Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Harpeau]

Where can I buy one? Which store? Is anyone willing to sell theirs? In addition, what are some of the bells and whistles that are on yours~ or would you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

[bassexpander]

It's all about replacement filter costs.

Chungpung Mugu is a good Korean brand to consider. Perhaps Sharp is the best in terms of filter replacement costs, but initial purchase prices on both machines is middle-range (or can be high if you want to spend that much on top-of-the-line).

Here's the thing about HEPA air filtering machines:

1. As you've probably found, they're highly overpriced in Korea.
2. Buying filters can be a nightmare, an OEM replacement filter for the less expensive machines can cost almost as much as the machine.
3. Filters can, in some cases, be difficult to find -- by design (they'd rather have you buy a new machine),

My woman and I own 2 machines: One of the cheapest (Hanil HAC-1100) that cost 88,000, and a Chungpung Mugu (CAP-M2010, or basically same as M2001) that cost her over 200,000 new.

The Chungpung Mugu is a really nice machine, in that it adjusts speed automatically after sensing the air. The air sensor DOES work. If she sprays perfume, it ramps up within seconds. If she opens the kimchi refridgerator, it increases in speed.

I farted a silent one once, and she starts saying, "What's that smell?" I played dumb, told her I didn't notice a thing, and within seconds, the Mugu had sniffed it. It went from low to high immediately, and then I was busted.

My cheap Hanil is about the cheapest out there, but it does work (no auto settings). The kicker is the price of the OEM filters are over 60,000 won. Almost as much as a new machine. In the USA, they tell you to replace the HEPA every 6 months to a year. I clean the pre-filter every month or so, and replaced the main filter after a year.

We found this guy for cheaper filter replacements (about half) but we noticed that the filters don't quite fit EXACTLY, but are for all practical purposes, probably close enough. The OEM Mugu filters have a foam edge that causes a better seal. But the cheaper filters from this guy seem to work good enough:

www.oclaire.co.kr

Heck, if you wanted to add your own cheap seal around the edges of the filter, you could buy some thin-sized door-gap insualtion foam for a few thousand won, stick it all the way around the edge of the filter outside, and boom... seal. I haven't bothered with it, because I don't see it as necessary, really.

[Harpeau]

Thank you very much for that informative response. Just wondering, do you buy them wholesale or at a particular store? Where can one find good deals? Thank you! Anyone else?

[bassexpander]

Buy them online, or check prices online, then haggle at Technomart or Yongsan's newer builing... I forget the name.. E something. You can see a lot of them on the floor there (but priced high to start). Check out this comparison site: www.enuri.com . You might also find a good deal on that filter refill site I mentioned.

We've only purchased refills once, from that Oclaire site I linked to above. They fit, but as I mentioned, they probably aren't 100% as efficient because air can maybe sneak in along the edges of the filter a little (maybe it's almost too small to worry about).

Since we can buy the filters for around 30,000 won instead of 70,000, we feel it's worth it to go cheap. The HEPA part of the filter is exactly identical, anyway, and they actually include more secondary filters with the Mugu replacement filter from Oclaire.

I think I got my Hanil at a Hi-mart... that model is so inexpensive, they are priced about the same everywhere. It's obviously an entry-level model that is meant to make $$ off of filter refills. You have to call Hanil for the refills (unless you find a site like O'claire, which took us a lot of hunting), and as I mentioned before, Hanil wants 60,000+ for filter replacements on that 88,000 won model! Nuts! So at 45,000 for the Hanil replacement filter from that site, we're happy!

The Mugu is a better unit for a bedroom, however, because it's quiet. Actually, the Hanil is good and quiet at it's lowest of 3 manual settings, but you just have to click the switch yourself. My Hanil is over a year old, and going strong -- running 24 hours a day. Same with the Mugu.

We do notice the difference.

[bassexpander]

Another note:

The Mugu is a better unit, as far as looks go, and internals. The Hanil is bigger, and can be found in bright green or orange (yuck). I see it's down to 79,000 online.

http://www.enuri.com/search/Searchlist.jsp?searchkind=1&nosearchkeyword=&es=&c=&keyword=hac1100

These things are rated for Pyung size. The Mugu is around 5 pyung, I think, and the Hanil is 30 max pyung. I think that the measurements for pyung on their models isn't accurate at all. The mugu is running in a 16 pyung officetell (actual size is about 9 pyung) and works great in there.

http://www.enuri.com/search/Searchlist.jsp?searchkind=1&es=&keyword=mugu

I think the Mugu has a better thing going (costs twice as much), and would be a better buy for a family man thinking of having it for a longer period. The Hanil is a better economy model for people who just want something that will get the job done for less money.

The inside of the mugu system has another secondary filter stage.

You can buy other models from many brands, and spend over 400,000 if you want for the better units.

Look here: http://www.enuri.com/view/List.jsp?menu=1&cate=050607

Then click the little photo button at the far middle-left.. the one that says FILTER in Korean. Then you can choose HEPA or your pyung size and get the full list.

[deadman]

Thanks for the good info, bassxpander.

[bassexpander]

Oh, just a price update. My O'claire refills for my Hanil model were 45,000 won, and the refills for the Chungpung Mugu were 35,000 won.

Still cheaper than the OEM filters.

If you can't find your model on that O'Claire filter link, then call and ask the guy (in Korean). He has refills for models that aren't listed on that site.

[mrsquirrel]

Here are some of the budget ones from that Enuri site. Any ideas as to what the filter cost is or the manufacturer?

http://www.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=114414603&GoodsSale=Y&jaehuid=200002673

APpears to double as a camera. for 29k is it worth buying and chucking out?

http://www.interpark.com/product/MallDisplay.do?_method=detail&sc.shopNo=0000100000&sc.prdNo=34289191&sc.dispNo=016001

27k filter cost 31k? Any idea how often they need to be changed?

[JungMin]

Awesome post Bass....I was thinking about getting one too.

Cheers for that!!

[Harpeau]

Just bunping this informative thread up (being yellowdust season and all). Looking to replace my filter. Anyone selling one? Want to upgrade to a better one and ut the old one in the office.

Thanks.