If you’re living in Korea or traveling here for an extended period, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to buy and sell items locally. Among the many options, '당근'(Danggeun, meaning ‘carrot’ in Korean) stands out as a leading app for local secondhand trading. It’s simple, convenient, and widely used. Personally, I use it often, and I believe this post will be super helpful for you if you plan to live in Korea for a while.
What is Danggeun?
'당근마켓'(Danggeun Market), launched in 2015, is a Korean secondhand trading platform whose name translates to "당신 근처의 마켓"(The Market Near You) Over time, people shortened it to ‘당근,’ and in 2023, the company officially changed its name to reflect this. Koreans love abbreviations, don’t they? 😊
The app’s defining feature is its location-based system. Before Danggeun, secondhand transactions often relied on delivery, which could sometimes lead to issues. Danggeun introduced a neighborhood-based system that quickly gained popularity.
- Local Transactions: Users can only trade with others within a 5–10 km (3–6 mile) radius.
- Wide Variety of Items: Categories range from electronics, furniture, and clothing to books, baby products, and more.
Danggeun is so embedded in Korean daily life that phrases like "당근 했어 (I did Danggeun today)" (meaning "I made a secondhand transaction today") reflect just how popular it has become.
Why is Danggeun Popular?
Convenient Local Trading
Unlike other secondhand platforms, Danggeun limits transactions to your local area. This eliminates the need for complicated shipping processes, making transactions quicker and easier. Personally, I find that trading with neighbors feels more trustworthy and enjoyable.
Free Sharing (나눔, Na-num)
Sometimes people give away items they no longer need for free. This is called ‘나눔'(Na-num, sharing). I once gave away an old chair I no longer needed after buying a new one, and I was happy it didn’t go to waste. On the flip side, I’ve also received a free dining chair through Danggeun. It’s common to express gratitude with small gestures, like giving fruit or drinks, fostering a sense of community.
Simple and User-Friendly Interface
While the app operates in Korean, its intuitive design makes it easy to use, even for foreigners with basic Korean skills.
I’ll share a fun story: After returning to Korea from four years in Thailand, I posted an unused fridge on Danggeun. I received a message from someone whose Korean sounded a little off—it turned out they were Thai! Their account name also seemed Thai, so I switched to Thai, and we had a great chat. Selling the fridge to a fellow Thai felt like reconnecting with home, and I even gave them a discount because of the warm connection.
Community Features
Beyond buying and selling, Danggeun has a community section where you can share information with locals. From neighborhood events and recommendations to job postings, this feature helps users adapt to their area more easily.
How to Use Danggeun
Download and Create an Account
- Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
- Create an account by verifying your phone number.
Set Your Location
- Choose your neighborhood to see posts from nearby users.
- Location verification is GPS-based, and you can set up to two locations (e.g., “Gangnam, Seoul” and “Yongsan, Seoul”).
Find Items and Make Deals
- Browse by category or search for specific items.
- Message sellers to start a conversation.
- Agree on a meeting time and place to finalize the deal.
Safety Tips for Direct Transactions
- Meet in busy public places.
- Prepare cash or use simple mobile payment methods.
Tips for Foreign Users
Use Translation Apps:
Most posts are in Korean, so apps like Google Translate or Papago can help you understand listings.
Learn Key Terms:
- Na-num (나눔) = Free items
- Jik-georae (직거래) = Face-to-face trading
- Mi-gae-bong (미개봉) = Brand new (unopened)
Join the Community:
Use the app to discover neighborhood tips and learn more about Korean culture.
The Joys of Using Danggeun
- Eco-Friendly: By reusing secondhand items, you’re contributing to sustainability.
- Cultural Insight: Experience a slice of Korean daily life and connect with local communities.
- Cost Savings: Save money by buying secondhand instead of brand-new items.
Whether you need something for your home or want to declutter, Danggeun is an excellent tool for foreigners living in Korea. It helps you connect with neighbors and immerse yourself in Korean life while saving money and protecting the planet.
Why not give it a try and see what treasures await you? :)
