Second-hand store Seoul: My best addresses
Seoul's thrift and second-hand shopping scene has boomed in recent years. Whether you're looking for unique vintage clothing, trendy streetwear pieces or authentic luxury items at discounted prices, the Korean capital offers a multitude of options to suit all budgets and styles.
In this article, I'm going to introduce you to my top addresses for second-hand stores in Seoul, organized by neighborhood to facilitate your shopping journey. You'll find practical information about each store, price ranges, types of items on offer and my personal recommendations.
The best second-hand stores in Seongsu-dong
A former industrial district transformed into a mecca for hipster culture, Seongsu-dong (nicknamed the "Brooklyn of Seoul") is home to several quality thrift stores housed in rehabilitated former warehouses.
Million Archive (밀리언아카이브)
Address: 서울특별시 성동구 성수2가제3동 아차산로5길 24-18
Website: https://www.millionarchive.com/
Million Archive is a vast hangar where you'll find an impressive quantity of clothes carefully sorted by color. It's the ideal place for bargain hunters who love to rummage.
Highlights:
- Large selection of brands such as Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger from 20,000 won (approx. €13).
- Color-coded organization makes it easy to find coordinated parts
- Typical industrial atmosphere in Seongsu-dong
If you take the time to explore the shelves, you'll find some interesting nuggets at very reasonable prices. The store is particularly well stocked with classic American shirts and sweaters.
Air Vintage
Address: 서울특별시 성동구 연무장길 39 B1
Located in the basement of a renovated industrial building, Air Vintage offers a cutting-edge selection of semi-luxury and classic streetwear.
Highlights:
- Large collection of vintage handbags
- Selection of Stone Island, Supreme, Adidas, Nike, The North Face and Burberry pieces
- Underground atmosphere perfect for streetwear fans
Prices are a little higher than in some other thrift stores, but the quality and authenticity of the pieces more than justify the difference. A must for fans of high-end streetwear.
Renewed
Address: 서울특별시 성동구 연무장19길 11 1층
Website: https://www.renewed.kr/
Renewed is a newly opened boutique offering basics and well-known brands at very affordable prices.
Highlights:
- Parts from 7,000 won (approx. €4)
- Mix of well-known brands (Tommy Hilfiger, Nike) and basics like Zara or Musinsa
- Well-organized, easy-to-navigate store
If you're looking to update your wardrobe with quality basics without breaking the bank, Renewed is the place to go. The boutique is particularly popular with local students and young professionals.
The best second-hand stores in Hongdae
A trendy student quarter, Hongdae is a paradise for trendy thrift shops with a young, creative atmosphere.
LINK Vintage
Address: 서울특별시 마포구 어울마당로 2층 지하1층 80
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lien_vintage/
LIEN is a reference for fashion lovers of the 80s and 90s in Hongdaewith an impressive collection of vintage handbags.
Highlights:
- Large selection of luxury and semi-luxury handbags (Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton)
- Many unique custom designs
- Retro ambience with an excellent playlist
Please note: Be on the lookout for fakes, especially in the case of customized models. Don't hesitate to ask the staff for details about the authenticity of the pieces you're interested in.
Seoul Vintage
Address: 서울특별시 마포구 홍익로 13 1층
This boutique offers a wide selection of semi-luxury and luxury brands in a well-appointed space in the heart of Hongdae.
Highlights:
- Nice assortment of Nike, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Supreme and The North Face pieces
- Well-organized clothing in excellent condition
- Knowledgeable and helpful staff
Prices are a little higher than the average Seoul thrift store, mainly due to the store's touristy location. Nevertheless, the quality of the items on offer often justifies this price differential.
ROOT HONGDAE
Address: 서울특별시 마포구 동교동 162 15 지하 1층
ROOT is probably Hongdae's most popular thrift store, thanks to its huge selection and attractive prices.
Highlights:
- Vast space with a huge variety of products
- Prices starting at 5,000 won for unbranded parts
- Every imaginable color, style and type of clothing
For me, it's THE MUST-SEEE ADDRESS if you only have one thrift store to visit in Hongdae. Make sure you allow plenty of time, as the store is really big and full of hidden treasures.
The best second-hand stores in Dongmyo
Dongmyo is the district par excellence for bargain hunters, with Seoul's lowest prices for second-hand clothes.
Vintori (빈토리 동묘1호점)
Address: 서울특별시 종로구 창신동 지봉로4길 28
Website: https://vintori.shop/
Vintori is one of Dongmyo's most popular addresses, offering unbeatable prices on a wide range of clothing.
