Korean Job Discussion Forums

nizpaz · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I've read Lemon's excellent guide in the sticky, but still have a few questions if anyone knows.

I want the Canon EOS450d / Kiss X2 I believe it's also known as.
I've had a look around Techno Mart and also I-Park so I could compare with the other parts of Yongsan. The thing is, I've been quoted from 650,000 to 800,000 for the kit (18-55mm lens), average price being 700,000. Now instantly that is cheaper than the UK. I'm not too interested in US prices as I'm not from there so wouldn't be buying there.

Those prices were without any bargaining etc. There was minimal difference between Techno and IPark and also not at Yongsan itself. But Lemon's guide suggests not to bother with these places for cameras. Is that advice based on price or is it that these places are selling dodgy gear? Have prices in Korea come down significantly in recent months for DSLR's?

A lot of Koreans have DSLR's and I'm sure they do buy online, but there's not enough tourists visiting Korea to support the massive amount of cameras on sale in these places. SO I'm assuming these stores are catering to the Korean market.

Lastly, I'm going to Japan and to Hong Kong on my way out of Korea, but as I won't be returning to any one place, I'd like to know where the best deal is most likely to be. I know about biccamera and yashiba in Japan and I've read some horror stories about HK rip offs, but can't get any actual prices for comparison as yet.

As to warranty. According to Canon Uk, the international warranty is a croc. If you buy in HK, it's a HK warranty and in Korea the same. They won't touch the cameras. Don't know how true that is. So right now, I need a reasonable price, but more important is that it's the real thing as I wouldn't be able to use the warranty wherever I buy it, as I'm heading home.

It's a bit long, so thanks for reading. Anyone with some knowledege/experience of recent DSLR purchases would be appreciated.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

Be VERY careful buying things from these Camera dealers. They are notorious for the bait and switch.

My suggestion is to get someone who has a trusted camera dealer to introduce you to their seller.

AaronDiesel · Joined: 27 Jan 2009

Hong Kong will be a lot cheaper than Japan.

The camera shops along Nathan Road are notorious for bait+switch and other shady tactics. Don't waste your time.

Check out Fortress or Broadway instead. They're a popular chain of electronics stores in HK and their prices are competitive with the small mom-and-pop stores.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

IF you know what you want and what you are willing to pay then the shops around Namdaemun are often better choices than yongsan or technomart.

Do a quick look back through the posts from "superdave" - he has some excellent advice there about DSLRs.

cmr · Joined: 22 Mar 2006

I can't vouch for DSLRs, but in the case of camcorders it can be cheaper because you get less functions, which may not make any difference to you anyway. It didn't to me when I got my Sony camcorder in Korea and I saved over $100 compared with US prices. Maybe it's the same with DSLRs, who knows.