Expat get-together lets you swap till you drop

In a country known for its residents’ impeccable dress sense, Korea is noticeably lacking in one department: secondhand clothing. Thrift stores, sources of many a rare, quirky or vintage bargain in the U.S. and Europe, lack a major presence here. But two expats have sought to do something about Korea’s lack of secondhand fare with Clothing Swapping in Seoul.

“I know that I, like many people, buy clothes or am given clothes and wear them once or twice and then never again,” said Sharon de Hinojosa, one of the people behind the regular clothes swap.

“So I thought that if we got enough people together, we could get practically new clothes for free.”

The idea is simple: anyone can bring clothes they no longer want and exchange them for items they do. No cash is involved and attendees are only allowed take as many items as they bring. As well as clothes swapped, some are donated to people in Ghana and Sierra Leone.

“It’s based on the honor system and we haven’t had any issues yet,” said de Hinojosa, who started the event with Anita Lauer. 

It is not just clothes that are swapped at the regular event at the International Christian Assembly church in Jamwon.

“People have brought shoes, purses, hair dryers and the next swap we will be opening it up to men’s and children’s clothes,” said the university lecturer from America.

From just eight people at the first clothes swap last fall, interest has grown and grown ― so much so that the event is being increased from once to twice a month.

“The second (clothes swap) we had about 12, this last time there were easily over 20 people. More and more people join the Facebook group each month. We also put up info on Craigslist and Dave’s (ESL). Word of mouth also works well.”

De Hinojosa said the majority of those who show up are other expats, but that Koreans also attend.

“There are probably 75 percent foreigners and 25 percent Koreans. I think fewer Koreans come because we advertise on English-speaking sites and due to the way they feel about used clothing,” she said.

De Hinojosa said that there is no reason for people to feel uncomfortable about buying clothes secondhand, with plenty of variety and many of the items swapped almost new.

“(There are) casual clothes, such as jeans, sweaters, and tops. There have also been winter coats, spring jackets, and suits as well … some things have even had tags.”

But even if secondhand clothes aren’t your thing, there is always another reason to drop by, according to de Hinojosa.

“I think it’s about socializing and meeting new people as well.”

For information on the next clothes swap, visit the Clothing Swap Seoul Facebook page.

By John Power (john.power@heraldcorp.com)