Highlights:
- Ultra-attractive prices: items from 4,000 / 6,000 / 10,000 won
- Large selection of second-hand clothing and accessories
- Brands such as Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren at discount prices
I particularly liked their collection of caps and belts, with pieces in excellent condition at rock-bottom prices.
Captain Village (캡틴빌리지)
Address: 서울특별시 종로구 창신동 394-1번지 필현빌딩 1층 108호
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Captainvillagedongmyo/
For sports enthusiasts, Captain Village is a true paradise with its specialization in Korean sports team jerseys.
Highlights:
- Large selection of Korean baseball, soccer and basketball jerseys
- Very affordable prices (typical of Dongmyo)
- A fine selection of vintage jackets
It's the perfect place to find a unique and authentic souvenir. But beware of counterfeits, especially for NBA teams.
Second-hand luxury boutiques in Seoul
If you're looking for authentic luxury items at reduced prices, such as designer handbags, watches or luxury jewelry, here are the best addresses in Seoul.
RIND (Jongno-gu)
Address: Jongno-gu, Seoul (near traditional Korean Hanok)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rind_seoul/
RIND is a high-end boutique specializing in exceptional luxury pieces.
Highlights:
- Unique pieces from prestigious brands such as Christian Dior, Comme des Garçons and Gucci
- Highly curated selection
- Elegant setting near traditional Korean houses
Prices range from 200,000 to 600,000 won, well below new prices for these luxury brands. The boutique offers rare pieces that are hard to find elsewhere.
YJ Luxe (와이제이럭스 강남본점)
Address: KR 서울특별시 강남구 신사동 662-1번지 1F 와이제이럭스 강남본점 5F
Located in the upscale Gangnam district, YJ Luxe offers a selection of authentic, expertly crafted luxury goods.
Highlights:
- Luxury items authenticated by experts
- Handbags Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Goyard
- Luxury watches by Rolex, Omega and other leading brands
Prices are high, but well below those on the new market, especially for rare items or limited collections. Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity.
KOBITO (고이비토 중고명품 강남본점)
Address: 서울특별시 서초구 반포대로 310-3
Website: http://www.koibito.co.kr/
KOBITO is probably the best boutique in Seoul for finding luxury pieces at prices impossible to match in France.
Highlights:
- Wide selection of luxury items: designer stilettos, handbags, watches
- Prices significantly lower than the European market (up to 70% reduction)
- Certificate of authenticity supplied with every purchase
The perfect example: a Gucci laptop bag in excellent condition (albeit slightly worn, giving it a vintage charm) for 550,000 won (approx. €360), whereas the new price is over €2,300. This boutique is a veritable open-air museum, with prices varying enormously according to brand and condition.
Practical tips for second-hand shopping in Seoul
When should you visit a thrift store?
- Weekdays: fewer people, quieter shopping
- Weekend: more animation but more competition for good parts
- Beginning of the month: stock renewal period in many stores
How to spot counterfeits
Gangnam's luxury thrift shops generally offer certificates of authenticity, but for less official boutiques:
- Take a close look at seams, finishes and labels
- Check the weight of items (counterfeits are often lighter)
- Compare prices (a 50,000 won Chanel bag is probably a fake)
- Don't hesitate to use applications such as Entrupy or Legitmark if in doubt.
How do you negotiate prices?
Unlike in other Asian countries, bargaining is not very common in Seoul's established boutiques. However, it is possible:
- In markets such as Dongmyo, a slight negotiation is possible for multiple purchases.
- Prices are generally fixed in Hongdae and Gangnam stores
- A smile and a few words in Korean can sometimes earn you a small discount!
Conclusion: Second-hand in Seoul, a unique experience
Second-hand stores in Seoul offer a unique shopping experience that perfectly reflects the duality of this fascinating city: tradition and modernity, luxury and bargains, local and international. Whether you're looking for unique vintage pieces at low prices in Dongmyo, trendy streetwear in Hongdae, industrial treasures in Seongsu or authentic luxury goods in Gangnam, the Korean capital has everything to satisfy lovers of sustainable fashion and unique items.
The diversity of options and the quality of the pieces on offer make Seoul one of the world's top destinations for second-hand shopping. So, on your next trip to South Korea, don't hesitate to venture off the beaten track of the big shopping malls to discover these addresses that will delight both your wardrobe and your wallet! Happy shopping.
