[Report] "Because It's Cheap and Pretty" 20s and 30s Choosing 'Used Clothes' Instead of New Ones

Buying Used Clothes and Shoes by Visiting Traditional Markets
Online Secondhand Clothing Transactions Also Active

"I just come here sometimes to browse because the clothes are cheap and easy to wear."

As outdoor activities, which had been subdued during the COVID-19 pandemic, become more active, clothing prices that had stalled are rising sharply. The economically burdened MZ generation actively uses secondhand trading platforms or goes to markets selling used clothes to search for bargains. They also purchase secondhand clothes that offer good cost-effectiveness.

On the 13th, Choi Hyobin (24), whom we met at the Dongmyo flea market in Seoul, said, "I came to look for sportswear or short-sleeved shirts," adding, "The prices are around 5,000 to 10,000 won, so it's not a burden." Another university student, Park Jooyoung (27), whom we met there, said, "I buy clothes and also some books," and added, "(Since it's) secondhand, I don't really worry much about it."

According to the Consumer Price Index by expenditure purpose from Statistics Korea on the 17th, the clothing and footwear price index last month rose 8.0% compared to the same month last year. The year-on-year price increase rate for this category remained in the 1% range until April last year (1.8%). Then it rose to the 3% range in May, 5% in November, and recorded 6.1% in both March and April this year. Last month, clothing and footwear prices increased by 8.4% and 5.8%, respectively. The price increase rates were high for T-shirts (14.3%), dresses (13.7%), women's bottoms (13.7%), children's and infant clothing (13.7%), jeans (11.8%), and laundry fees (11.3%).

Given this situation, young people in their 20s and 30s who feel burdened by buying new clothes are turning to secondhand clothing. At the Dongmyo market visited on the 13th, young people were easily spotted. Kim Hyungtae (35) said, "I came to buy clothes to wear comfortably around my neighborhood," adding, "The cost-effectiveness is very good." He continued, "New clothes are nice, but I just bought these to wear cheaply and casually."

A shop owner in his 50s, who said he has been running a clothing store here for 23 years, said, "Young customers come often," adding, "Usually, they come with friends on weekends." Mr. Kim added, "There are secondhand clothes, but also new clothes, and customers seem satisfied." In this store, secondhand clothes were usually sold for 5,000 to 10,000 won, while new clothes were priced higher.

A secondhand bookstore at Dongmyo Flea Market. It is said that many people in their 20s and 30s, who find book prices burdensome, visit here often. Photo by Han Seunggon

There are also young people who come to buy secondhand books. A young man in his mid-20s, whom we met in front of a bookstore, said, "Since I came to buy clothes, I’m also looking around for secondhand books," adding, "(The book quality is) not that bad." Another young person in their 20s expressed satisfaction, saying, "There are many books related to majors and also many novels." Mr. Choi, who has been running a secondhand bookstore in Dongmyo market for 15 years, said, "College students come often. Since the books are cheap, many people look for them."

A clothing store at Dongmyo Flea Market. You can buy a pair of jeans for 10,000 won. Photo by Han Seunggon

The scale of secondhand clothing transactions on secondhand trading platforms is also growing. The fashion category transaction amount on the secondhand trading application (app) Bungaejangter exceeded 970 billion won last year. Compared to the same month last year, secondhand clothing transactions grew by 12% last month. Kim Minseong (24), who usually buys clothes or shoes through secondhand trading apps, said, "When buying new clothes is burdensome due to high prices, it’s good to look on secondhand trading apps," adding, "These days, young people buy clothes and shoes like this." A Bungaejangter official stated, "About 78% of the total transaction volume is by the MZ generation, and fashion items are actively traded."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.