Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cigar_Guy]

I've spoken a few times on the boards (and also in private) about my one little vendor find at Yongsan. It's a small spot that mostly has blank DVDs, keyboards, mice and the like in stock. However, when I came to them with a long list of parts when I wanted to build my desktop, they went to some pretty far lengths to get exactly what I wanted.

Every single part on my desktop came from them, almost everything name-brand (nothing too too swanky, but still). They made countless calls, dragging poor schlub delivery guys from all over the market to their spot so I could have exactly what I asked them for (except for the video card--after about a half-dozen calls they told me "Everyone's out of stock and the company is no longer selling it in Korea"). Not only that, but they got me everything at a price either at or just under the price listing on Danawa.

I'm not bragging or anything, but I do wonder: am I the only one who has a favorite spot to go for hardware at Yongsan, and maybe is known well enough that the people recognize you when you show up?

Almost forgot--though they have absolutely no software, they were able to track down an English language copy of Windows XP for me.

[Cigar_Guy]

Wow, no one? Everyone just putzes around looking for bargains when they need something new, or do we have some specific places we know to go for particular items?

I only thought of this now, but in addition to my main vendor, I also have a vendor I go to regularly for games and another one for my movies.

Come on--I can't be the only one!

[kprrok]

I've been there once. Ordered one other time. I haven't shopped enough to develop any loyalty. but what place is this you speak off? Can you give me directions? He sounds like a good guy to shop with.

KPRROK

[eamo]

You know I tried a thread similar to this a couple of weeks ago and with the exceptions of CG and the Guru there doesn't seem to be much vendor loyalty in Yongsan. I guess people just wander around until they think they are getting a decent deal.

[Cigar_Guy]

Alright, I'll give the directions here for all to see.

Starting from the subway, walk out of the train station towards Space 9 (or whatever it's called nowadays). There should be three large entrances to the third floor (the one with all the cameras)--the entrances straddle a Baskin Robbins and a Dunkin Donuts. Use the entrance on the far right (next to the DD) and walk straight ahead to the escalator.

Take the escalator up two flights to the 5th floor. Walk straight ahead (you'll almost be at the far wall). Immediately to your right you'll see a vendor selling computers with a ton of flatscreens up on the shelf facing you. The very next vendor is the one you want--the last one before you hit the wall.

You'll see a ton of computer knick-knacks for sale--flash memory cards, blank DVDs, headphones, keyboards, mice, speakers, stuff like that. Usually there's a woman working there--about 5'2", very friendly, probably in her mid-30s but dresses like a teenager (you've gotta love her).

Now, look, guys. I'm not saying this place is Shangri-La where any computer component you want can be gotten at half-price of what Danawa tells you you'll pay, so please no one go in there and get upset when they can't deliver such a deal. I would, however, highly recommend them if you're putting together a whole new machine (I've said it before and I'll say it again: EVERY component in my desktop was procured here, minus the monitor that I borrowed from work), or if there's something you're really clueless about where to look for.

Example: I wasn't all that thrilled with the cases I see in most places in Yongsan, and after doing a little research I fell in love with Antec's Sonata II (http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=15139# and in "Piano Key Black" no less!). Anyway, I didn't have the slightest fargin' clue where to look for something this specific--no problem. Wrote it down on the list with three or four other things I needed and BAM! the calls got made, and before you knew it some guy comes by wheeling the thing up. Great service, good price--which is why I like tossing some business their way when I can.

[mishlert]

When it comes to X-Box I go to the Game Park because he, the owner, speaks English. Also, after he modded my X-Box I had a problem that could not be easily fixed, so he did it and charged nothing.

[Demophobe]

Cigar guy....I too have a guy in Yongsan who did the exact same work for me on countless occasions. I go to him for my parts as well as for friends or people who want a system put together.

He is honest, does exchange / refunds for me, makes all the calls, gives exact specs that I lay out for him, packages and delivers to my town and he too gets all the prices almost exactly the same as on Danawa. All for a small fee of 40,000; something I am happy to give him.

He charges me this because he usually doesn't have the parts I want in his small corner. He indeed sells computer parts, but not the ones I am after. If I can, when I go there in person, I buy from him. A case, CDs, DVDs....something to contribute to moving his own stock a bit.

The cool thing is I feel like I know this guy. I have been going to him for about 4 years now and he understands that I trust him and appreciate him being there and being honest.

So, yes...I have a connection as well; one that I wouldn't want to be without. Not living in Seoul and loathing the day trips there, he saves me a heck of a lot of time and bother.