By Kim Se-jeong
A shop at Ewha Womans University in Seoul is spreading the spirit of sharing by selling second-hand goods.
Opened in May 2011, the “Sharing Store for Ewhaians” uses all the proceeds for scholarships and helping the needy in the community.
“The store opened in celebration of the school’s 125th anniversary,” Bae Seul-rhee who runs the store told The Korea Times. The university was founded in 1886 by Mary F. Scranton, an American missionary.
The shop is unique but not the only one of its kind. The “Beautiful Store” chain was founded in the same spirit in 2003, and has almost 150 stores across the country now.
The strength of the store is the variety of goods, which range from clothes and shoes to measuring cups and a stepper exercise machine.
Alumnae were the biggest donor group, Bae said, but the list is gradually expanding to university students and local residents. “Now, residents of Mapo-gu send their donations through a quick delivery service.”
Kim Ju-ha, an alumnus and a celebrity TV news anchor at MBC, was among the first donors, giving clothes and bags. The store also displays a tea and coffee set from former university President Yoon Hoo-jung. “From President Roh Tae-woo” is written on the surface. Yoon was the president between 1990 and 1996.
Hur Joo-hee, 21, a freshman, said curiosity attracted her to the store. “I’ve heard it’s got a lot of different things, and you can buy them really cheap.”
Cho Won-sook, an alumnus of Ewha and a retired school administrator, has been volunteering at the store since the opening.
“The idea is great. Donors feel grateful in giving away things for the greater good. The store sells these products and donates the money for scholarships,” Cho said, looking at a stack of CDs she donated. Cho said the store gets an average of 50 customers per day.
The proceeds between May 2011 and April this year were 140 million won ($127,000), and 35 million won ($32,000) has been given to 24 students.
A school committee which decides on what to do with the proceeds is in search of a meaningful social project. Last year, the committee tried to provide animals to villages in a developing country, but the plan fell through.
Bae said it is currently contemplating donating musical instruments to a community center that teaches music to children from low income families.
On May 9, the store will have a webpage, which will provide prospective donors and customers with information on the store and about donating goods. “We are hoping to make a difference in the lives of people with the money,” Bae said.