Why buy vintage, especially here in Korea, where it is often a boutique based market with overpriced, unexciting, or “shi shi” items?
Undoubtedly, “style”, or the personal flare and combination of clothing people choose to wear is an important form of self expression and communication. Some people whisper (shhh), some people talk and some people SHOUT, but the people who wear vintage clothing seem to especially have something to say. Here are just a few of the reasons we choose to wear vintage items whenever possible, and ultimately why in terms of philosophy we own and operate our own vintage clothing store through Etsy right here in Korea…
Finding that “Special Snowflake”. When you purchase a vintage piece, you are usually getting an item that cannot be found at every chain store by the thousands. It is a limited, or maybe even one of a kind item. And YOU found it!
Killing Two Birds with One Stone. Don’t worry, no birds were harmed in the writing of this article ;) The two birds refers to the fact that many thrift stores are run by charitable organizations who generate much needed income from thrift sales to support social programming (think Salvation Army and other such organizations). You look great, reduce waste and express your creativity, and the organization is able to help folks in need. What’s not to like?
Enjoying The Thrill of the Hunt. It’s beyond rewarding to dive into a pile of seemingly undesirable items and come up victorious with something truly awesome. We’ve probably become a little more aggressive from frequenting vintage markets here in Korea, and as a result, we’ve scored some pretty great finds (not all without conflict or a significant amount of effort or even embarrassment on our part). Knee deep in a pile of clothing, just about anything can happen….and that’s part of the fun. Remember, avid vintage shoppers tend to realize and appreciate the competitive sport like nature of vintage shopping, so don’t feel bad about your score.
Going Beyond Trends. No one is impervious to the siren call of trends. With that being said, it’s probably not all that wise (or interesting????) to embrace fashion trends too fanatically as they are just that, TRENDS. Apart from steering you clear of the trend trap, wearing vintage helps to fashion a personal style that is just more original, more interesting and eclectic. By mixing new pieces with vintage pieces, or classic pieces (new or old) with more off the wall or trendy items you set yourself apart from others…who needs mainstream anyhow?
Being Cheap, No………AHEM, Frugal. Plain and simple, vintage clothing is a great way to save money. It’s a way to source typically more interesting, or higher quality clothing for a lot less (older clothes tend to be well made, which is something you can’t say for an item in the same price point from any of the big box stores). Furthermore, if you’re like us and your personal style is always in flux, shifting here and changing there, vintage is a great way to swap some items in your wardrobe out for much less harm to the ole’ pocketbook.
Looking Good and Feeling Good Intersect. We’re not talking about costume store vintage items here, more the kind of things that look great mixed in with contemporary items in order to create that style “je ne sais quoi”. It’s astounding how one slightly off the wall, original piece can change the look of an outfit. A good way to start incorporating vintage into your wardrobe is to focus on small, but mighty pieces, at least at first.... we have fallen victim to costumey clothing ourselves, so beware. Think in terms of a great piece of period statement jewelry, a slightly wacky or offbeat pair of shoes, a cool textured or colorful scarf, a great hat or vest. Work your way out from there.
Okay, But Seriously, It Feels REALLY Good! By purchasing vintage you honor so many things…..the shifting purpose of an item, the talent and artistry of the person who made it originally, not to mention your own creativity and vision in finding new ways to use or wear something deemed no longer useful . Beyond these decidedly philosophical reasons, there’s also the environmental side of things. If you refrain from buying new, at least some of the time, you are casting a vote to opt out of the often wasteful nature of our current consumer market. You’re spending less money on things that add to the cycle of waste, and you aren’t contributing to other environmental concerns like fuel to ship that new item, the energy and cost expended to produce it, not to mention adding perfectly awesome and usable items to the landfill. Hug a tree much? I know, but it’s so true. Every tiny bit counts!
Where to shop vintage in Korea:
$ Seoul Folk Flea Market: Sinseol-dong station on line 1 or 2. Take exit 9, turn immediately around. Turn left at the first street, then walk straight for 80 meters. Enter the building through any of the many entrances
$$ Dongmyo Station Area: Dongmyo station (line 1 or 6), exit 3, and look right.
$$ The Salvation Army: Hoehyun Station exit 4, check the Salvation Army website for more locations (http://www.korea4expats.com/service-Salvation-Army-Family-Stores-Secondhand-Goods-Seoul-861.html)
$-$$ VinPrime: Express Bus Terminal. There is one location on the line 7 corridor a floor above the platform, and one in the line 3 area, a floor below street level.
$$$-$$$$ Hongdae Based Thrift Stores: There are a few around the same location near Sangsu Station. Sangsu station, line 6, exit 1. Make the U-turn to the right, then walk about 300 meters to the first side street past a larger road, Wa-u-san-ro-19-gil (와우산로19길). Walk 50 meters to the second right, Wa-u-san-ro-21-gil (와우산로21길), and walk another 50 meters. Look left and up, to the third floor. If you reach the Hongdae Children’s Park, you’ve gone too far.
$$- $$$$ Etsy based stores (online): Vintage clothing from all over the world. Most stores will ship to Korea for anywhere between 10-20 dollars. https://www.etsy.com/browse/vintage-category?ref=fp_ln_new_vintage-category
Our own store, Concrete Cabin Vintage is based here in Korea and our shipping within Korea begins as low as 3,000 won. Shipping to the rest of the world beginning at around $8.00. https://www.etsy.com/shop/Concretecabinvintage?ref=search_shop_redirect
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