Astro Seoul

Proviso

You have to be careful with some outfits. I’ve had stuff sent to me that was clearly second hand. Fortunately, it wasn’t hugely expensive gear. In any case, what can you do 10,000 kilometres away faced with the prospect of shipping costs and a major hassle.

So you have to pick and choose. Here are the ones I’ve used that I recommend for service and that have done everything right by me.

Online Stores I Have Used

I recommend these stores with confidence. (But in life there are no guarantees.)

All Star Telescope - a Canadian shop run by a married couple. Payment is via Western Union money orders up front. I ordered a Barlow Powermate and 32 mm Plossl from them to see how things worked out. My money order was the fast transfer and it incurred a fee of 10%, which was a bit hefty. The store owner, Ken, was very patient and prompt in all of his replies.

Online Stores I Will Consider Buying From

Note: these are not tried and tested.

Scopecity - this is a large chain with a huge stock and stores near US military installations. It even has a store in Guam. This suggested to me that shipping to Seoul could be cheap with them. As yet untried, though. It has a very proactive feel about it, which many astronomy sites don’t give you.

Astroshop- this one is located in Germany and also presents itself as proactive and can-do. It has a very useful shipping estimate key beside each item. As yet untried for service.

I would like to note that I have tried to order from Australian stores but have met fairly lack luster salesmanship. I received my Meade from one but with a second order for accessories, I was disappointed by the result, for several reasons, and will not be ordering from there again. That is why that store does not appear here.