Used Clothes Korea: Complete Guide to Korean Second Hand Clothing & Shoes
✨ Trusted partner for Korean second hand clothes & shoes to Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia
🌏 Market Overview: Why Used Clothes from Korea?
Korea is one of the most fashion-forward countries in the world. Consumers spend heavily on new clothing each season, which creates a constant flow of high-quality Korean second hand clothes that are ideal for export.[web:96] Recent research estimates the South Korea second hand apparel market at around USD 1.2 billion with a CAGR of roughly 12% through 2028, driven by sustainability and digital resale platforms.[web:95][web:98]
At the same time, Korea’s broader used goods market (including apparel, shoes, and accessories) is booming, projected to reach about 43 trillion won (≈USD 30.6 billion) as more consumers embrace resale and circular fashion.[web:104][web:106] This rapid growth means consistent supply for importers searching for used clothes in Korea, korea used clothing suppliers, and second hand clothes wholesale Korean for markets like Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
📈 ~USD 1.2B South Korea second hand apparel market size[web:95]
🚀 ~12% CAGR projected growth in coming years[web:95][web:98]
🧾 43 trillion won (≈USD 30.6B) Korea used goods market value[web:104][web:106]
🌍 Strong demand from Southeast Asia & Latin America for Korean used fashion[web:96][web:101]
Figure 1: Korea’s fast fashion cycle creates steady supply for used clothing export.
For importers in Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, sourcing used clothes Korea means combining three key advantages: trendy K-fashion styles, high garment quality, and strong export experience from established korea used clothing companies.[web:96][web:97]
When you partner with a professional consolidator like
Hissen Global, you can access this supply with stable quality and competitive container prices.
🍁 Why Korea Is a Powerful Source for Used Clothing
🇰🇷 Fashion-Driven Culture & Strong Export Base
South Korea’s fashion market is valued at around USD 15 billion, powered by K-pop, K-drama and streetwear trends that spread worldwide.[web:96][web:101] Many of these items quickly become “last season” domestically but are still excellent quality for export as korean second hand clothes.
According to industry sources, leading korea used clothing exporters such as Hansung Charity, GOODUSE KOREA, KISUK TRADING and others have decades of experience shipping mixed used clothing and shoes to Africa, Southeast Asia and South America.[web:96][web:97][web:99] They typically supply fully sorted bales (45–100 kg) and 20ft or 40ft containers with stable monthly capacity.[web:97][web:99]
Figure 2: Professional sorting and baling lines in Korean used clothing facilities.
Key Advantages of Sourcing Used Clothes in Korea
| Factor | What It Means in Korea | Benefit for Importers |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion Quality | Strong K-fashion brands, trend-led designs, frequent wardrobe rotation | Trendy stock that sells faster in Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia & ASEAN |
| Consumer Behavior | Young consumers often resell or donate clothes in very good condition | Higher share of Grade A/B pieces with fewer defects |
| Export Experience | Specialized korea used clothing suppliers shipping globally since early 2000s[web:97][web:99] | Professional packing, documentation and stable monthly volumes |
| Product Mix | K-fashion tops, jeans, jackets, dresses, branded sneakers, bags | Ability to build high-margin “Korean style” corners in your shops |
| Market Image | “Made in Korea” perceived as stylish and good quality | Easier marketing vs. generic used clothes from unknown origin |
Well-known comparison guides, like the
Indetexx list of 6 best Korean used clothing suppliers, highlight how Korean factories combine strict grading, modern facilities and global export networks.[web:96]
Hissen Global builds on this ecosystem by consolidating Korean origin goods with our own ISO9001-certified sorting in China, giving you more flexibility in mix, price and destination.
📊 Market Analysis: Demand for Korean Second Hand Clothes
Global & Korean Second Hand Apparel Trends
The global second hand apparel market is growing at double-digit rates, with one recent study estimating a jump from USD 10.6 billion in 2025 to over USD 20.9 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of about 12%.[web:95] South Korea is one of the fastest-growing sub-markets thanks to eco-conscious young consumers and powerful online resale platforms.[web:95][web:98]
Reports also show that the overall Korean used goods market—including clothing—expanded rapidly, nearly doubling in value within just a few years to reach roughly 43 trillion won (≈USD 30.6 billion).[web:104][web:106] This huge domestic trading volume ensures continuous feedstock for korea used clothing exporters that serve importers worldwide.[web:96][web:101]
Figure 3: Online resale apps in Korea accelerate the second hand apparel supply.
