By Roseline Gao
KAOHSIUNG — A swap market in Sanmin District (三民區) on Nov. 15 and a free-sharing market in Cianjhen District (前鎮區) on Dec. 5 and 6 will let residents exchange or give away items they no longer use. At Takao Sogood Bridge, residents also arrange swaps through a LINE group outside market days.
Takao Sogood Bridge (打狗好好橋) will host a free-entry Mini Swap Market (迷你二手換物市集) in Sanmin District on Nov. 15 from 1 to 6 p.m. The event will focus on Christmas decorations, greeting cards, unused gifts, and winter items. Other household goods are also welcome. Visitors can swap items or give them away for free. Cash transactions are not allowed at the swap market. Those bringing only a few items do not need a stall. Anyone who wants to set one up can register for free through the LINE swap group.
The market began in September 2023 and is held three to four times a year. Past themes have included pet supplies, craft materials, kitchenware, and plants. According to the organizers, each event draws at least 50 attendees, with some attracting nearly 100. But swapping is not limited to market days. People also use shared photo albums in the LINE group to post items they want to swap or give away. They can contact each other and arrange exchanges without waiting for the next market. For larger items, they can agree on a swap beforehand and meet at the next event.
Sanduo Shopping District (三多商圈) will also hold a free-sharing market (無價免廢市集) on Dec. 5 and 6. The market will run from 3 to 6 p.m. at a plaza on Wunheng 3rd Road in Cianjhen District. A separate Christmas market selling food and goods will take place at the same venue. Visitors can bring items they no longer use, including Christmas gifts and decorations, to share with others. Those taking items home do not have to offer another item in exchange. Cash transactions are prohibited within the sharing market. Those interested in setting up a stall can watch for registration updates in the organizers’ official Facebook group.
Sanduo Shopping District has held the market since September 2023. Past events have featured books, toys, clothing, and household items. Those giving things away can also set conditions that do not involve money or commercial transactions, such as asking someone to share a personal story in exchange for an item. Families have also taken part, with some past events reserving the first 15 minutes for children to choose items.
Takao Sogood Bridge is about a 10-minute walk from Cianjin MRT Station (前金站), or 10 to 12 minutes from Sankuaicuo Railway Station (三塊厝站). The Sanduo market is about a five-minute walk from Exit 4 of Sanduo Shopping District MRT Station (三多商圈站).
