[DiaryPoint reporter Eom Ju-yong] A six-scarf set sold online by the “Scarf Guy” at Hanyangsa in Seoul’s Namdaemun Market sold out on Nov. 12. The set costs 10,000 won, with 3,000 won shipping, and can be purchased again through the Smart Store product page after it is restocked. The Korea Herald reported that, as of that morning, the store had more than 110,000 daily visitors, about 5,400 interested customers and over 700 product inquiries.
The seller said he opened a Naver Smart Store because his physical shop was crowded and he was receiving many requests to buy online. “The offline shop is too crowded, and there are so many requests to buy online that I’m opening a Smart Store in a hurry,” he announced. Buyers cannot choose the patterns; the seller selects six scarves from the available stock and sends them as a set. The Korea Herald also reported that the product page included the seller’s playful warning: “Absolutely no overspending.”
During an Instagram Live on Nov. 11 at 7:40 p.m., the seller introduced himself as a 44-year-old father of two daughters. He said he had been running a business at Hanyangsa for more than a decade, adding, “I’ve sold everything that makes money, except people.” Asked about his sudden popularity, he said, “It’s just luck. I have no business skills or anything like that,” and explained that his upbeat way of talking while selling had simply become part of him.
The Scarf Guy also appeared in a video posted on the YouTube channel Halmyungsoo on Oct. 9, before he recently became widely known. According to iNews24, the video, titled “Half a Lap Around Namdaemun with Mimi,” follows comedian Park Myung-soo and singer Mimi as they visit the market and stop at the scarf shop. When Park asked whether selling scarves brought in a big profit, the seller replied, “It’s all profit! A lot of profit.”
Those waiting for a restock can search Naver for “Namdaemun Hanyangsa Scarf Guy owner 6 pieces 1 set” and check the product page. The item cannot be purchased while sold out; the page says it will be available to buy again when restocked. The Korea Herald reported that on Nov. 12 the seller posted an Instagram image showing the Smart Store inaccessible, with the caption, “What on earth is happening?”
Before ordering, buyers should note that they cannot choose the patterns and should check the total, including shipping. One set costs 10,000 won, or 13,000 won with the 3,000-won shipping fee. The Korea Herald reported that orders already placed were expected to take about two weeks to arrive.
The online shop opened after the seller said he hoped it would ease crowding at his physical store. As sellouts and restock inquiries continued, the product page remained the place to check when sales resume. The Korea Herald reported that on the morning of Nov. 12, the seller closed the shop after operating from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. amid the crowds.