By Bryan Kay
Staff Reporter
Seoul Global Center is encouraging foreign nationals to take part in its 2009 flea market specially set up for expats in an effort to spur cross-cultural exchange and promote recycling.
The event, scheduled to take place Oct. 31 at Seoul Folk Flea Market, Sinseol-dong, will see participants sell their second-hand goods, with a price ceiling of 20,000 won on items put up for sale.
Members of the foreign community are invited to participate ― as vendors and/or buyers ― in the Flea Market for Foreigners to be held by the Seoul Global Center, organizers said.
"The purpose of this event is to promote cultural exchange between foreign and domestic residents of Seoul and to encourage the use of recycled and second-hand goods," an organizer said.
"Foreigners who participate can sell their second-hand goods or are welcome to come as a spectator to purchase goods. Korean citizens may only come as a spectator, unless they have a foreign partner for the event."
Items suggested as appropriate include clothes, shoes, foreign-language books, toys and electrical appliances. Among those not allowed are new items, more than 30 of the same type, living organisms, illegal reproductions of other goods, broken items, medication and adult-only products.
The organizers added, "Please keep in mind the following: the Flea Market for Foreigners is a place where I can share things that I have saved from the past with others, come to better understand others and share in simple pleasures."
The event starts at noon and runs through 4 p.m. There is no participation fee, though sellers are asked to donate 10 percent of their proceeds to the center's charity fund.
For registration and to obtain further information, call 1688-0120 or e-mail jglim@sba.seoul.kr.