How I Practiced Smart Spending through Secondhand Shopping

1. Introduction: The Korean Spirit of Saving

In Korean culture, the idea of “saving, sharing, and reusing” has been passed down for generations. Even as the country has grown more modern and fast-paced, many Koreans still value frugality and mindful consumption in their daily lives.

Today, the concept of saving goes beyond simply spending less — it’s about living sustainably and protecting the environment. One of the most popular ways Koreans practice this is through secondhand shopping, using platforms such as Danggeun Market (known as “Karrot” in English) and Junggonara (a popular online used-goods marketplace).

These platforms make it easy for anyone to sell unwanted items and buy what they need at a lower price — all while promoting community connection and eco-friendly habits. I’ve personally embraced this lifestyle, and it has changed the way I think about spending.

2. Real-Life Examples

After this past summer, I realized I needed a new fan — but when I checked online stores, the prices were higher than I expected. Instead of buying brand-new, I decided to check Danggeun Market, a popular secondhand app in Korea where people sell items to their neighbors.

I quickly found a barely used fan for less than half the original price. The seller lived just a few blocks away, so we met in person, and I was thrilled with how well it worked. It felt like buying something new at a bargain.

Encouraged by that experience, I also searched for a mop vacuum cleaner I had been wanting for months. New ones were around 200,000 KRW (about $150), but I found one that had only been used once for just 80,000 KRW. It was a great deal — the product worked perfectly, and I saved over 100,000 KRW in total between the two purchases.

3. The Impact of Saving

Through these small but meaningful purchases, I discovered that saving isn’t just about spending less — it’s about making smart, conscious choices.

- Financial benefit: I saved more than 50% compared to retail prices.

- Environmental value: By reusing existing products, I reduced waste and carbon emissions.

- Emotional satisfaction: I felt proud of making a wise decision and enjoyed the friendly connection with my neighbors.

Danggeun Market’s local-based trading system also adds extra benefits — no shipping fees, less packaging waste, and safer, more trustworthy transactions within the community.

4. The Cultural Value of Korean Frugality

In Korea, frugality isn’t about being cheap — it’s about being wise and resourceful. There’s an old saying, “Be frugal but not shabby”, which perfectly captures this mindset. The goal is to live modestly yet meaningfully, spending where it matters and avoiding waste where it doesn’t.

Modern platforms like Danggeun Market and Junggonara represent the evolution of traditional Korean saving values in the digital age. With just a smartphone, people can buy and sell with their neighbors, extending the life of products and strengthening local communities at the same time.

This reflects how Korean frugality has transformed into a modern movement — one that values practicality, sustainability, and human connection all at once.

5. How This Can Work Abroad

This idea isn’t unique to Korea. People in other countries can easily apply the same principles through platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp.

Here’s how you can try it:

- Buy secondhand items instead of new whenever possible.

- Donate or resell items you no longer need.

- Practice eco-friendly consumption by choosing quality over quantity.

Korea’s secondhand trading culture shows how saving money can align with environmental awareness and community values — creating a lifestyle that’s both sustainable and meaningful.

6. In Conclusion

By purchasing a fan and a mop vacuum cleaner through secondhand platforms, I experienced firsthand how practical and rewarding the Korean way of saving can be.

I didn’t just save money — I learned to value resourcefulness, sustainability, and human connection in daily life.

In a world that often pushes us to buy more, the Korean approach reminds us that living wisely is the real wealth.

This way of thinking isn’t limited to one culture — it’s a universal lesson in how small choices can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling life.