South Korea Used Clothing Companies: Top Exporters & How to Find Reliable Suppliers

If you are searching for korea used clothes companies or a reliable south korea used clothing company to partner with, you are in the right place. South Korea has a well-established used clothing export industry with dozens of active suppliers shipping to over 30 countries worldwide.

This guide profiles the top Korean used clothing exporters, explains how their businesses operate, and provides a practical framework for vetting suppliers before you commit to an order. We also compare Korean suppliers with Chinese alternatives to help you determine which sourcing origin best fits your market.

First time exploring Korea as a source? Read our complete guide to Korea second hand clothes for market data and pricing overview.

Top Korean Used Clothing Exporters

Based on B2B platform listings, trade data, and industry presence, here are the most notable South Korea used clothing companies currently active in export:

1. K-FOREIGNER Trading

K-FOREIGNER is one of Korea’s largest used clothing exporters by volume. With 130 workers sorting 160+ categories, they serve over 30 countries and ship 40-50 containers monthly. Their scale makes them a benchmark for serious buyers looking for consistent supply.

2. KISUK TRADING (News Industry)

KISUK TRADING has been in the used clothing export business since 2000, making them one of the longer-established players. They ship comparable volumes to K-FOREIGNER (40-50 containers/month) and have built relationships across 20+ countries over their two decades of operation.

3. GNL Company

GNL Company is a substantial operation with $25-50 million in annual sales and a dedicated 5,000-10,000 sqm facility. Their 100% export focus means their entire operation is built around serving international buyers.

4. DHY Co., Ltd. (HKT Korea)

DHY Co., Ltd. specializes in A-grade used clothing and accessories, with a focus on serving African and East Asian markets. They are listed on EC21 and TradeKorea.

5. JUNGWON TRADING

JUNGWON TRADING is a smaller but established supplier based in Gimhae-si, listed on multiple B2B platforms. They represent the broader ecosystem of small-to-medium Korean exporters serving global buyers.

How Korean Used Clothing Companies Operate

Understanding the business model of South Korea used clothing companies helps you evaluate which supplier type suits your needs:

Collection Model

Korean exporters collect used clothing through a network of collection bins, charitable partnerships, and direct sourcing from apartment complexes in major cities. The Seoul Capital Area (25+ million people) is the primary collection zone. Clothing is typically donated by urban residents with relatively high disposable income and fast fashion turnover.

Sorting and Grading

Once collected, clothing is transported to sorting facilities where workers sort by:

• Category: Tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, accessories
• Gender: Men’s, ladies’, unisex
• Grade: A (near-new), B (light wear), C (worn/flawed)
• Season: Summer, winter, all-season

Pricing Structure

Korean exporters quote on a FOB (Free On Board) Korea basis. Pricing depends on grade, category mix, and volume:

• A Grade bales: $1.10–$2.00/kg
• B Grade bales: $0.60–$1.20/kg
• Mixed-grade bales: Available at negotiated rates

Export Documentation

Korean suppliers typically provide: Commercial invoice, packing list with detailed category breakdown, Bill of Lading, fumigation certificate, and certificate of origin. Korea’s trade infrastructure is well-developed, and most exporters are experienced with international shipping requirements.

How to Find Korean Used Clothing Suppliers

Here are the most reliable channels for connecting with korea used clothes companies:

1. TradeKorea (tradekorea.com) — Korea’s largest B2B marketplace, government-supported, with verified company listings
2. GOBIZKOREA (gobizkorea.com) — Run by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), lists only Korean companies
3. Alibaba — Lists some Korean suppliers, though many are resellers or intermediaries
4. TradeKey and EC21 — Additional B2B platforms with Korean company listings
5. Industry referrals — Other importers in your network may have Korean supplier contacts

How to Verify a Korean Used Clothing Supplier

Before placing an order, verify any used clothes korea supplier with these checks:

Korean Suppliers vs Chinese Suppliers: Making the Right Choice

While this guide focuses on Korean used clothing companies, experienced importers often compare Korea with China before deciding. Here is how they stack up for a buyer evaluating suppliers:

If your target market values trendy Korean fashion and you are willing to work with smaller supplier base, Korean companies are an excellent choice. If you need maximum volume, variety, and supplier options, Chinese suppliers offer advantages.

Some importers use both: Korean bales for boutique/retail customers seeking fashion items, and Chinese bales for volume markets where price matters most. For a detailed look at Chinese sourcing, see our complete guide to used clothing suppliers in China and current pricing guide.

For importers interested in Chinese Grade A bales as an alternative or complement to Korean sourcing, Hissen Global is a China-based supplier with 12 years of export experience, 3 factories (20,000 m² total), 25 sorting lines, and shipments to 110+ countries. Contact us for pricing and a direct comparison with Korean options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps: Connect with the Right Supplier

Finding a reliable korea used clothes company requires research, verification, and clear communication about your quality expectations. Start with the suppliers listed in this guide, use the verification framework above, and choose the sourcing origin that best fits your target market.

For a broader perspective, explore our complete guide to Korea second hand clothes and our Grade A vs Grade B comparison guide which applies to bales from any origin.