[Naver Shopping screenshot]
[Naver Shopping screenshot]

The vendor known as the "Namdaemun scarf ajeossi" ("scarf uncle") — who went viral for his witty sales patter and unconventional approach to selling — has opened an online store, only to sell out almost immediately.

The vendor, who runs a scarf shop at Namdaemun Market in Seoul, recently launched a Naver Smart Store to begin selling online, according to industry sources Friday.

"My offline store has been too crowded and I've been getting so many requests to sell online, so I'm rushing to open a Smart Store," the vendor wrote on SNS.

The online shop, which offers six scarves for 10,000 won ($7), was flooded with visitors and sold out all available products in less than a day. Delivery costs an additional 3,000 won, and the vendor — not the buyer — chooses which designs to send.

True to his signature style, the product page carries the slogan "absolutely no overspending."

The store now displays a notice saying the product "is currently unavailable" and that purchases will be possible once it is restocked.

The product inquiry board has been filling up with restock requests and messages of support for the scarf ajeossi.

The vendor known as the 'Namdaemun scarf ajeossi.' [SBS Masters of Living broadcast screen]
The vendor known as the 'Namdaemun scarf ajeossi.' [SBS Masters of Living broadcast screen]

The scarf ajeossi first gained fame for his habit of talking customers out of buying things rather than pitching them.

Even while selling scarves at the bargain price of six for 10,000 won, he became a sensation for cheerfully telling shoppers, "It doesn't suit you — don't buy it," "Don't spend your money" and "You're overspending right now."

His store, Hanyang-sa, quickly became a must-visit destination. Visitors have been pouring in from across the country — including those who come just to take a photo with the scarf ajeossi — keeping Namdaemun Market in a constant bustle.

On Wednesday afternoon, he introduced himself on his Instagram account as "a 44-year-old father of two daughters."


yeonjoo7@heraldcorp.com