Starting a new life in Korea?
One of the first things you'll need is furniture and home appliances. But buying everything new can be very expensive. If you're open to secondhand items, there's a smart local solution: Karrot (also known as “Danggeun Market”). It's Korea's most popular app for local buying, selling, and even free giving.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use Karrot safely and efficiently, especially as a foreigner. We’ll cover its benefits, some common challenges, and most importantly, how to avoid scams.
What is Karrot (당근) ?
'Karrot' (당근) is more than just a vegetable name. It cleverly combines '당신' (you) and '근처' (nearby), suggesting a market that's close to you.
"당신 근처의 마켓 = 당근마켓 (the market nearby) "
Note: The app name “Karrot” is a playful twist on the English word “carrot.” It’s spelled with a “K” for branding purposes, so don’t be surprised!
Karrot is a local marketplace app where neighbors buy, sell, or give away secondhand items. Unlike global platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, Karrot focuses on face-to-face, location-based deals. Listings are limited to your area and require phone number verification.
You can find everything from appliances and furniture to clothes and even free items in the "나누기 (giveaway)" section. It's simple, fast, and built for your neighborhood.
How Popular is Karrot in Korea?
Karrot isn't just a useful app — it's a cultural phenomenon. As of recent reports, it has over 30 million downloads and millions of active users every month in Korea alone.
The app has become so integrated into everyday life that Koreans have even turned the brand name into a new verb: "당근하다" (to Karrot something). Just like people say "I Googled it" in English, Koreans now casually say:
"나 이거 당근했어" (I got this from Karrot)
"야, 너 그거 안 쓸 거면 당근해" (Hey, if you're not using that, just Karrot it)
This expression shows how normalized and popular the app has become across all age groups. From college students to older adults, everyone seems to use Karrot. It's especially active in residential neighborhoods, where trust and fast communication are key.
So when you're using Karrot, you're not just shopping — you're participating in a modern Korean lifestyle.
How to Set Up and Use Karrot
☑️ Step 1: Download the App
Search for "Karrot" on the App Store or Google Play. The app icon is an orange carrot.
👉 Download Karrot on Google Play
👉 Download Karrot on App Store
☑️ Step 2: Create an Account
You need a valid Korean phone number for SMS verification. This ensures only local residents can join.
☑️ Step 3: Verify Your Neighborhood
The app will use your location to confirm your address. You need to verify this every 30 days.
☑️ Step 4: Browse or Post Items
Use the search bar to find what you need.
Tap the camera icon to post an item for sale.
Use the in-app chat to negotiate and set up a meeting point.
Tip: Listings with real photos, detailed descriptions, and reasonable prices usually get better responses.
Why Foreigners Love Karrot: Key Benefits
1. Save Money on Essentials
Furnishing a new home with brand-new items can cost millions of won. On Karrot, you can find quality secondhand goods at a fraction of the price – or even for free!
2. Reduce Waste and Support Sustainability
Buying secondhand means less environmental impact. Many Koreans prefer to pass on items rather than throw them away.
3. Connect with Local Community
Karrot isn’t just a marketplace. It also has local chat boards (‘town life’ section) where people share tips, events, and news. It’s a great way to get to know your neighborhood.
4. Quick and Convenient
Since the platform is local-only, you can often complete transactions the same day, without shipping hassles.
The Downsides: What to Watch Out For
1. Language Barrier
Most users write their posts in Korean. This can be tough if you’re not fluent. Automatic translation tools like Papago or Google Translate can help, but misunderstandings may still happen.
Tip: Before uploading your listing or replying to someone, it’s a great idea to ask a Korean-speaking friend or colleague to review it. This can help avoid miscommunication and make your message sound more natural.
2. Scams and Fake Items
Though rare, scams do exist. Some users report receiving fake goods or being ghosted after payment.
3. Location Lock and Phone Verification
You must verify your location using a Korean number. If you're new to Korea and haven’t set up a local phone plan, this can be a hurdle.
Overcoming Common Challenges as a Foreigner
✔ Getting a Korean Phone Number
To verify your Karrot account, a local number is required. Most telecom providers offer prepaid SIMs or short-term plans ideal for new arrivals. Look for foreigner-friendly shops that help with registration.
✔ Navigating Korean Language Posts
Use Papago (by Naver) for better Korean-English translation. Copy the item title and description into the app. You can also save commonly used phrases like “Can you lower the price?” (좀 더 싸게 가능할까요? ) or, as some Koreans say casually, "nego 가능한가요?"
Karrot also allows you to save frequently used phrases. You can pre-register short messages, like "Is this still available?" or "Can we meet at [location] today?", and reuse them with a single tap during chats. This is a huge time-saver, especially if you're not confident typing in Korean.
✔ Communicating Effectively with Sellers
If you're unsure about your Korean, try this simple message template:
"물건 아직 있나요? 근처에서 거래하고 싶어요" (Is this item still available? I'd like to pick it up in person.)
Pro Tips to Stay Safe and Shop Smart
✔ Meet in Person
Always try to do face-to-face transactions. Meet in public places like subway stations or cafes. This minimizes the risk of fraud.
✔ Check Seller ‘Temperature’
Karrot shows a user rating system called ‘당근온도’ (literally "Karrot Temperature"). The higher the temperature, the more trustworthy the user. Avoid users with no profile photo, low temperature, or bad reviews.
✔ Use Common Sense
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of high-ticket items at unusually low prices.
✔ Stick to Cash or Local Bank Transfers
Avoid sending money before meeting the seller. If you must transfer funds, use well-known banks like Kakaobank or Toss.
✔ Learn Basic Korean Phrases
Even if you're not fluent, learning simple phrases like "Is this still available? (이거 아직 있어요?)" or "Can we meet at [location]? ( [지역이름]에서 만날 수 있을까요?)" goes a long way.
✔ Report Suspicious Behavior
Karrot has a report function. Don’t hesitate to use it if someone seems dishonest or aggressive.
Real-Life Examples from Expats
Mr. A: "I found a perfectly working microwave for 10,000 won. The seller even helped me carry it home!"
Mrs. B: "I gave away my old desk using Karrot before leaving Korea. It felt great to help a neighbor."
Mr. C: "Using Papago and basic Korean, I bought a secondhand air purifier for cheap. No issues at all."
These stories show that with a little effort, Karrot can be both economical and rewarding.
Other Alternatives to Karrot
If you can’t use Karrot yet or want to explore more options:
Facebook Marketplace: Some expat communities post items here.
Joonggonara (중고나라): Another popular secondhand platform, with a much longer history than Karrot and still widely used today. However, there are more frequent reports of scams on this platform, so extra caution is advised. It's also more complex to use without Korean fluency.
Hello Market / Bunjang: Other Korean secondhand apps, though less neighborhood-focused than Karrot.
당근(Karrot) is a fantastic tool for expats in Korea to furnish their homes, save money, and connect with the community. Yes, there are challenges – especially around language and occasional scams – but with the right precautions, the benefits far outweigh the downsides.
It's also incredibly useful for people who are leaving Korea. If you're relocating and need to get rid of bulky furniture or appliances, Karrot can help you find someone who needs them. Throwing these items away usually requires a paid sticker and scheduled disposal, so giving them away or selling through Karrot is not only cost-effective but environmentally responsible.
By understanding how to use the platform safely and effectively, you can enjoy Korea's local culture and get great deals at the same time. Whether you're looking for a gently-used microwave, a free couch, or just some friendly neighborhood advice, Karrot is definitely worth a try.
Happy hunting !
