Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jack_b57]

I don't want to pay 200,000 won for sunglasses. Anyone know where to get a decent pair of shades that won't break the bank?

Also - does more expensive mean better quality when it comes to shades?

[Horangi Munshin]

The ones in glasses shops might be overpriced but they will be 'good' ones. Recognized brands anyway. The 10000won market jobs at the other end probably only have some UV spray over the cheap plastic.

[DorkothyParker]

I got some good prescription sunglasses for about 130k. Most of that was the cost of the special lenses, obvs. Just go to any glasses shop and choose a pair that feels right. I think most of the Korean brands were under 100k and there is usually a sale somewhere.

[Swampfox10mm]

For years, I have spent 10,000 won for the Oakley rip-offs sold in Itaewon along the south side of the street just past Outback steakhouse. These days the Oakley name has been removed, but they still rip-off the look from Oakleys. As often as I lose them, it's best not to spend a lot on sunglasses. They work just fine.

[nw25th]

pretty much everything you want is going to have that 50-100% tariff on it. Even in duty free they are way too much. Hmmmmmm...I actually have a pair of Vonzipper Absinthes I don't really wear...if you look em up and like em shoot me a line....

[Sticks]

If you actually want your eyes to have UV protection then find a good brand from a glasses shop, otherwise the el-cheapo's from the subway stall are fine.

I've heard the dark tinting will dilate your pupils to let in even more UV, makes sense to me, ouchy ouchy.

[Swampfox10mm]

[Sticks]

Sounds ok to me, whatever floats your boat. Peer reviewed articles?

[jack_b57]

Are shades more expensive in Korea than say...the States, or Canada, or Australia? (Someone mentioned a tariff on shades.)

[nw25th]

I've found that they're much more expensive...well, can you think of any Korean brand that makes sunglasses? Imported=More

[nw25th]

I've found that they're much more expensive...well, can you think of any Korean brand that makes sunglasses? Imported=More

[EricB]

The eyeglasses market near Namdaemun is the place to go. There are quite a few shops and they all have a lot of frames to choose from. The places I went had a section that was full of Korean (and Chinese) made frames that were basically copies of more well-known foreign brands. These were all very cheap and I had some made (including a prescription) for under W100,000. They were finished within an hour.
Most places also have a section with genuine brand names that are significantly more expensive. I had regular glasses made with these frames and they turned out well.
This market is definitely where it's at if you want sunglasses- or regular glasses for that matter. I've heard that a lot of the shops in Seoul get most of their stock from the suppliers in Namdaemun but sell them at a mark-up.
If, on the other hand, you simply want some cheap non-prescription shades with questionable UV protection, the stalls in Itaewon can't be beat.

[red_devil]

Why skimp when it comes to your eyes. Get one good pair and they'll last. They also come with a full store warranty.

[jack_b57]

Hey, great ehow article. Off to get cheapo sunglasses I go!

[Mr. Peabody]

Good lenses that won't cause eye strain are what you should be most concerned about.

If blocking UV rays are your only worry, just tape some old film negatives on your eyebrows!