Hi,
I'm looking to find some second-hand shops or flea markets, other than the one on post because of their limited hours of operations, either here in Ajung-ri, Pyongtaek or even in the Songtan area. Clothes, furniture or knickknacks, doesn't matter too much. Anyone have any experiences here? Thanks, Krista.

I suggest you start your own, maybe in partnership with another family outside the gate. There is much money to be made with a thrift shop or used furniture shop! This is an unknown industry in Korea. Koreans live in small apartments for the most part, and habitually throw things away when they move or if it is replaced. It seems they are too sophisticated to use old or refurnished furniture! Korean recycling laws require a person to pay the local government a fee for disposal of furniture, refrigerators or larger items. The only caution is do not sell appliances which can be identified that you brought into the country tax free, as in your household goods. Such items can be legally sold only to SOFA covered individuals. TV's, other American made electronics and appliances fall into this category. If I had time, and a pickup truck, I could make a very good living re-selling the furniture items and broken appliances I see out in the alleys of Seoul to foreign schoolteachers, who buy furniture and throw it out next year or so when they go home. Those wives looking for something to do -look no further. You will need a Korean business license I would think, unless you run a loan closet or free store. Possibly a non-profit business to benefit an Orphanage? So many possibilities!

I would like to echo Mr. Joe's suggestions. There's a real market there for someone who wants to get in there and sell vintage/ second-hand stuff. I myself buy~ repair and re-sell acoustic guitars.

But back to the topic at hand. If you can get up to Seoul, I would recommend the Dongmyo-Shindang area as a great place for shopping. It's a very traditional market area and a bit of a blast from the past. Check it out.

__________________
A girl came off of the golf course complaining that she had been stung by a bee. The golf pro asked her where did it sting you? She said between the first and second holes. And the golf pro replied: well I can tell you right now that your stance is too wide!

Kinky Friedman

Thanks for your input thus far. Filling that void myself does sound like a great idea and you're right, I think something like that would really take off around here. However, both my husband and I are service members, so unless we hired (or had a volunteer) staff, we would be hard pressed for time to keep it open and running. Thanks again for all you help, and who knows, maybe it's something you could look for in the near future.

If you are both working, you can afford to have a person there maybe 8 hours a day. The problem is finding an honest, responsible person. Good luck!

In all my years there, I've never seen anything like a yard sale or a garage sale. I just didn't realize that until now. lol