If you’ve spent any time in Korea, you already know that shopping secondhand isn’t just a trend anymore; it’s practically part of everyday life. Whether people are decluttering their homes, searching for budget-friendly deals, or embracing eco-friendly habits, buying used items has become a normal, smart, and even fun way to shop.
And in 2025, there are five major platforms that everyone in Korea seems to rely on: Karrot (당근마켓), Bunjang (번개장터), Joonggonara (중고나라), Hello Market (헬로마켓), and Danawa Jangteo (다나와 장터). Each one has its own personality, community vibe, and strengths. So if you’re hoping to score great deals or unload things you no longer use, these marketplaces should definitely be on your radar. Let’s dive into what makes each one special.
1. Karrot
Karrot has become the place Koreans go when they want quick, simple, and local secondhand deals. It’s built around your neighborhood, so instead of dealing with long shipping times or distant sellers, you’re meeting people who live right around the corner. That alone gives the app a warm, community vibe, almost like digital window shopping in your own town.
Posting an item couldn’t be easier: snap a photo, add a quick description, and you’re done. People use it for everything: kids’ items, small home appliances, furniture, hobby items, plants, you name it. It’s also become a social hub thanks to its “neighborhood” discussion boards, where people ask for recommendations, share tips, or chat about local happenings.
Karrot’s built-in safety features, including user verification and Karrot Pay, make transactions feel more secure. For buyers who want convenience and for sellers who want fast, no-nonsense deals, Karrot is still the country’s favorite secondhand marketplace in 2025.
2. Bunjang
If you’re the type who loves cool gadgets, limited-edition sneakers, or rare collectibles, Bunjang is basically your playground. Unlike Karrot, which is focused on local meetups, Bunjang functions more like a nationwide marketplace. That means you’re not limited to what people near you are selling; you can browse listings from across the country.
One of the reasons people love Bunjang is its powerful search tools. You can filter items by condition, brand, price, and even rarity. Whether you’re hunting for a specific vintage camera, a pair of hyped sneakers, or K-pop merchandise, Bunjang makes it easy to find exactly what you want.
Bunjang’s Safe Pay feature is a lifesaver, especially for higher-value items. The app holds the payment until both the buyer and seller confirm everything is good, which really cuts down on fraud. And with partnerships for authenticating luxury items and sneakers, you can shop with a lot more confidence.
If you’re into hobbies, tech, or fashion, Bunjang is hands down the most exciting place to browse in 2025.
3. Joonggonara
Joonggonara has been around for years, and it still has a massive influence. What started as a legendary Facebook community has grown into its own app with a huge user base. Because so many people use it, Joonggonara has one of the widest selections of secondhand items in Korea.
Seriously, if you can think of it, someone is selling it here: electronics, instruments, books, cars, small appliances, fashion, luxury goods, furniture, you name it. This is great news for bargain hunters, because the huge competition keeps prices low and options plentiful.
Of course, Joonggonara used to have a reputation for being a bit of a “wild west,” but that’s changed a lot. In recent years, the platform introduced verified accounts, safe payment options, and stronger fraud-monitoring tools. The result? It’s much safer and more user-friendly now.
If you want a massive selection, competitive prices, and a chance to find truly unexpected items, Joonggonara is still a powerhouse in 2025.
4. Hello Market
Hello Market tends to fly under the radar compared to giants like Karrot and Bunjang, but trust me, it’s one of the most underrated secondhand platforms in Korea. The interface is clean, the listing experience is smooth, and the whole platform is built around safe, hassle-free transactions.
One thing users love is that Hello Market handles everything inside the app, from payments to delivery arrangements. Because of its integrated safe-payment system, both buyers and sellers get full protection throughout the process. It’s perfect for people who want peace of mind and don’t feel like coordinating in-person meetups.
Hello Market is especially popular for categories like women’s clothing, home décor, lifestyle goods, gadgets, and small appliances. The app is visually appealing, easy to browse, and great for users who want structure and security without overcomplication.
If you’re the type who enjoys smooth, guided transactions with minimal risk, Hello Market is a solid choice in 2025.
5. Danawa Jangteo
For anyone who loves electronics, PC building, or gadget upgrades, Danawa Jangteo is basically a goldmine. Powered by Danawa, the famous Korean price-comparison site, it gives you access to an entire marketplace dedicated to used tech.
What sets it apart is its connection to Danawa’s price-comparison database. You can instantly check how much an item usually costs new vs. used, which helps prevent overpaying. For tech items where small differences in specs matter a lot, that transparency is extremely helpful.
Danawa Jangteo is especially popular for things like PC parts, monitors, laptops, keyboards, tablets, and smartphones. The listings tend to be detailed, clearly labeled, and posted by sellers who understand the products well. That makes it easier to buy confidently, even when you’re looking for something specific, like a GPU model or SSD size.
If tech is your thing, Danawa Jangteo is easily one of the best and safest places to shop secondhand in 2025.
Conclusion
Korea’s secondhand market is booming in 2025, and these five platforms each offer their own unique strengths. Whether you want neighborhood-friendly deals on Karrot, hobby-focused treasures on Bunjang, a massive variety on Joonggonara, safe and simple transactions on Hello Market, or tech-focused listings on Danawa Jangteo, there’s a perfect platform for every type of shopper.
With sustainability, savings, and convenience becoming bigger priorities for everyone, secondhand shopping isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle. And these marketplaces make it easier than ever to find great deals while giving pre-loved items a new home.
