As summer approaches, many international students frequently use online shopping platforms to purchase seasonal clothing and daily necessities. Korea’s online shopping platforms are especially well known for its fast delivery services, wide variety of products, and convenient payment systems, making them a familiar part of daily life even for foreign students. According to a survey conducted among ten international students at SeoulTech, the platforms they use most frequently are Korean companies Musinsa, Zigzag, and the global shopping platform Shein.

Musinsa

Musinsa is one of Korea’s leading fashion platforms. Originally launched as an online community focused on street fashion, it has now grown into one of the country’s most popular fashion shopping platforms. Students explained that the biggest reason they use Musinsa is that they can compare and purchase a wide range of Korean brands in one place. In addition, the platform provides style recommendations and outfit coordination photos, allowing international students who are unfamiliar with Korean fashion to easily follow the latest trends.

Many students also mentioned that Musinsa is popular because it is known for selling relatively high-quality Korean fashion brands. During the summer season, frequent discount events and seasonal sales also allow students to purchase clothing at more affordable prices.

Zigzag

Zigzag is another popular online shopping platform among students. The application is famous for gathering the products of many women’s fashion shopping malls into one platform, allowing users to compare products from different stores and easily find styles that match their preferences. Its relatively affordable prices and wide range of designs are considered major advantages.

Students responded that they often use Zigzag because it allows them to easily find styles inspired by Korean dramas and K-pop idols. Many also said that the platform’s AI-based recommendation system is convenient because it suggests products that match individual tastes.

Another important feature of Zigzag is the ability to compare products from many shopping malls at once. Students explained that this makes price comparisons easier and gives them opportunities to try various styles without spending too much money.

Shein

Meanwhile, the survey showed that students also use the global online shopping platform Shein. Shein is a Chinese-based global fast-fashion platform that is famous for its extremely low prices and rapidly changing trendy products. Since students can purchase a wide variety of clothing styles at affordable prices, the platform has gained significant popularity among young consumers.

Shein supports English-language services, making it easier for international students who do not speak Korean to use the platform comfortably. In addition, students identified Shein’s biggest strengths as its low prices and wide selection of products. Especially, they could quickly purchase trendy clothing styles as well as fashion accessories such as bags and jewelry at reasonable prices.

However, some students also pointed out disadvantages, including inconsistent product quality and occasionally long delivery times.

Online Shopping as a Cultural Experience

Ultimately, platforms such as Musinsa, Zigzag play an important role beyond simply selling products. Through fashion and online shopping, international students are able to experience Korean culture firsthand and feel more connected to life in Korea. As online shopping culture continues to evolve, these platforms are expected to remain an important part of how international students explore Korean trends and lifestyles.

Reporter

Sieun Jeon

cherryjeon06@seoultech.ac.kr

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