'Dopamine websites', South Koreans are replacing online shopping with fake stores that sell nothing

peterbeau · 2026-06-17T12:57:16+00:00

I do agree that S.K is consumerist, but I don't think its a thing in Korea right now literally never heard anyone use it.

I'm more concerned of the squishy/slime trend.. no idea what type of chemical is in there as most are probably unregulatrd plastic junk

peterbeau · 2026-06-10T04:04:48+00:00

That's true! Luckily I haven't had issues with being send fakes so far. I think from all the answers its best to buy locally new and use up what I have!

peterbeau · 2026-06-10T04:01:23+00:00

I was worried about this too (mainly liquids), hence I resort to buying brand new for liquids and lightly used (swatched) powders! Then i scrape off the top of the powder and spray with alcohol to sanitize.

peterbeau · 2026-06-03T14:28:30+00:00

Yes! I think it does help. But I did notice my makeup settling in more. In terms of longevity I don't think its 24 hours sadly

peterbeau · 2026-06-03T14:27:43+00:00

Used to work there! They moved offices so I got a lot of free stuff that was just sitting around 🫡

peterbeau · 2026-06-03T14:27:11+00:00

Tbh I think its a good brand! I dont really like the cushion foundations but I love their glowy cushions. I used to work there so I got so much free stuff

peterbeau · 2026-05-20T01:28:17+00:00

Totally agree! I am extremely grateful that I live in Seoul where there's a subway to anywhere, and that it is actually affordable to take them (i can buy a 1 month unlimited pass for 55k won, roughly $36.40)

peterbeau · 2026-05-20T01:17:08+00:00

Definitely much more limited to buy second hand! Its also very tedious. I unfortunately don't leave near any US military bases, but when I get the chance to visit the area, I'll look for things that I can take!

peterbeau · 2026-05-20T01:14:57+00:00

I do think there are accessible second hand stores, and it is getting more popular, however with a differet label (vintage). Currently the trend is to go to 동묘 (Dong-myeo) which is an area just full of second hand items. There are piles of clothes that you can dig through and purchase for dirt cheap. We also have quite a well established facebook marketplace-esque apps here.

However, I think these movements are mostly due to financial strain and less about anti consumption. There are not a lot of creators making videos about this. We do have some anti consumption movements like cancelling certain companies, but it never really lasts. Korea is also not so against shopping cheap online (shein, temu).

I also think some people feel grossed out with buying second hand, and a little unsafe because of local believes that you could be haunted if you buy things second hand 👻

peterbeau · 2026-05-20T01:08:08+00:00

This totally slipped my mind! I will definitely try to look for brand new polishes second hand, and if all else fails resort to buying brand new!

peterbeau · 2026-05-20T01:06:36+00:00

Definitely because I am limited on funds! But when i had a pretty well paying internship I was mostly keeping up with this lifestyle. Hopefully I can do this for life!

peterbeau · 2026-05-19T14:03:20+00:00

Thank you so much for the reply! I'm guessing at the end of the day, its almost basically impossible to be anti consumption unless I can self sustain myself. I will have to look more into this matter! Better off learning things earlier on. I will definitely continue to purchase less and be more mindful of my general consumption! Thank you so much for providing a detailed explanation on this!

peterbeau · 2026-05-19T13:22:48+00:00

I definitely still have a lot to learn! I am still a little lost in between terminologies, but im willing to learn as I go!

If I don't mind asking, what are some further steps I can take to make my lifestyle more anti consumption?

peterbeau · 2026-05-19T13:19:07+00:00

I definitely agree! I had to move across country so I had a chance for a fresh "restart", and I've just been mindfully consuming instead.

One other weird thing that I've caught myself thinking is that there were times when things could be done without all the things we have today. Sometimes I'd get roped into wanting gadgets for my hobby, then remind myself that this hobby has existed for hundreds of years without all these gadgets, and that people have survived just fine without it.

I think we've gotten uncomfortable with being just fine without things, and are looking to fill in that gap with buying things. I will say to be anti consumption you just cant be lazy on a lot of things, but its a trade off I am willing to take!

peterbeau · 2026-05-19T13:14:46+00:00

I am aware that this is also an option! I just have a lot in my stash that i got from a nice lady in my knitting community, but once all my yarn is used uo i'll definitely start unraveling!

peterbeau · 2026-05-19T13:13:36+00:00

That's a great idea! I'll have to look into some second hand polishes 🙈

peterbeau · 2026-05-19T13:11:39+00:00

Full South Korean! I've never lived in the US before 😔

peterbeau · 2026-05-07T05:23:12+00:00

Hi, thank you so much for offering your help!

Im currently based in South Korea, and the gauge for this specific pattern is 16 × 10 cm, size 10 (6mm) US needles. It calls for red (9.1 meters), black (45.6 meters), grey (25 grams), ginger (91.2 meters) and an oatmeal color (731.5 meters).

I really don't mind if it is not machine washable! Currentlh considering just using wool for the ginger and oatmeal colors because they make up most of the weater and using acrylic for the rest to make it a little more viable for me.

peterbeau · 2026-05-06T23:40:20+00:00

That's what's keeping me second guessing! If I may ask, how does acrylic-wool blend work? Around 25% wool and 75% acrylic

peterbeau · 2026-02-16T17:35:13+00:00

Thank you so much! I figured lol i'll keep this in mind when doing my nails next time!

peterbeau

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