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The “Scarf Uncle” at Seoul’s Namdaemun Market has become popular in the community for his witty and straightforward greetings and affordable silk scarves, leading to huge numbers of fans lining up for the pilgrimage, and complaints from nearby vendors about the crowds and the system.
The owner of a silk scarf stall at Namdaemun Market in Seoul recentlysocial media Became popular. He sells six silk scarves for only 10,000 won (about US$7.50). His friendly and straight-talking manner as well as his presence appreciated by the customers attracted a large number of fans and live broadcasters to visit the market. Some people stood in the queue for more than an hour to collect the goods and take photographs with them.
The Guardian reported that the owner, whose real name was not revealed, was nicknamed “Uncle Silk Scarves” and would advise customers not to buy it, saying in a casual and witty manner: “Don’t spend money, it’s not suitable for you.”
This unique selling method made them very popular. The video in question received millions of views, and the booth also had to rely on police and security to maintain order.
Female customer Li Zixian (transliteration) stood in line at 10 a.m. and didn’t buy it until 11:20 a.m. He said “Uncle Silk Scarves” is cute and feels like his son or younger brother. She hasn’t been to Namdamun market in 30 years and now plans to go once a month.
However, the stalls were crowded with people, causing problems to neighboring stalls as well.
A vendor named Wayne, who has been selling shoes for more than 30 years, complained that the crowd blocked the entrance of the shop and adjacent passageways, making it difficult for him to do business. Many youth come just to take photos and see the scarf seller, but do not spend money.
Pei Zhongmin, who also sells silk scarves next door, is more optimistic and believes that the crowd is a good thing for the entire market, and restaurants, coffee shops and food stalls can all benefit. But they are also concerned about overcrowding.
“Uncle Silk Scarves” recently said on social media that the attention has brought “huge pressure and anxiety” and apologized to nearby sellers. In early November, security guards began to be assigned to the site, and they no longer announced business hours.
Summary FAQ
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He welcomes customers in a friendly and straightforward manner, and even advises people not to buy it saying “it’s not for you.” Furthermore, they are praised for their appearance, and related videos rapidly gain millions of views and become popular on the Internet.
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The price of the silk scarves they sold was only 10,000 won for 6 pieces, which was quite affordable and attracted a large number of fans and live broadcasters. Some people stood in line for more than an hour to collect the items and take photos with them.
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Crowds of people gathered around the stalls, affecting movement in shoe stalls and aisles. Some neighboring stalls complained that they only took pictures but did not eat money. Although some people thought this would bring prosperity to the entire market, additional security guards were deployed to maintain order.
