Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gillod]

So, we live in Gwamnyeong on the "Street of Furniture". Most stores have display items out in front of the shop. But every night they cover those with tarps or bing them in. However, there are usually aq few items 'out on the curb', uncovered or sometimes broken in a slight way.

Is it okay to take these? Sometimes we'd love to nab a scuffed armchair, but we're afraid we'd actually be stealing. For what it's worth, the late-night trash machine always seems to grab them. Or, at kleast, we don't see them in the AM.

Experience? Thoughts?

[Cohiba]

So, I think if the garbage men grab them, then it is OK for you to also.

[eIn07912]

Wait till Chinese (or Lunar) New Year. Usually around Feb.

It's East Asian tradition to toss out old furniture from the year before as it hold bad spirits or something. Every Feb I see piles of furniture outside the apartments. And it's free for the taking. That's how I came across my couch, a chair, and a book shelf. My friends have also decorated their apartments with such. Just be sure to clean it well. If it's a piece of furniture with material or cushions, take it to a dry cleaner. Most of the time they'll steam clean it for 10 or 20 bucks.

As for your situation, if it's outside a furniture store, I wouldn't touch it. Just to be safe. We stick out like sore thumbs here and more people are watching you than you think. Your intentions might not be to steal, but that may be what you're accused of. If its near a pole or a wall with actual bags of trash and broken down boxes or wood, then I'd say it's okay to grab it. Just wait till it's late and take a friend so you can move quickly.

[bassexpander]

If there's a tag (sticker) affixed to it, then the recycle guys will pick it up before the dong office trucks do, if it's good.

You can snatch those.