Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hossenfeffer]

I'm moving to Seoul soon and was wondering whether I should buy a guitar there or bring one from home. Are there reasonably priced acoustic guitars for sale in Seoul? How much would a "d" body acoustic set me back?

thank you for your time

[luvnpeas]

I came here without my guitar, and have noticed that prices seem to be about the same as in the US. I haven't done serious shopping yet, but it is on my to-do list.

Does anybody have any recommendations?

[Harpeau]

I've got 10 guitars for sale. D-Dreadnot soldi-top guitars are probably 25% less expensive here than in the USA. Many of the acousitc guitars that are produced are made in Korea (with Canadian lumber). The markup isn't quite as huge as back home~ depending on the brand. (Godin~ e.g. Seagull's are the exception, of course.)

Best of luck to you!

www.harpo.ca

[enns]

Guitar shops here are relatively easy to find(even some E-Marts have decent selections) and the quality is comparable to back home. The prices are slightly lower here too. IMO, don't waste money and effort bringing one from home.

[hossenfeffer]

Thanks for the information. It seems to make more sense buying a guitar when I arrive than bringing one from home. I appreciate everyone's comments. What is the music scene like in Seoul?

Harpeau...do you have a web site where I can check out your guitars?

[SirFink]

As with all things in Korea, there are plenty of guitars but not much choice in brands. I suppose it's the country's protectionist trade policies. Which is to say 99% of what I've seen in the stores is Korean- or Chinese-made. If you want a Martin or Taylor you'll pay about twice for it what you'd pay back home. To paraphrase Henry Ford: "You can buy any brand you like as long as it's a Cort."

If you're just looking for something cheap you'll be fine.

[tweeterdj]

[hossenfeffer]

I started this thread when I was back in the states. I didn't want to bring my 1946 Martin 00-18 and I figured I'd buy a cheap guitar here. While I appreciate every suggestion offered here, now that I am in Seoul, I have found the definitive answer on where to buy guitars and musical equipment and would like to share that with you.

When you get here, you'll have to learn how to use the subway system. Once you feel up to it, take Line 3 (the orange line) to Jongno 3(sam)-ga. If you get a subway map you cannot miss it. Once off the metro, you will find yourself in a district that abounds in musical instruments. Don't be tempted to stop at the first shop you see selling guitars. Go to "Nak Won Sang Gia", a huge building/warehouse. Here you will find everything you need and more.

Happppy hunting

[luvnpeas]

[bombenhagen]

Does anyone know if Jackson's are sold here? High end? I've been killing to buy a flying V again, high end not like the old Kramer Focus I had.

[Brady]

Nagwon looks like a giant parking garage. Go to Jongno 3 station and look at the neighborhood map for the right exit. I think it's 12.

[Harpeau]

[fruitcake]

[Harpeau]

Many guitars are made in Asia. Most of the "top of the line" guitars are made in Can/US. There are some great places to get good deals around town. Contact me if you want the sweet & lowdown. Wink

[RACETRAITOR]

One of my friends bought a great acoustic guitar for 20 bucks in Dongdaemoon. Then his girlfriend smashed it when she kicked him out.