Korean Job Discussion Forums

[zhanknight]

I'm looking for a new digital camcorder and have my eye on a particular Samsung model. Is Yongsan Electronics Market a good place to go? I've heard that it's excellent, and I've also heard that it's a hassle. Any experiences? I tried to search, but I'm just getting a blank white results screen.

[LDJS]

Yongsan is a good place to get a camera.

Much cheaper than the UK anyhow (where isn't?)

Be aware that the closer they are to the main entrance, the more they will quote you.

Get quotes from many stalls and each time try to drive the price down (gakka juseyo - 'can I get a discount?) After around 5 stalls you'll have found the price no-one is willing to go below.

Easy.

But - why Samsung? As an (amateur) filmaker I have to say they are awful with regards to build quality and performance. Really shoddy. they make good Tv's and dvd players, but their digital still and digital film cameras really suck.

Panasonic are a good option imo as are obviously Cannon, Sony or Olympus at slighty higher prices.

Panasonic is a good compromise usually in the home use / prosumer market between price, durability and function / picture quality.

Just my tuppence.

[ThingsComeAround]

Sheesh Yongsan? stay away!

You could get a Samsung camera/camcorder at ETLand or 삼성전자 (huge blue store dedicated to selling Samsung electronics). They could offer a fair price w/o having to run all the way to Yongsan for some hack to overcharge on what could be a refurbished machine.

The above poster had it right, though- Samsung isn't known for high-end recording devices. But if that's your brand....

[seoulsucker]

Do some prelim shopping online and find the lowest price you can, print it up and shop it around to see if anyone will match it or beat it. It has worked for me lots of times in the Yongsan area.

[LDJS]

True that ^^

The guys at Yongsan are just trying to make as much of a buckskin as they can, that's all. But if you show them you're no fresh daisy, they'll be reasonable to amke a sale rather than not make the sale most of the times. Also, some of the older, higher up stores in that main I-park have some good ex display model / 2nd hand deals from time to time.

But for the uninitiated and the meek , Yongsan can be very intimidating for reals.

[zhanknight]

Interesting, all good stuff guys. Thanks!

I was thinking Samsung because the hmx-200 series are in my price range and meet or exceed the features I'd like to have. I really like doing time lapse stuff, and the hmx200/204/205 have built in functionality for it.

Also, I figured a Korean brand would be cheaper in Korea.

However, I'm no expert and I'm open to recommendations. What else is out there?

[blackjack]

doubt you will get it cheaper than here

http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_search/search_total.asp?SearchClassFormWord=goodsSearch&keyword=hmx-h200

[zhanknight]