Opportunities for Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia, Philippines & ASEAN
Korean stock performs especially well in middle-income markets where customers want something more stylish than generic Western donations but still need affordable prices. This includes:
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🇲🇾
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Malaysia:
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- K-fashion tops, dresses, and sneakers for urban thrift boutiques
>🇨🇱 Chile & 🇧🇴 Bolivia: Layering items, jackets and jeans for cooler seasons
>🇵🇭 Philippines & 🇮🇩 Indonesia: Light summer wear, T-shirts, branded sneakers and streetwear
>🇹🇭 Thailand & 🇻🇳 Vietnam: Casual wear, shorts, skirts and fashion-forward items for young shoppers
🧺 Main Product Categories: Used Clothes & Shoes from Korea
1️⃣ Mixed Korean Used Clothing Bales
Mixed bales from used clothing suppliers in Korea usually contain men’s, women’s and children’s items sorted by season. Typical contents include T-shirts, shirts, jeans, dresses, skirts, hoodies and outerwear, many with modern K-fashion cuts that stand out on your racks.[web:96][web:99]
For importers running multiple thrift shops or wholesale warehouses, these mixed bales are the easiest way to launch a “Korean corner” quickly. Through
Hissen Global’s used clothing wholesale service, you can combine Korean-origin bales with our Chinese and Japanese stock in one container.
Figure 4: Professionally packed mixed bales prepared for export markets.
2️⃣ Korean Second Hand Branded Shoes & Sneakers
Korean consumers buy a lot of branded sneakers and casual shoes—Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Converse, Fila, and popular Korean labels—many of which enter the export stream after relatively light use.[web:99][web:101] These items are ideal for specialized “second hand branded shoes” shops in Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia and the Philippines.
In factories like KISUK and other korea used clothing companies, shoes are usually sorted by type and condition, then packed in 25 kg or similar sacks for export.[web:97][web:99] Hissen Global can reserve a specific shoe ratio inside your container if footwear margin is your priority.
Figure 5: Branded Korean sneakers and casual shoes offer excellent retail margins.
3️⃣ Premium & Vintage Korean Fashion
As vintage and Y2K trends explode globally, curated lots of Korean jackets, knitwear, and statement pieces are more and more in demand.[web:101] These items sell particularly well online or in boutique-style shops in capital cities.
Hissen Global can work with Korean partners to pull out a small percentage of higher-value items and combine them with regular Grade A/B stock, so your container includes both “fast sellers” and “premium margin” pieces.
4️⃣ Seasonal & Climate-Fit Collections
| Season | Typical Korean Items | Best Destination Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Spring / Summer | T-shirts, blouses, light dresses, shorts, skirts, sandals | Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Autumn | Light jackets, cardigans, jeans, chinos, sneakers | Chile (north/central), Bolivia (lower altitude), coastal cities |
| Winter | Coats, padded jackets, knitwear, boots, thermal wear | Chile (south), Bolivia (highlands), cooler ASEAN regions |
| All-Year Basics | Denim, shirts, polos, kidswear, office wear | All markets (year-round demand) |
Figure 6: Korean stock gives your shops a fresh, fashionable look that customers remember.
5️⃣ Typical Korean Grading System (Reference)
| Grade | Condition | Wear Level | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream / Luxury | Like new, trendy brands, no visible defects | Very light wear | Premium retail & online boutique sales |
| 1st Grade (A) | Very good condition, minimal fading | Light wear | Mainstream retail shops |
| 2nd Grade (B) | Good condition, small signs of wear | Moderate wear | Value-focused shops & markets |
| Mix Grade | Blend of A/B | Mixed | Highest volume, best cost-performance |
| Rags / Wipers | Damaged or heavily worn | Heavy wear | Industrial recycling, not for retail |
🏢 About Hissen Global & Our Korea Channel
Who Is Hissen Global?
Hissen Global Co., Ltd. (Guangzhou Hissen International Trading Co., Ltd.) is a leading global supplier of high-quality used clothing, shoes, and bags.
With 13 years of experience and ISO9001 certification, we operate a massive 20,000㎡ factory with 400 staff and have successfully exported to 110+ countries across Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
Our customer repurchase rate is over 80% thanks to stable quality and service (Credit Code: 91440101MA9W4PK77K).
You can learn more about our company and global channels on
Hissen Global’s official website, including our
used clothing wholesale,
used shoes wholesale and
used bags wholesale services.
