When I first started using YES24, “used books” weren’t even on my radar.
At the time, I was simply looking for original English editions and local Korean bestsellers, naturally gravitating toward brand-new copies. However, what really turned me into a frequent YES24 user wasn’t the new book selection, but the used book (junggo-seojeok) section I stumbled upon by chance.
I was just browsing initially—with no real intention to buy—but as I looked closer, I realized the platform was nothing like the “used book sites” I had imagined. In a way, it even shifted my perspective on the cost of reading and the circulation of books.
I clicked out of curiosity, but the prices made me pause
I first noticed YES24’s used books while searching for a business book that had been published a while back.
The price of a new copy was a bit steep for me, and since I wasn’t sure if I’d read it more than once, I casually scrolled down the page and spotted a “Used Book” option.
When I clicked through, my first thought was: the price difference is much bigger than I expected.
For the same title, the used version was often half the price of the new one—or even less. Some copies showed only the slightest signs of wear, yet the content was identical. This price gap made me seriously reconsider: did I really need to buy brand-new copies for every book?
This was especially true for reference, business, and non-fiction titles, where the value lies in the content itself rather than any “collector’s appeal.”
The condition of the used books was more “predictable” than I thought
I used to assume that buying used books came with a degree of uncertainty—dog-eared pages, handwritten notes, yellowing paper, or even heavy signs of wear. But YES24’s used book system actually features clear grading and detailed descriptions.
I gradually discovered that they weren’t just haphazardly selling old books; they employed a relatively standardized system for categorizing condition, such as:
- Some books were marked as “like new,” having merely been unsealed or lightly leafed through;
- Others came with notes about minor scratches or creases;
- A few showed obvious signs of use, but were priced accordingly lower.
More importantly, you can clearly see the condition details before placing an order, rather than discovering issues only after the book arrives.
I was actually a bit hesitant when I first tried buying one, but upon receiving the book, I found its actual condition was even better than described; there was only slight wear on the cover corners, while the content itself remained completely unaffected.
That moment made me realize that buying second-hand books isn’t just a “compromise” or a “second-best option,” but rather a more rational way to make a choice.
Second-hand books have led me to rethink the concept of “reading costs”
In the past, I rarely calculated the “cost of reading” when buying books; if I saw something I wanted to read, I would simply buy a new copy.
However, after I started using YES24’s second-hand book service, I gradually began to change that habit.
For instance, I now prioritize second-hand versions for books I’m unsure I’ll read in depth;
I no longer feel compelled to buy brand-new copies for books intended merely for a quick overview of a topic;
I even prioritize second-hand copies for classic titles if they are just for supplementary reading.
This shift may seem minor, but it has a significant impact because it lowers the barrier to starting a new book. Previously, I might have hesitated due to high prices or the fear of making a bad purchase; now, my attitude is simply, “Let’s buy it and see.” In a way, the act of reading has become a lighter, more accessible experience.
Second-hand book sections actually make it easier to discover “unexpected finds”
What surprised me was that the second-hand section offers more than just cheap copies; it actually makes it easier to discover books I wouldn’t have actively searched for otherwise.
For example, out-of-print or early editions—which are often hard to find in the new book section—can frequently be located in the second-hand area.
You can also find books from niche fields—such as specialized industry texts, older editions of textbooks, or titles that were once popular but are no longer widely reprinted—popping up in the second-hand listings.
This “offbeat collection” vibe often leads me to spend more time browsing the section casually, rather than searching with a specific goal in mind.
There have been times when I set out to find just one book but ended up picking up two or three others that weren’t on my list at all. It’s an experience quite similar to browsing a physical second-hand bookstore—only it all happens right on my phone.
Delivery and Experience: Standards Aren’t Compromised Just Because It’s Second-Hand
One thing that put me at ease while using YES24’s second-hand book service was that the overall process was virtually indistinguishable from buying new books.
After placing an order, the delivery process proceeds as usual, and the packaging is professional; the books aren’t handled carelessly just because they are pre-owned.
Most of the books I received were neatly packaged, and some even had basic protective wrapping. The experience didn’t suffer simply because the items were second-hand—a crucial factor, as it determines whether a user will stick with the service in the long run.
If a service offers low prices but a poor experience, it’s hard to form a lasting habit; YES24’s second-hand book system, however, remains consistent in this regard.
Second-Hand Books Redefined What It Means to “Own a Book”
After using the service for a while, my perspective on books began to shift.
I used to view buying books—especially new ones—as an act of “possession,” associated with a sense of pristine completeness and ritual. Later, I realized that what mattered most to me was the act of reading the book, not whether it was brand new.
Second-hand books actually allowed me to focus more on the content itself rather than the physical condition.
Sometimes, seeing faint traces left by a previous reader made the book feel more authentic; it had been read before and had now found its way into my hands to be read again.
It’s a completely different feeling from a new book, yet it’s not inferior—in fact, it carries a unique sense of continuity.
Beyond New or Old: It’s About the Reading Itself
Looking back, I stumbled upon YES24’s second-hand section by chance, but it gradually transformed my understanding of buying books.
It made me realize that reading doesn’t have to be expensive, nor does it have to start with a brand-new copy.
Ultimately, whether a book is worth reading has little to do with its age or condition.
It was through this more relaxed approach to consumption that I began reading more frequently and felt more inclined to pick up a book at any moment.
