New way of consuming fashion': South Korea's thrift boom reshapes shopping

South Korea’s thrift boom is reshaping shopping habits as consumers shift toward secondhand clothing despite weekly product drops and fast-changing trends. The article says Gen Z is “digging” through resale platforms and shops to find pieces aligned with personal taste, driven in part by rising living costs and a focus on value. Growth figures cited from the Hana Institute of Finance estimate South Korea’s recommerce market rose more than tenfold from ₩4 trillion in 2008 to ₩43 trillion last year. A survey of 1,000 people ages 13 to 59 by Embrain found 78% had bought or sold used clothing, and 62% viewed it as a natural option. Global projections from Research and Markets expect the secondhand apparel market to more than double from about US$199 billion in 2025 to US$486 billion by 2031. Companies now manage collection through delivery, while Musinsa, Kolon FnC, and department stores expand resale services.