Figure 7: Hissen Global combines Korean sourcing with rigorous multi-step quality control.
How We Work with Korea Used Clothing Suppliers
Instead of relying on a single factory, Hissen Global builds a flexible sourcing network with multiple korea used clothing suppliers, including partners featured in market reports like Indetexx and tradeKorea.[web:96][web:97][web:99] We then re-sort, mix and pack stock in our own 20,000㎡ facilities in China to match your exact market needs.
This model lets you access Korean-origin products while benefiting from:
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- >Better price control through volume consolidation
>Custom combinations of Korean, Japanese, European and domestic Chinese goods
>Unified inspection and documentation under Hissen’s ISO system
Hissen Global contact form, and our team will design a Korea-focused container proposal within 24–48 hours.
🤝 Hissen Global’s Value & Services for Korea Used Clothing Buyers
What We Do for Importers
Hissen Global’s role is to make importing used clothes Korea as low-risk and profitable as possible for you. Instead of negotiating separately with many used clothes suppliers in South Korea, you work with one experienced partner who manages sourcing, QC, packing and shipping end-to-end.
Our team has deep experience helping importers in Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia grow from a few shops to multi-city networks using Korean and other origin stock.
You can read more about our international projects and service scope on the
Hissen Global homepage.
Figure 8: End-to-end service from Korean sourcing to final container loading.
Key Benefits When You Work with Hissen
| Value | What You Get | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Stable Supply | Access to multiple korea used clothing exporters plus our own factories | Containers even in peak seasons, less risk of stock-outs |
| 2. Tailored Mix | Customized ratio of clothing vs. shoes, Korean vs. other origins | Perfect fit for your specific shops and climate |
| 3. Multi-Step QC | Sorting and inspection under ISO9001 with defect removal | Fewer complaints and higher repurchase from your customers |
| 4. Transparent Pricing | Clear quotation per container with all cost items shown | Know your landed cost and target retail margin in advance |
| 5. Market Guidance | Advice on what sells best in Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia & ASEAN | Faster sell-through and lower dead stock risk |
Many importers first discover us via B2B platforms like
Made-in-China, where Hissen-branded Korea used clothing bales are listed with competitive per-kg pricing.[web:93]
Working directly via
hissenglobal.com gives you even more flexibility in mix and payment terms.
💵 Pricing, MOQ & Logistics for Korea Used Clothing Containers
Container Pricing & MOQ
For importers starting a Korean-focused program, the standard deal structure is simple:
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MOQ:
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- 1 × 20ft container (about 10–13 tons of mixed second hand clothes and shoes)
>Typical budget: around USD 50,000 per 20ft container depending on mix and grades
>Payment terms: usually 30% deposit and 70% before shipment (negotiable for long-term partners)
| Container Type | Approx. Cost (USD) | Contents | Estimated Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Mixed Standard | 48,000 – 52,000 | Mixed A/B Korean & other origins (clothes + shoes) | 10–13 tons | New importers, 1–30 shops |
| 20ft Shoes-Heavy | 50,000 – 55,000 | Higher ratio of branded sneakers & shoes | 10–12 tons | Markets with strong sneaker demand |
| 40ft High Cube | 95,000 – 105,000 | Roughly double 20ft content | 21–24 tons | Large wholesalers & multi-country networks |
Figure 9: Stable sea freight routes connect Korea and China to Southeast Asia & Latin America.
Sea Freight Routes from Korea & China
Hissen Global typically consolidates goods in our Chinese hub, but we can also coordinate directly from Korean ports (Busan, Incheon) depending on the project. Transit times are similar to Japan/China lanes and can be summarized as:
| Destination | Typical Route | Transit Time (Sea) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia (Port Klang) | Busan / Chinese hub → Port Klang | 8–12 days | Very popular lane for Korean & mixed origin containers |
| Philippines (Manila) | Busan / Chinese hub → Manila | 10–14 days | Ideal for Korean streetwear & summer items |
| Indonesia (Jakarta) | Busan / Chinese hub → Jakarta | 14–18 days | Strong demand for branded sneakers & casual wear |
| Thailand (Laem Chabang) | Busan / Chinese hub → Laem Chabang | 10–14 days | Balanced mix of clothing & shoes |
| Vietnam (HCMC / Hai Phong) | Busan / Chinese hub → Vietnam ports | 7–12 days | Fast-growing thrift & online resale market |
| Chile (San Antonio / Valparaíso) | Busan / Chinese hub → Pacific route → Chile | 28–35 days | Focus on jackets, jeans & layered outfits |
| Bolivia (via Chilean port) | Sea to Chile + inland to Bolivia | 35–45 days | Highland climate: autumn/winter stock performs well |
For up-to-date shipping costs, our team checks multiple carriers and shares the best option in your quotation. You can always request a fresh sea freight estimate through the
Hissen Global contact page.
