Craigslist, Schmaigslist
Written by Kyle on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 in Korea, Republic of
Feelin' excited
If you walked into our apartment a week ago, you would have seen one small table, two chairs, a small couch, and a whole lot of empty space. Now, there are two small couches, a desk chair, a "relaxing chair" (for lack of a better word), and a table with 2 chairs. Feelin' excited
How did we aquire all of this new furniture? Well, we didn't buy it off craigslist (which doesn't really exist in Korea), or get it new from the store. We're not theives, so we didn't steal it. To put it simply, people left out their furniture for garbage and we swooped it up.
This is not an unusual occurance in Korea, either. In fact, this happens quite often. In any given week, you are guaranteed to run into discarded chairs, sofas, armoirs, cabinets, shelves, desks, and drawers. I mentioned this to a Korean friend who told me that when most Koreans move, they like to just throw out their old furniture and get new stuff for the new home. In fact there's a joke where Korean men are afraid of being thrown out with the furniture. And don't forget about businesses closing down, either. Instead of selling off their assets, quite often, they are thrown out into the street for anyone to get. We have some friends who got their couches when a local karaoke joint closed down.
But for us, Korean junk is our treasure. The couch we picked up, while being a nice bright yellow, is IKEA made and probably worth $200 or so new in Korea. The desk chair we found retails around $100 brand new in the nearest store. Quality wise, there are some nicks and dings here and there, but nothing really noticeable. Besides, the desk chair is mighty comfortable.
IKEA couch, "relaxing chair", and office chair
Yesterday, we almost decided to stop a foreigner who was buying a brand new table an chair set. We wanted to yell "Dude, just wait a month and your apartment will be totally furnished!". But, he looked like he was in a hurry and quite set on his purchase.
Patience, my friend is a virtue.
And garbage is free!
Comments on "Craigslist, Schmaigslist"
There's kind of a less formal system like that in Chicago. If you leave it in an ally, eventually somebody will come by and get it. Here, though, it seems a bit excessive.
that sounds awesome. and it looks like you guys made some good finds!
Yep, it happens in Japan where I lived years ago. It's called the "gomi" pile. And you are certainly right. I furnished my entire apt the whole time I lived there from the "gomi" pile.
http://perceptivetravel.com/blog/2008/01/10/get-your-gomi-to-the-curb/. Asia is one crazy place! Glad you are getting a chance to see it!
I wonder if there's a name for it here, too? In either case, it keeps the economy going, with people constantly buying new stuff, I guess.
Too cool! And I think that mixed with your spirit of decorating-for-free is plain ole Good Karma! LOL When I think of the things that both of you have given away to others, I'd say you were due for some returns on that investment. Enjoy! :)
Yeah, it feels pretty wonderful to have an apartment of our own again! And we haven't spent much money putting things in it because people come and go a lot here. :)
That is such an awesome way of aquiring almost new furniture. That gives a whole new meaning to "treasure hunting". Enjoy your new furniture!
Wonderful "new" furniture acquisitions! I'm assuming these were found close to your apartment as carrying a couch any distance would not have been great fun. Glad this "tradition" exists in Korea. I've seen pickup trucks cruising neighborhoods here to find free treasures for resale at flea markets. You saved the "middleman" by dealing direct! Nice to add decorator touches to your cozy apartment.
I've heard that happens in Japan too - there is a name for it there and I think it happens on a certain day? It happens here (Victoria BC) too...after a garage or yard sale, or when someone moves and no longer wants something, it is just left on the boulevard with a 'free' sign on it - I have both left stuff and picked up stuff in this manner. Waste not, want not!!
by Gillian at May 13, 2009 10:41 AM