon equivalent — deserves mention because their budget appliance selection has become so competitive that some new small appliances cost barely more than used ones. Mini washing machines start at 150,000 KRW, compact refrigerators from 200,000 KRW, and microwaves from 40,000 KRW — all with full warranties and Rocket Delivery (next-day).
- Pros: Full warranty, Rocket Delivery, easy returns, English-capable app
- Cons: Not used (so no 80% savings), budget brands may not match Samsung/LG quality
- Foreigner tip: Coupang accepts international credit cards and has partial English support. For small appliances (microwave, rice cooker, air purifier), buying new on Coupang is often more practical than hunting for used ones.
Price Guide: What Used Appliances Cost in Korea (2026)
Here’s a realistic price guide based on current Danggeun Market and used appliance shop listings. Prices assume products that are 1–5 years old and fully functional:
- Washing machine (세탁기): 100,000–300,000 KRW ($74–222 USD) — top-loaders are cheaper; front-loaders and drum types cost more
- Refrigerator (냉장고): 150,000–500,000 KRW ($111–370 USD) — price varies dramatically by size; kimchi fridges (김치냉장고) tend to hold value
- Microwave (전자레인지): 20,000–80,000 KRW ($15–59 USD)
- Air conditioner (에어컨): 200,000–500,000 KRW ($148–370 USD) — installation costs extra (50,000–150,000 KRW)
- Air purifier (공기청정기): 50,000–200,000 KRW ($37–148 USD) — high demand during fine dust season drives prices up in spring
- Rice cooker (밥솥): 30,000–150,000 KRW ($22–111 USD) — Cuckoo and Cuchen brand rice cookers hold value well
- Dryer (건조기): 200,000–600,000 KRW ($148–444 USD) — dryers are newer to Korean homes, so used supply is lower and prices are higher
- TV: 100,000–400,000 KRW ($74–296 USD) — Samsung and LG TVs depreciate fast; great deals on 2–3 year old models
Step-by-Step: How Foreigners Can Buy Used Appliances
Step 1: Decide What You Need
Korean apartments vary widely in what’s included. Officetels (오피스텔) usually come with a built-in cooktop, air conditioner, and sometimes a washing machine. One-rooms (원룸) often include nothing. Villas (빌라) and apartments (아파트) vary by landlord. Check your lease or ask your landlord what’s included before buying anything.
Step 2: Check Dimensions
Korean homes are smaller than what most Westerners are used to. Measure your space before buying — especially for refrigerators and washing machines. Key measurements:
- Washing machine space: Most Korean bathrooms/utility areas fit standard Korean drum washers (60cm wide). Measure doorways too — some apartment doors are narrower than you’d expect.
- Refrigerator space: Check the gap between kitchen walls. Korean fridges come in dramatically different sizes — from mini 100L to family 800L+.
- Air conditioner: Wall-mounted units require an outdoor unit bracket. Check if your building allows outdoor unit installation.
Step 3: Search and Contact Sellers
Open Danggeun Market and search for what you need in Korean:
- 세탁기 = Washing machine
- 냉장고 = Refrigerator
- 전자레인지 = Microwave
- 에어컨 = Air conditioner
- 공기청정기 = Air purifier
- 건조기 = Dryer
- 밥솥 = Rice cooker
- TV / 텔레비전 = Television
Contact sellers via KakaoTalk or the in-app chat. A simple Korean message template that works:
“안녕하세요! 이 제품 아직 판매 중인가요? 배송 가능한지도 궁금합니다.”
(Hello! Is this product still available? I’m also wondering if delivery is possible.)
Step 4: Inspect and Negotiate
- For washing machines: Ask if it runs a full cycle without leaking. Request a video of it running.
- For refrigerators: Ask how old it is (제조년도 = manufacturing year, printed on a sticker on the side or back). Check if it cools properly.
- For air conditioners: Ask about installation status and whether removal/reinstallation is included.
- Negotiation: Offering 10–20% below the listed price is standard practice on Danggeun. Always be polite — aggressive haggling is considered rude in Korea.
Step 5: Arrange Delivery
Large appliance delivery in Korea is surprisingly affordable:
- Seller-arranged delivery: Many Danggeun sellers will deliver for an extra 20,000–50,000 KRW within the same city. This is the easiest option.
- 용달 (Yongdal) service: Korea’s equivalent of man-with-a-van. Call 용달이사 services (search “용달” on KakaoMap) for pickup and delivery. Typical cost: 30,000–70,000 KRW for same-city delivery.
- Used appliance shops: Delivery is usually included in the price or costs a flat 10,000–30,000 KRW.
Step 6: Payment
- Danggeun Market: Cash on delivery or bank transfer (계좌이체). Meet in person when possible.
- Bunjang: Use 번개페이 escrow for protection.
- Used shops: Cash, card, or bank transfer accepted at most locations.
- Foreigner tip: Korean bank transfers are the most common payment method. If you have a Korean bank account (available to all visa holders), transfers are instant and free. Without one, cash is your best bet.
What to Watch Out For: Red Flags and Scam Prevention
- Prices too low: A 1-year-old Samsung washer for 50,000 KRW is almost certainly a scam or severely damaged. If the deal seems too good, it probably is.
- No photos of the actual product: Sellers who use stock images instead of real photos of their specific unit are a red flag.
- Pressure to pay before seeing: Never wire money to a stranger before inspecting the appliance (or at minimum seeing a video of it running).
- Missing 제조년도 (manufacturing year): Appliances older than 7–8 years are generally not worth buying, especially refrigerators and air conditioners, due to energy inefficiency and compressor wear.
- Air conditioner installation scams: Some sellers advertise low AC prices but charge excessive installation fees. Always confirm the total cost (product + removal + installation) upfront.
Korean Appliance Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
Bookmark this section — you’ll reference it constantly when browsing Korean secondhand platforms:
- 중고 (junggo): Used/secondhand
- 거의 새것 (geoui saegeos): Like new
- 제조년도 (jejonyeondo): Manufacturing year
- 배송 가능 (baesong ganeung): Delivery available
- 직거래 (jikgeolae): Direct/in-person transaction
- 택배 (taekbae): Parcel delivery (for small items)
- 설치 포함 (seolchi poham): Installation included
- 하자 없음 (haja eopsum): No defects
- 네고 가능 (nego ganeung): Price negotiable
- 무료 나눔 (muryo nanum): Free giveaway
Final Thoughts: Smart Appliance Shopping in Korea
Korea’s used appliance market is one of the best-kept secrets for foreigners living here. The combination of Korea’s frequent-moving culture, premium domestic brands (Samsung, LG, Cuckoo), and well-organized secondhand platforms means you can furnish an entire apartment with quality appliances for under 500,000 KRW ($370 USD) — a fraction of what you’d pay in most developed countries.
Start with Danggeun Market for the best prices, use physical 중고가전 shops for convenience and peace of mind, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. With the vocabulary cheat sheet above and a basic Korean bank account, you’ll navigate the market like a local in no time.
Setting up your new Korean home? You’ll want to stock up on household essentials too. Check out our guides on sourcing Korean products wholesale and the best Korean sunscreens to complete your Korean lifestyle setup.