🏆 Success Case: Malaysian Buyer with 50 Second Hand Shops
📍 Background
A Malaysian client operating 50 second hand clothing shops across multiple cities wanted to upgrade their image and margins by introducing more Korean and Japanese-style stock alongside existing European and American goods.
🎯 Challenge
Their previous suppliers could not provide enough trend-led Korean items or branded shoes, and container quality varied significantly from shipment to shipment.
✅ Hissen Global Solution
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- >Designed a
20ft mixed container
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- around a
USD 50,000
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- budget focused on Korean & Japanese-style apparel plus branded sneakers
>Adjusted the mix to match Malaysia’s hot climate (lighter tops, dresses, streetwear, sneakers)
>Implemented strict QC with picture reports before loading
>Provided a clear re-order template so they could repeat successful mixes
📈 Results
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🛍
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Sell-through:
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- more than 70% of the Korean-style stock sold in the first 4 weeks
>💰 Margin: improved overall retail margin versus previous suppliers
>🔁 Repurchase: Client placed repeat orders and is now testing larger 40ft containers
“After working with Hissen Global, our racks finally look fresh and different from local competitors. Our customers love the Korean-style pieces, and the container quality has been very consistent.”
— Malaysian Multi-Store Buyer
Figure 10: Korean-style used clothing helped a 50-store Malaysian chain stand out from competitors.
🧭 How to Choose the Right Korea Used Clothing Supplier
Checklist for Evaluating Korea Used Clothing Companies
Use this simple checklist before committing to any korea used clothing suppliers or traders:
abel> Can they show recent loading photos or videos from their warehouse?
abel> Do they have export experience to your region (Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia, ASEAN)?
abel> Is the MOQ reasonable (1 × 20ft container) for testing?
abel> Are payment terms and all charges transparent and written in the contract?
| Evaluation Factor | Questions to Ask | Red Flags | Green Flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin & Grades | “Are these really Korean origin? What percentage is Grade A/B?” | Vague answers, no photos, no sample list | Clear breakdown with photos and item list |
| Export Track Record | “Which countries do you export to regularly?” | Only domestic sales, no export references | Exports to Africa, ASEAN, Latin America with references[web:97][web:99] |
| Quality Control | “How do you remove defects and stains?” | No formal QC steps, no re-sorting | Documented multi-stage QC with clear rejection criteria |
| Documentation | “Can you handle packing list, invoice & certificates?” | Buyer must arrange everything alone | Supplier provides full documentation package |
| Communication | “How quickly do you reply and in which languages?” | Slow responses, unclear English | Fast, clear communication with dedicated account manager |
Articles like
“6 Best Korean Used Clothing Suppliers” and B2B listings on
tradeKorea
are useful starting points to understand the Korean supplier landscape.[web:96][web:97][web:105]
Hissen Global uses similar research plus on-the-ground vetting when selecting partners.
🚀 Ready to Import Used Clothes from Korea?
Tell us your country, budget and target products. Our team will design a Korea-focused container proposal for you.
First-time buyers are welcome – MOQ is just 1 × 20ft container.
📧 Email:
sales@hissenglobal.com
| 🌐 Website:
www.hissenglobal.com
| 🏭 Factory: 20,000㎡, 400 staff, ISO9001 certified
📝 Key Takeaways: Used Clothes Korea for Your Market
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- >
Strong supply:
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- Korea’s fast fashion cycle and growing second hand market (≈USD 1.2B, 12% CAGR) create steady export volumes.[web:95][web:98]
>Good image: Korean second hand clothes and sneakers are stylish and easy to market in Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.[web:96][web:101]
>Simple start: A typical 20ft container of mixed Korean and other origins costs about USD 50,000 with MOQ 1 × 20ft.
>Higher margins: Korean fashion helps your shops stand out and supports better markups vs. generic stock.
>Low risk with Hissen: 13+ years of experience, 20,000㎡ factory, 110+ countries served, 80%+ repurchase rate – all available to support your Korea sourcing.
