Korean Job Discussion Forums

[You]

Is there a difference in the apples the homeplus sells for 2k for a bag of 5, and the apples the guy on the side of the road sells for 5k for a bag of 15?

They look the same to me and I'd like to buy from the guy to support him and his family, is there any reason I shouldn't buy a bag from the guy?

[crossmr]

[You]

Ah, Alright. Thank you

[ytuque]

My Korean friends think there is no problems like use of illegal pesticides etc. with the street vendors fruits and vegetables. They do say that you must try before you buy because maybe it's good and maybe not.

Some of these vendors have better produce than the big markets.

[cdninkorea]

I buy all my produce (fruit and veggies) from Cheongnyangni Market, a huge open air farmer's market near Dongdaemun. I find the quality the same as the store, but much cheaper. Heads of broccoli, for example, are only 800-1000 won, compared to 2000-3000 won at E-Mart or a local "Supa"

[crossmr]

[Jane]

My morning coffee guy often educates me on fruit in Korea as he buys from the daily auctions for his business.

He said that the quality of fruit on the street varies widely. One way to score better tasting fruit is to go to a vendor that is consistently busy, because vendors that go through inventory quickly will buy fruit that is more perishable--which is usually better quality and flavour--cuz they know it will sell.

Furthermore, it's better to buy from vendors who have been selling for years because they are familiar with the different kinds of hybrids available every year and know which ones to buy. In fact, good vendors usually develop a trust relationship with people and a better relationship means the vendor will recommend what is good so you come back. So it's always good to foster some goodwill.

He also said that there are hundreds of kinds of hybrids for all fruits in Korea, and a typical hybrid will available on average one week. In other words, if you buy apples for example one week, the next week you probably won't find the same hybrid, and therefore flavour.

[OneWayTraffic]

The word for apples is 'cultivars'.

Anyway Jane's advice is spot on. It's worth taking a punt on a truck driving by, but make sure you know your fruit well. Out of the dozens of times I've done that I've been ripped off just a few times. Better to pick a local vendor, and one who's in the same spot every day. Keep a mental note of the quality.

For example, there's this Halmoni who's by Seokchon station. She's always in the same spot and usually has decent fruit a a fair price. I've learned this, and if I'm going by I check out what she has.

[kalbi]

I will choose the guy in truck any time he is available.

However, when he isn't then I go to the supa or the dept store.

[Ruthdes]

If you're talking about supporting the person with the family, don't forget the supas are often family owned too. I'm loyal to mine because either the husband or wife are in there at all times, and they always have a smile for me. The husband even speaks English pretty well. I'm sure there are cheaper places to buy, but the owners of the other supa in the area would either ignore or glare at me when I walked in. They've shut down since, but even if they were open, I wouldn't go there anymore.