Korean Job Discussion Forums

Surfer Rosa · Joined: 24 Mar 2009

Do you typically shop online on at say Amazon, or, order from companies within Korea? I need some stuff for my house but don't really want to pay ridiculous international shipping costs.

Also, how does package delivery work here? If I wasn't home to accept a package, would it go to my local post office or FedEx office?

Asianista · Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Location: Seoul

I recently moved into a new, unfurnished flat and had to buy almost everything. I went to brick and mortar stores for furniture, but I didn't like their prices, and specially got the feeling I was being told a 'special' price for my 'special white' face...

Nevertheless....

I surfed on Gmarket and found nice, very well priced pieces of furniture I was looking for and started by ordering a sofa. I was so pleased with the quality, look and price of the sofa, that I ordered the rest as well from the website. All was delivered fast, it was comform to what was shown on the pictures.

I now buy a lot of stuff online, like water filters, coffee, small home appliances, it's a lot cheaper than in stores and it gets delivered to your doorsteep.

My building has a guard downstairs who receives parcels for us, so I don't know about the delivery to the post office or else.

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

Gmarket is the way to go in Korea. Shipping is a breeze. Packages will go to the local post office if there's no one at your building to pick it up. Paying by bank transfer is far superior to credit card.

bewolff · Joined: 07 Jan 2007

I agree. Gmarket.co.kr has a wide selection of things. On their site you can select English, and get a largely English interface.

When you want to check out there are multiple payment methods. One is "Gaccount". After confirming the purchase they give you a bank account number for you to transfer the money to. You have a week to make the transfer.

Shipped stuff can be left in the management office of your apartment, ususally. Also there is a place on the order to give special instructions to the vendor. I don't know if it works but you can tell them to deliver it after 5 pm maybe.