Living in Korea as a foreigner? Whether you've just moved or have been here for a while, there’s one app you definitely need to know: Karrot Market (Danggeun Market). It's one of Korea’s most popular apps among locals, but many foreigners still haven’t discovered how useful it can be.
When I first heard of Karrot, I thought it was just another secondhand marketplace. But after using it, I realized it’s a total game-changer—and some of my foreign friends have even made money through it! So today, I’ll share how you can get the most out of Karrot Market as a foreigner in Korea.
1. Location Verification is a Must
Karrot Market is based on local community transactions, so you're only able to buy and sell with people in your nearby area. That’s why, when you first install the app, you’ll need to verify your location. It’s easy, but if you skip this step, the app won’t work at all!
Tip: You don’t need to verify too often—just do it properly once, and it usually lasts a while.
2. Don’t Worry If You Don’t Speak Korean
Yes, the app interface is primarily in Korean—but don’t let that scare you. The built-in translation features work well, and most sellers are very kind and patient. You can even switch the app’s language to English, which helps automatically translate listing titles and descriptions.
Also, it’s super helpful to learn a few key phrases like:
- "사용감 있어요" = “Used condition”
- "직거리만 가능해요" = “Only available for face-to-face pickup”
With just a little practice, you’ll be negotiating like a local!
3. It's More Than Just Secondhand Items
Need something for your home? Try searching on Karrot first! You’ll find fans, chairs, vacuum cleaners, electronics, even iPhones at great secondhand prices. But here’s what most people don’t know—Karrot isn’t just a secondhand app.
You can also:
- Find part-time jobs or gigs in your neighborhood
- Offer or receive skills and services (language exchange, tutoring, etc.)
- Join local events or hobby groups
- Search for pets to adopt or even used cars
If you’re planning to stay in Korea for a while, these features will help you connect with the community and reduce that sense of isolation.
4. Safety First: Avoid Scams & Mind Your Manners
While most users are honest, it’s smart to be careful. Always avoid sellers who ask for payment upfront, and try to meet in person whenever possible.
Karrot uses something called “Manner Temperature,” a score that reflects how reliable a user is based on past transactions. If someone has a really low score, it might be better to skip that deal.
From my experience, most people are kind and trustworthy—but it never hurts to be cautious.
5. Set Keyword Alerts to Get Deals First
If you’re looking for something specific—like an iPad or air fryer—use Karrot’s keyword alert feature to get notified as soon as something matching your search is posted. Many good deals or free giveaways disappear fast, so alerts help you claim them before anyone else.
✅ How to Set Up Keyword Alerts on Karrot:
- Open the Karrot app
- Tap the search bar at the top of the main screen
- Type your desired keyword (e.g., "iPad")
- Tap the bell icon (🔔) in the top right corner
- Turn “alerts on” to receive push notifications for new posts
- To manage your alerts: Go to My Info → Notification Settings → Keyword Alerts
Set it once and let the app do the searching for you!
Karrot Market is truly a must-have app for anyone living in Korea. It makes local life easier, cheaper, and more connected. Don’t worry if you’re new or not fluent in Korean—just give it a try like I did. If you’ve got questions or want to share your experience, feel free to leave a comment!
Let’s make your life in Korea smoother, smarter, and a little more fun—with Karrot 🧡
