frank-grumman
Well-known
I'm likely to be in ROK in a couple of weeks. Any of you all here had a chance to roam around Yongsan Electronics Market? If so, what sort of "deals" can one get on photo gear, if any?
Seoul, ROK
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thefountainhead
Member
I'm from South Korea, and although my last visit to Yongsan Electronic Market was 4 years ago, the entire shopping complex is notorious for scamming naive customers. Make sure you know exactly what you are looking for, and look up the price before you go. The people there are known for selling used items as new, and often people are threatened by tough looking guys to make expensive, and likely unnecessary, purchases.
I'm not saying it's full of thugs, but taking caution would be wise. Yongsan electronics market has a nasty image among koreans, and that's for a reason.
I'm not saying it's full of thugs, but taking caution would be wise. Yongsan electronics market has a nasty image among koreans, and that's for a reason.
oftheherd
Veteran
Interesting. I haven't been there since 1987, but the wife (she's Korean) and I watch Korean TV, she more than I. Twenty years ago, things were changing and deteriorating, but the electronics market was an often fun place to visit. It wasn't in Yong San though. I forget where now, but I think it was on the other side of Nam San somewhere.
Thanks for the info if I ever get back there. My wife and I have talked about visiting there for a while when I retire again. I have often wondered what camera gear I would take, considering what I hear about the lawlessness in certain areas. Maybe a Weltini and a 6x6 folder? Sure would limit my style though.
Bill58 I believe lives not to far from Seoul and may be able to tell you of worthwhile and safe places to visit.
Thanks for the info if I ever get back there. My wife and I have talked about visiting there for a while when I retire again. I have often wondered what camera gear I would take, considering what I hear about the lawlessness in certain areas. Maybe a Weltini and a 6x6 folder? Sure would limit my style though.
Bill58 I believe lives not to far from Seoul and may be able to tell you of worthwhile and safe places to visit.
ZeissFan
Veteran
I don't know anything about the Yongsan Market, but on my final visit to Seoul, my Korean colleague took me on a driving tour of Seoul, including "Hooker Hill." No explanation was needed.
thefountainhead
Member
Unless you are planning to visit an isolated mountain town, i see no reason why you should limit yourself to bring certain type of gear. Lots of things changed since 1980s, and you can see people walking around with leicas and Mark IIIs on the street.
A visit to Yongsan should still be enjoyable, but i would discourage buying anything from there. Looking for a trusted online seller would be my recommendation.
noisycheese
Normal(ish) Human
There's two great reasons to not go there IMHO.
This is just me, but I'd much rather visit some remote villages and make photographs in that type of environment rather than be coerced or fleeced in a big city tourist trap.
Spud10
Member
I've lived in Seoul for a few years now. To be honest, pass on Yongsan. If you're looking for cameras, there are two places to head to: Namdaemun and Chungmuro.
Namdaemun is a good mix of new, used and gray market Digital cameras and film cameras. Chungmuro is where you want to go for a good selection of film and film cameras. It's also where the Leica store is.
As said above, Yongsan is rarely anything more than a hard-fought struggle to not get scammed. (This is my opinion, though I have heard plenty of others voice this point, too.)
Namdaemun is a good mix of new, used and gray market Digital cameras and film cameras. Chungmuro is where you want to go for a good selection of film and film cameras. It's also where the Leica store is.
As said above, Yongsan is rarely anything more than a hard-fought struggle to not get scammed. (This is my opinion, though I have heard plenty of others voice this point, too.)
