One of the biggest challenges newcomers face in Korea is figuring out where to buy affordable household items and, most importantly, how to get rid of them before PCSing. Unlike in the States, Korea doesn’t have many secondhand shops. Instead, most Koreans rely on Karrot (Danggeun 당근), the most popular app in Korea for buying and selling used items. Karrot also serves as a local lifestyle platform where millions of Koreans check daily for neighborhood news, recommendations, meetups and even lost-and-found posts. Check out how to use the app step by step so you can save money and connect with your local community!

1. Find secondhand items at affordable prices

On Karrot, you can find almost anything you need for daily life, including furniture, home appliances, clothing, baby strollers, bicycles, kitchenware and more. (Keep in mind that certain items such as alcohol and medicine are not allowed for sale.) Prices are usually affordable, and many sellers offer big discounts when they need to move quickly.

Many neighbors who simply want to clear space even post items for free. Many Koreans replace furniture not because it’s broken, but because they want a new interior style or an upgraded model. Since the official disposal process usually requires buying a paid sticker from the local government, many people find more value in giving their items away to someone who needs them through Karrot.

So, if you’re lucky, you may pick up high-quality furniture and household goods at no cost. You can also donate your items when you need to move.

2. Connect with your local community

Another useful feature of Karrot is the Local Life (동네생활) board, where neighbors exchange information, ask questions, and share about everyday life in the neighborhoods. Posts include restaurant recommendations, pet care, fitness and childcare tips, beauty salons, medical clinics, housing, moving services and more.

I also used this feature when I moved to Pyeongtaek a few years ago. I asked for a hair salon recommendation and many residents replied to my post. That’s how I found a great shop where I still go today.

Neighbors also share updates if a major incident happens nearby. One of the most common uses is helping find lost pets. Owners upload photos of missing cats or dogs while others share sightings or offer temporary shelter.

3. Join meetups in neighborhood communities

Karrot also offers a feature where users create small meet ups based on their interests, such as hiking, language exchanges, workouts, parties or volunteer activities like helping animal shelters. These groups are popular because they allow people to share hobbies and socialize in a safe, healthy way.

Joining is simple. Browse the available groups around your area in the Meet Ups (모임) board and tap to join. Some groups may ask for certain age ranges or gender requirements, so make sure to check the group description first. For newcomers, this can be a good way to meet locals and make friends outside the base.

Be cautious:

Some groups may use Meet Ups for cult-related recruitment. If you ever feel pressured to attend suspicious gatherings, it’s safest to walk away.

4. Discover local businesses

Small business owners and service providers can also post advertisements such as restaurant promotions, home rental posts, secondhand cars and job openings. You can discover hidden gems around your neighborhood and connect directly with the people running them.

Step 1: Download the app and register

Search “Karrot” or “당근” in the App Store or Google Play. Sign up for Karrot with your phone number. Creating an account requires verifying your identity through your mobile carrier, which is linked to your passport number or alien registration number.

Please note:

Most Korean apps, including Karrot, require identity verification when signing up. If you don’t have an alien registration number yet, please check the guide on how to obtain ARC.

Step 2: Change the language (optional)

Go to My Karrot (나의 당근) and scroll down to Settings. Then select Language settings and choose English.

Please keep in mind that many menus and item descriptions may still appear in Korean. Most foreigners use the app with help from translation apps like Papago or Google Translate.

Step 3: Verify your neighborhood

Karrot is built on trust between neighbors, so it requires you to verify your location using GPS. You can register up to two neighborhoods, helping you reach more buyers and sellers in different areas.

For example, you can set one neighborhood to where you live, and the other in an area you often visit or prefer. Busy districts in Seoul like Hongdae or Gangnam tend to have more options for quality items at lower prices, and they also offer more events and meet-up groups compared to suburban areas.

Please note that Karrot requires location verification (동네 인증) to fully set a district as your neighborhood. This means you’ll need to physically visit the area and open the app there. Without verification, you can still browse items in that area, but you won’t be able to start a chat or make a deal.

Step 4-1: Post an item (if you’re a seller)

• Take clear photos from multiple angles.

• Click Post on the Home board and select Selling My Item (내 물건 팔기).

• Write a title and description, set the price (or mark as free), and add the location where you’ll meet.

Step 4-2: Browse items (if you’re a buyer)

Use the search bar at the top right of the Home board. Keep in mind it usually works best with Korean keywords, so use translation apps if needed. Many free items are posted daily but disappear quickly since most sellers give them to the first person who messages. So, act fast!

Before contacting a seller, check their profile and reviews from past deals. This will help you avoid unreliable users.

Step 5: Chat with buyers or sellers

All communication happens inside Karrot’s chat, keeping your phone number private. If you’re selling, buyers will message you and you’ll get a notification.

If you’re buying, send a polite message. Many users appreciate a short greeting in Korean such as “안녕하세요” (Hello). If you’re using a translation app, let them know.

Whether you’re buying or selling, be respectful and responsive as Karrot encourages users to build trust with neighbors.

Please note:

• Confirm the price (negotiation is common, but not guaranteed).

• Decide the exact location and time. Sellers often send a map pin.

• Agree on payment. Koreans usually transfer money via bank app after checking the item, but paying cash on the spot is also fine.

Step 6: Meet & complete the deal

Most people meet in public spots like a café entrance, subway station or grocery store parking lot. Though scams are rare, it’s always smart to double-check before paying.

Please note:

• Inspect the item carefully before paying.

• Once the exchange is complete, mark the item as Sold in the app.

• Leave a short review to build your reputation as a trustworthy user.

Speakin’ Korea: Useful phrases for Karrot app users

Here are some easy Korean phrases you can use when chatting with sellers or buyers on Karrot. Typing a few short sentences in Korean will make your deal smoother. Even if you’re not confident in Korean, sending just “Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요)” before your English message makes the conversation more polite and friendly.

Greetings

• Hello: Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요)

• Thank you: Gamsahamnida (감사합니다)

Asking for understanding

• I’m not good at Korean, I hope you can understand.: Hangukeo jal mot-haeyo, ihaehae juseyo. (한국어 잘 못해요, 이해해 주세요.)

• I’m using a translator app.: Beonyeokgi sseugo isseoyo. (번역기 쓰고 있어요.)

When asking about an item

• Is this still available?: Ajik itnayo? (아직 있나요?)

• How much is it?: Eolmayeyo? (얼마예요?)

• Can you give me a small discount?: Jogeum kkakka-jusil su innayo? (조금 깎아주실 수 있나요?)

• Is it free?: Muryo-yeyo? (무료예요?)

Making plans to meet

• Where should we meet?: Eodiseo mannal-kkayo? (어디서 만날까요?)

• What time works for you?: Myeot sie gwaenchan-euseyo? (몇 시에 괜찮으세요?)

• Shall we meet in front of the subway station?: Jihacheol-yeok apeseo mannal-kkayo? (지하철역 앞에서 만날까요?)

Completing the deal

• Is it okay if I pay in cash?: Hyeongeum-euro deu-ryeodo doel-kkayo? (현금으로 드려도 될까요?)

• Thank you, I’ll make good use of it!: Gamsa-hamnida, jal sseu-ge-ssseum-nida! (감사합니다, 잘 쓰겠습니다!)

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