Learn Must-Know Words, Expressions, and Tips for Buying & Selling Used Items in Korea (중고 거래)
Second-hand shopping is booming in Korea, from apps like 당근마켓 (Karrot Market) to online communities and flea markets. Whether you’re looking to save money, find vintage treasures, or sell things you no longer need, knowing key Korean terms and phrases for 중고 거래 (used item transactions) is essential.
🛍️ Must-Know Second-Hand Vocabulary in Korean
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 중고 | jung-go | Second-hand / Used |
| 새 상품 | sae sang-pum | Brand-new product |
| 중고 거래 | jung-go geo-rae | Used goods transaction |
| 판매 | pan-mae | Sale |
| 구매 | gu-mae | Purchase |
| 직거래 | jik-geo-rae | Direct trade (in-person exchange) |
| 택배 거래 | taek-bae geo-rae | Delivery-based trade |
| 거래처 | geo-rae-cheo | Trading partner |
| 물품 | mul-pum | Item / Goods |
| 상태 | sang-tae | Condition |
| 하자 | ha-ja | Defect / Damage |
| 정품 | jeong-pum | Authentic product |
| 가품 | ga-pum | Fake product |
| 가격 | ga-gyeok | Price |
| 흥정 | heung-jeong | Bargaining |
| 환불 | hwan-bul | Refund |
| 교환 | gyo-hwan | Exchange |
🧾 Useful Second-Hand Verbs & Phrases in Korean
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 판매하다 | pan-mae-ha-da | To sell |
| 구매하다 | gu-mae-ha-da | To purchase |
| 흥정하다 | heung-jeong-ha-da | To negotiate price |
| 거래하다 | geo-rae-ha-da | To trade |
| 직거래를 하다 | jik-geo-rae-reul ha-da | To meet and trade in person |
| 택배로 보내다 | taek-bae-ro bo-nae-da | To send via delivery |
| 가격을 깎다 | ga-gyeok-eul kkak-da | To lower the price |
| 사진을 올리다 | sa-jin-eul ol-li-da | To upload a photo |
| 문의하다 | mun-ui-ha-da | To inquire |
| 사기를 당하다 | sa-gi-reul dang-ha-da | To get scammed |
🗣️ Common Second-Hand Shopping Expressions in Korean
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 아직 판매 중인가요? | a-jik pan-mae jung-in-ga-yo? | Is it still available? |
| 상태는 어떤가요? | sang-tae-neun eo-tteon-ga-yo? | What’s the condition like? |
| 최종 가격이 얼마예요? | choe-jong ga-gyeok-i eol-ma-ye-yo? | What’s your final price? |
| 직거래 가능해요? | jik-geo-rae ga-neung-hae-yo? | Is in-person exchange possible? |
| 어디서 만날까요? | eo-di-seo man-nal-kka-yo? | Where should we meet? |
| 택배비 포함인가요? | taek-bae-bi po-ham-in-ga-yo? | Is shipping included? |
| 고장 난 곳 있어요? | go-jang nan got iss-eo-yo? | Is anything broken? |
| 환불 안 되죠? | hwan-bul an doe-jyo? | Refund not available, right? |
| 정품 맞나요? | jeong-pum mat-na-yo? | Is it authentic? |
💡 Buying & Selling Used Items in Korea – Practical Tips & Cultural Notes
📱 Popular Platforms
- 당근마켓 (Karrot Market) – Local-based app for nearby trades
- 번개장터 (Bungae Market) – Supports both delivery and direct trades
- 중고나라 (Junggo Nara) – A large online second-hand community
🧾 Be Honest and Detailed
- Always post clear photos (사진) and a full item description (상품 설명).
- List any 하자 (defects) or 사용감 (signs of use) to avoid disputes.
🤝 Meet Safely
- For 직거래 (in-person trades), meet in public places like subway station exits or police station “safe zones”.
- Don’t carry too much cash; use 간편결제 (mobile payment) if possible.
🚚 Delivery Etiquette
- Confirm who pays 택배비 (shipping cost).
- Always use tracking numbers (송장 번호) and pack items safely.
⚠️ Avoid Scams (사기 주의)
- Be careful with unusually cheap items or sellers that rush deals.
- Don’t send money until the 상품 상태 (item condition) is confirmed.
- Use platforms that offer 에스크로 결제 (escrow payment) for safety.
🎒 Bonus Vocabulary for Second-Hand Item Categories
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| 전자제품 | jeon-ja-je-pum | Electronics |
| 가전 | ga-jeon | Home appliances |
| 가구 | ga-gu | Furniture |
| 의류 | ui-ryu | Clothing |
| 명품 | myeong-pum | Luxury goods |
| 아기용품 | a-gi-yong-pum | Baby products |
| 책 | chaek | Books |
| 운동기구 | un-dong-gi-gu | Exercise equipment |
| 게임기 | ge-im-gi | Game console |
| 중고차 | jung-go-cha | Used car |
🚨 Smart Second-Hand Shopping in Korea – Safety Reminders
- Ask for 사진 추가 (extra photos) or 영상 (videos) if unsure.
- Always inspect the item before paying in person.
- For expensive items like 중고차 (used cars) or 명품 (luxury goods), use certified inspection services.
- Trust your instincts — if a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is!
🎯 Vocabulary Quiz
- What does “직거래” mean?
- Translate: “Is shipping included?”
- How do you say “I want to negotiate the price” in Korean?
💬 Leave your answers in the comments or practice with a friend!
📚 Want to Learn More?
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✔️ Amusement Park in Korean
✔️ Museum in Korean
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