When living abroad as a student, there are times when you need various items—and other times when you need to get rid of stuff you no longer use. You might want to decorate your place with a budget-friendly bed, desk, or microwave, and by the end of the semester, sell everything before returning to your home country. In Korea, the most popular local secondhand trading app for these situations is "Daangn Market," also known as Danggeun Market. In this post, we’ll explain how the platform works, how to sign up, transaction tips, and why it's especially useful for international students.
What is Daangn Market?
Daangn Market literally means “Your Neighborhood Market,” and it's an app that allows you to buy and sell secondhand items within a 6–7km radius of your location. While similar local trading platforms exist abroad, Daangn has become a massive success in Korea and is widely used all across the country. The platform is designed to encourage face-to-face transactions between neighbors, eliminating the hassle of packaging and shipping.
If you're an international student, you’ve likely had to deal with large appliances like fridges or microwaves—and later figure out how to sell them. Shipping can be tedious, and dealing with sellers or buyers far away through general secondhand sites can be inconvenient. With Daangn Market, you can meet someone living within 3 kilometers of you and carry out simple, local exchanges.
Sign-Up and Neighborhood Verification
Start by downloading the Daangn Market app and signing up using your mobile phone number. Then comes neighborhood verification: you need to activate your GPS and confirm your actual residential area. This allows the app to show listings only within your local range. For example, if you live near Sinchon in Seoul, you'll see listings within a 6km radius around that area.
If your dorm address is unclear, you can simply set the neighborhood based on a nearby landmark or street name. Once your location is verified, you'll start seeing items and ads listed in your area. Your profile will reflect that you’re a local resident, which builds trust with other users.
Searching and Buying Used Items
On the app’s main screen, you can browse by category or use the search bar to find specific items. For example, searching “microwave” will show listings of microwaves for sale nearby, complete with prices, pictures, and descriptions. Tapping a listing reveals more detailed information like additional images, item condition, asking price, and preferred meeting spot.
If you decide to buy something, just click the “Chat” button at the bottom of the listing and send a message to the seller. Start with something simple like “Hi, is this still available?” and then inquire about details such as how long it’s been used or whether the price is negotiable. Once an agreement is reached, you can set a time to meet—usually at a nearby subway station, café, or convenience store. Payment is typically done in cash or via bank transfer on the spot. Though it might sound complicated, the proximity makes these exchanges surprisingly fast and easy.
Safe Transactions
If you're an international student, the idea of dealing with strangers might feel intimidating at first. But since Daangn Market is built on local, face-to-face transactions, the risk of scams is much lower. In fact, the platform has an evaluation system (like “Manner Temperature”) that makes it difficult for bad actors to stay active. Still, you should follow some basic precautions:
- Choose the right time and place: Meet during daylight hours and in well-populated areas.
- Inspect the item: For electronics, test the power in advance or ask the seller for a demo photo or video.
- Handle payment securely: Bring exact change for cash or show proof of bank transfer to the seller.
- Communicate clearly: Ask questions about details like scratches, brand, or specifications before meeting.
Selling Items
Daangn Market isn’t just for buying—it’s also very handy for selling items you no longer need. At the end of the semester, before returning home, many international students post items with captions like “Priced to go,” and locals often respond quickly. Posting is simple: in the app, go to “Near Me” → “Used Market” → “Sell,” then upload photos and write a title, description, and price. Be honest about the item’s condition to avoid disputes.
When setting the price, check what similar items are selling for to stay competitive. If your price is too close to that of a new item, it may not sell. Offer a reasonable secondhand price to attract interest quickly. Respond politely to inquiries and arrange a suitable time and place for the transaction.
Community Section, Part-Time Jobs, and Skills Exchange
Daangn Market offers more than just secondhand trading. The “Neighborhood Life” section serves as a local community board where users can ask questions, share thoughts, or request local info. For example, you might post “Any good English study cafés around here?” or “How’s the new fried chicken place?”—and receive feedback from nearby residents. As a student from abroad, this is a great way to connect with the local culture.
Sometimes, you’ll find listings for part-time jobs, hiring, or even volunteer services like music lessons or photography. If you speak another language, you can post about offering translation services. Conversely, if you’re looking for a Korean conversation tutor, you can ask in the Community section.
Language Support and Overseas Availability
Daangn Market is primarily in Korean, and currently, full English language support is limited. Most communication is done in Korean, but you can still use translation apps to exchange simple messages. Visuals like photos and emojis also help bridge the language gap. Many locals are curious and kind when interacting with foreigners.
It’s also important to note that the app requires location verification within South Korea; it’s not available for use from abroad. You can only browse and trade within the area where you are physically located. This enhances security and speed, but if you temporarily move to another area, you’ll need to re-verify your location to see relevant listings there.
Price Negotiation and Etiquette
Daangn Market has a culture of price negotiation. For instance, if an item is listed for 10,000 KRW, a buyer might ask, “Would you accept 8,000 KRW?” If the seller agrees, the deal is done at that price. Still, making excessive lowball offers is considered rude and may cause the seller to withdraw. It's best to negotiate respectfully and within reason.
After a deal is completed, both parties can rate each other and leave brief evaluations like “Punctual” or “Friendly.” These ratings contribute to a user’s “Manner Temperature.” Users with consistently poor behavior tend to receive low scores, discouraging others from dealing with them. To maintain a good rating, be truthful about item conditions and prices, and always be punctual—especially important as an international student.
Limitations and Cautions
One disadvantage is the app’s local focus, which can make it hard to find rare items outside your area. While some users opt for delivery, Daangn generally encourages in-person transactions, meaning shipping scams can be a risk.
There are also occasional minor inconveniences—like sellers lying about availability, or failing to show up at the agreed location. If this happens, try resolving it through the chat feature. But if communication fails, it’s best to move on. Though you can report issues to customer support, Daangn is not really designed to handle serious disputes.
Wrap-Up
Daangn Market is a fantastic app for secondhand trading in Korea. For international students, it’s a cost-effective way to furnish your home with appliances, furniture, and daily essentials. Before graduation, you can resell your items and recoup some cash, easing your financial burden while living abroad. Just remember, all trades are based on local, in-person exchanges—so you’ll need to coordinate time and place effectively.
Additionally, the app’s community section lets you connect with neighbors, exchange useful local tips, and even find small jobs or helpers. In the process, you’ll improve your Korean and form local relationships. If you want to get more out of your study abroad experience—both practically and socially—signing up for Daangn Market is highly recommended. Safe, smart trades and small interactions with your neighbors will enrich your life in Korea.
