Since plastic bags at most major supermarkets were phased out at the end of last year, in favour of people using those heavy duty re-useable bags, I've noticed in the past few weeks that the option of a plastic bag is available again. But this time, they are blue and from your local council / 구 office (similar to the white bags used for trash).

But at nearly a 1000 won (880) a piece, they ain't cheap which got me wondering what their purpose is. On the bag it says 재사요 which when checked in the dictionary means 're-useable', which I presume means that they are intended as a cheaper version of the 'nicer' bags available at about 2000 won and up.

I guess they had complaints from people who don't want to carry a bag around with them all the time in the chance they may pop by the supermarket. A few times when I've been without my car I've done exactly that and been a bit annoyed that I have to spend an extra 2000 to get my shopping home. That said a buck for a bag is still kind of expensive. It would be great if they could be re-used for trash or food waste. But, I would guess that probably isn't their intended purpose. However you could always play the dumb foreigner card and use them for trash anyhow. The way I see it is that you've already paid your money to the council anyway.

If anyone else knows any more about them it would be nice to know. Thanks.