Why Gmarket Is a Must-Know for Australian Shoppers
When it comes to Korean online shopping, Gmarket remains one of the most popular platforms for both locals and international buyers. It’s Korea’s answer to Amazon — a massive marketplace with everything from fashion and cosmetics to electronics and K-pop merchandise.
For Australians, Gmarket is a gateway to authentic Korean goods at competitive prices, but there’s one catch — most sellers don’t ship directly to Australia. The good news? With the right setup and a reliable parcel forwarding service, you can get Gmarket orders delivered to your door without breaking the bank.
What You Can Buy on Gmarket
Gmarket’s appeal lies in its diversity. Here are some of the most sought-after categories for Australian shoppers:
- Korean Skincare & Beauty – Laneige, Sulwhasoo, COSRX, and Etude House are often cheaper than in Australia.
- Fashion & Accessories – Local Korean brands, seasonal trends, and collaborations with global designers.
- Electronics & Gadgets – From Samsung accessories to niche tech products not sold internationally.
- K-pop Merch – Albums, lightsticks, photocard sets, and official concert goods.
- Home & Kitchen – Rice cookers, air fryers, and home organisation items.
- Snacks & Food – Honey butter chips, Samyang ramen, Pepero, and gift sets.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Gmarket Account
If you’re shopping from Australia, here’s how to start:
- Go to the Korea Gmarket Website – Visit gmarket.co.kr.
- Click “Sign Up” – You’ll need an email address and a password.
- Fill in Your Details – Name, email, and contact number are required. For the shipping address, you’ll initially use your Korean warehouse address (provided by your forwarding service).
- Verify Your Account – Some sellers require mobile verification, so use the forwarding service’s phone number if needed.
💡 Tip: You can also use the Korean-language site for a wider selection, but Google Translate will be your best friend.
Step 2: Browsing & Adding to Cart
Gmarket has thousands of listings, so here’s how to find the best deals:
- Search in Korean – Translating keywords gives better results and often lower prices.
- Check Seller Ratings – Look for sellers with high feedback and recent transactions.
- Compare Listings – The same item can be sold by multiple sellers at different prices.
- Look for “Domestic Shipping” – If it’s labelled 국내배송 (domestic shipping), you’ll need a Korean address.
Step 3: Paying for Your Order
Gmarket accepts several payment methods, including:
- Credit/Debit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, and some international cards.
- PayPal – Ideal for international buyers who want extra payment security.
- Gmarket Gift Cards – Occasionally available through promotions.
Note: Your order will be shipped to your Korean warehouse first before being forwarded to Australia.
Step 4: Using Buy&Ship to Get Gmarket Orders to Australia
Since Gmarket sellers often only ship domestically within Korea, you’ll need a parcel forwarding service. Buy&Ship Australia makes the process simple:
- Sign Up for a Free Account – Visit Buy&Ship Australia to get your Korean warehouse address.
- Use This Address at Checkout – When placing your Gmarket order, input the Korean address in the shipping section.
- Wait for Warehouse Notification – Once your order arrives at the warehouse, you’ll get a notification to declare the item in your account.
- Consolidate Orders (Optional) – Combine multiple Gmarket packages into one to save on international shipping.
- Ship to Australia – Pay for shipping (from AUD 28 for the first 2 lbs) and track your delivery.
Why Use Buy&Ship for Gmarket Shopping?
- Access to All Sellers – Even those who don’t ship internationally.
- Lower Shipping Costs – More affordable than direct DHL or EMS rates.
- Package Consolidation – Save money by combining multiple purchases.
- Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees, clear AUD billing.
- Reliable Delivery – Trackable shipments from Korea to Australia.
Customs & Import Tips for Australia
- Declare Everything – Customs can inspect parcels randomly, even for snacks or cosmetics.
- GST – Orders over AUD 1,000 may incur GST.
- Restricted Items – Check Australian import rules, especially for food and electronics.
Extra Shopping Tips for Gmarket
- Use Promotions – Gmarket often runs seasonal sales, coupon codes, and free gift offers.
- Join Club Memberships – Paid memberships sometimes offer extra discounts.
- Shop Off-Peak – Avoid holiday periods when shipping delays are common.
Common FAQs
Q: Can I shop on the Korean Gmarket site without knowing Korean?
Yes, but using Google Translate will help you navigate product descriptions.
Q: Does Gmarket ship directly to Australia?
Some sellers do, but most only ship domestically in Korea — making a forwarding service essential.
Q: Is Gmarket cheaper than buying from local Australian stores?
Often, yes. Even with shipping fees, prices can be significantly lower for cosmetics, K-pop merch, and electronics.
Gmarket is a treasure trove for Korean beauty, fashion, electronics, and cultural goods. While it may seem tricky to shop from Australia at first, using a reliable parcel forwarding service like Buy&Ship Australia removes the barriers. With a little research and strategic buying, you can enjoy authentic Korean products delivered straight to your door — often at better prices than local options.