TECHNO MART
Gangbyeon Station, Subway Line 2
Exit 1 / Way Out 1 drops you right inside the mall
I’m not a techie so one might wonder what I was doing spending my Sunday afternoon perusing the 8 floors of Techno Mart. I might actual ask myself the same thing! The truth is I wanted candles, yes candles, and I heard of a store called Kosney and their sub-store called Life is Perfect.
http://www.kosney.co.kr/ksn/shop/store/index.jsp
When I heard it was in Techno Mart I thought why not and began an hour long subway ride to see what I could find. I also did of course have a bit more of a drive than just candles. The truth is I left behind in New Hampshire some of my favorite photography equipment and although I really shouldn’t spend the money I have been dyeing to replace it.
Kosney is a home goods store and a lot like Bed Bath and Beyond or Linens and Things. One can buy things such as curtains and dishware off their website and other home decor items. The Korean girls at my school use it all the time, but again they buy online and just ship to the school. If there is an item and I can go see, hold and touch it I always prefer to go to a store vs. ordering online. I’ve had too many experiences where I’ve ended up with an unsuitable product that I keep simply because the return policy is such a hassle. (By the way I worked retail for years and this is done on purpose!)
Anyway Life is Perfect was for me a disappointment and not at all like the pictures online or what I expected. Since I wanted one thing but got something completely different I was yes disappointed but had I just wandered off the street into the shop I would have enjoyed it. It was pretty much Korea’s version of Urban Outfitters similar prices and all.
In and out of Life is Perfect I went and then started to ascend the 7 other floors containing electronics. Floors filled with computers, phones, camera equipment, gaming systems, DVDs, vacuums, kitchen appliances, sound systems and a bit of furniture.
I have heard numerous times that the best and cheapest place to buy electronics in the city is at Yongsan Electronics Mart. I’ve never been there but I have seen videos and I strongly believe that this Mart is probably pretty comparable and the place was fairly empty for a Sunday so maybe even easier to wander around.
My one word of advice is that electronics don’t always translate. I wanted a stand for my speedlights and I wanted a light box, both of which no one could understand what I was looking for even after finding a speedlight and trying with all sorts of photo terminology and hand gestures. I am positive this place had what I was looking for but next time I will go back with some picture printouts.
Other than leaving empty-handed, which was a blessing in disguise, I’d say that most electronics in South Korea are actually more expensive in stores than online. Everyone I’ve talked to both American and Korean still swear by online services but if anyone has thoughts on this feel free to leave some comments!
365 DAYS OF SEOUL SEARCHING 