ARE LAPTOPS AND DIGITAL CAMERAS CHEAPER IN KOREA?
Bakugan shopping StoreRight today I’m in the state for a brief break, and though everything is cheaper here (even the specializer brands! Haha), I’m not so trusty most the electronics, especially the laptops, which seem more pricey here.
Is it genuine that in Korea, electronics (especially a laptop) are roughly the aforementioned toll as the U.S.? I’ll be feat there soon. I’m thinking to acquire a digital camera and a laptop. 
Thanks!
I probably would not go to Namdaemun Market to buy electronics. It’s a great place for socks, jewelry, and t-shirts, but not laptops.
The best and only place in Seoul for electronics is Yongsan Electronics Market in Yongsan off the light blue line (about two stops away from Namedaemun).
As for price, it depends on what type of laptop you are looking for. I bought a macbook here in Korea, and those are usually 200 bucks more than the States. Basically, anything that’s manufactured in the U.S. will come with an additional 200 dollar luxury tax (ipods, macbooks, dells).
Japanese electronics run about the same as the states. My Korean friend just bought the exact same fujitsu PC laptop that my sister bought in the states. They were the same specs and everything…and they were the same price (the Korean one being maybe about 40 bucks more due to exchange rates).
If you’re planning to stay in Korea long term, I would suggest getting a laptop here. You can usually purchase a warranty or get free repair service if you experience any problems with it. Plus you don’t have to worry about buying (and lugging around) a huge transformer for your AC adapter to avoid frying your American-made battery.
If you’re planning to head back to your home country, you should buy it there. There’s no guarantee you can find the same plugs and cords or repair parts for a Korean or even Japanese built machine that is not widely distributed in your homeland.
Digital cameras ARE cheaper at Yongsan market. If you bargain right, you get all these extras thrown into the deal such as extra batteries, memory cards, camera case, etc. Just make sure you do a little research and shop for a camera that’s distributed in your home country (in case of repair).
Most likely being that American dollars is worth more than Korean money.
Oh my, just about EVERYTHING is cheaper in Korea! Assuming you’re going to Seoul there are many great places to purchase just about anything you could want. Most people will direct you to Etaewon (ee-tay-wahn) but that’s the Americanized area. If you want the really GREAT deals (remember, EVERYTHING is eligible for bartering and it is expected that you’ll barter them down) then try Namdaemoon Market outside of Huamdong (Nahm-day-moon Market outside Hu-ahm-dong). It’s a 24 hour market with FANTABUOUS deals! You’d want to go during the day to Namdaemoon though. The major stores/buildings close for the evenings. If you’re wanting jewelry,clothing, hats, scarves, etc then 2am is the best time to go. Be sure you carry Won AND American dollars with you, although at this point American dollars are likely to be the weaker of the currency. You can either go to a local bank and make an exchange in currency (there’s one in Huamdong just before you climb the hill to Namdaemoon Market that’s especially friendly) or do it at the airport. Yah, be prepared to barter and shop your little tushy off! I know this sounds shallow, but if there’s anyway you could become a redhead or a blonde for this trip you’ll fair better. Especially if it’s curly on top of the color. Can’t tell you how much free jewelry and super-discounted clothing I got just for letting them touch my blonde, curly hair. Seriously, they’re fascinated by it and many times will offer free items in exchange for you letting them run their fingers through it. They just enjoy the soft texture. Oh, and if you do dye your hair be prepared to have your picture taken a lot. Strangers used to stop me and ask if they’re kid could touch my hair and take a photo with me on a daily basis. Have fun!!!!!!! Stay out of Etaewon as much as possible!
go to electronic mart. its easy to find, outside you always see a korean slut dancing. bewarned, its hard to look at anything without a guy harrassing you to buy any electronics cuz they got no business. a far cry from japanese stores.
from my experience…
korea’s electronical devices are more expensive.
if you go to a store and buy it it would be expensive.
you could go to a market place and get a bargain for it.