Auction Guide

Understanding Korean auto auction listings

One platform. Five auction houses. 99% of Korea's used car auctions.

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Grading Systems

Each auction house uses its own criteria. Accident grade and condition or exterior rating describe different aspects of the report; neither alone establishes absence of damage or repair quality.

Accident Grade (A–F)

Glovis criteria: based on major frame replacement history

A
No major frame replacement

No major frame replacement history under Glovis criteria. This does not establish that the vehicle has never been damaged or repaired.

B

Replacement history within Glovis B-level structural criteria, including front/rear panels, pillars, rear quarter panels or side panels. Check the marked panel and original report.

C

Exchange history in inside panel or trunk floor.

D

Wheelhouse exchange, or C-grade damage in 2+ locations.

F

Dash panel, floor panel or frame replacement, or two or more D-grade findings. Check flood and total-loss disclosures separately.

Condition Score (1–9)

Higher score = better condition

Scored across 5 areas: appearance, interior, exterior, engine room, and driving test. Inspectors check for wear, damage, and issues — more problems found = lower score.

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Exterior Grade Filter → Condition Score

ABCOther

When you filter by Exterior Grade, Glovis vehicles are matched by their condition score using the ranges above. Other auction houses use their own exterior letter grade directly.

What This Means for You

A · B

A and B are not guarantees of an undamaged structure. Review the panel diagram, notes and current repair needs before bidding.

C · D

Review the identified structural findings and have repair quality and frame alignment checked before bidding.

F

Extensive structural replacement findings. Assess the original report and vehicle; the grade alone does not identify flood or total loss.

Examples:

A/7 = No major frame replacement history; good condition score

B/7 = B-level replacement history; good condition score

A/1 = No major frame replacement history; very poor condition score

B/5 = B-level replacement history; average condition score

C/4 = C-level replacement history; below-average condition score

D/3 = D-level replacement history; poor condition score

F/1 = F-level replacement history; very poor condition score

Is A/1 better than B/7?

For Glovis, A/1 combines no major frame replacement history with a very poor condition score; B/7 combines B-level replacement history with a good condition score. Neither grade establishes repair quality or safety. Compare the original reports, current repair needs and the vehicles themselves.

Damage Type Codes

These codes appear on the body diagram in inspection reports.

Structural findings and repair history

XX
Replaced

Panel or structural part was replaced.

PP
Painted / Panel Work

Panel was repainted or sheet metal work was performed.

w
Welded

Structural area was welded.

f
Dented

Frame or structural area has a dent or impact mark.

m
Adjusted

Panel alignment or bolt adjustment performed.

Current Condition (Exterior)

X
Needs Replacement

Panel is severely deformed or detached — replacement required.

P
Needs Paint

Paint is scratched or damaged — repainting needed.

Q
Needs Panel Work

Panel has a dent or deformation — panel work required.

A
Surface Mark

Minor surface mark removable with polish.

C
Corrosion

Rust or corrosion present.

Vehicle Options

Factory-installed features verified during auction inspection. Only confirmed options are displayed on listings.

Sunroof

Retractable glass or metal panel in the roof that opens for fresh air and light.

Panoramic Sunroof

Large fixed or tilting glass roof spanning front and rear seats for an open, airy feel.

Navigation

Built-in GPS with turn-by-turn directions. Older systems may require a map update.

Smart Key

Keyless entry and push-button start — no need to remove the key from your pocket.

Ventilated Seats

Seats with built-in fans that circulate air through perforations, keeping you cool in summer.

Heated Seats

Seats with embedded heating elements to keep you warm in cold weather.

Leather Seats

Genuine or synthetic leather upholstery. Easier to wipe clean than fabric.

Head-Up Display

Projects speed and navigation info onto the windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road.

Around View Monitor

Four cameras stitched into a top-down 360° view to assist with parking and tight maneuvering.

Cruise Control

Maintains a set speed on highways. Newer vehicles may include adaptive radar cruise control.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)

Electric motor replaces the hand brake lever. Releases automatically when you accelerate.

LED Headlights

Energy-efficient LED bulbs with better brightness and a longer lifespan than halogen lights.

Rear Camera

Camera mounted at the rear bumper to assist with reversing. View displayed on the head unit.

Dashcam

Front-facing camera that records driving footage. May include a separate rear-facing unit.

Lane Departure Warning

Alerts you when the vehicle drifts across lane markings without using the turn signal.

Blind Spot Warning

Visual or audible alert when another vehicle is detected in the blind spot beside or behind you.

Forward Collision Warning

Alerts when closing in on a vehicle or obstacle ahead too quickly. May include automatic emergency braking.

Auction Houses

Korean used car auctions are operated by major automotive and logistics companies.

Hyundai Glovis

현대 글로비스 · Hyundai Motor Group

Available

Available From: Nov 2025

Korea's largest auction operator, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group. Operates as AutoBell with locations across the country.

Grading

Uses the standard A–F accident grade + 1–9 condition score system based on inspector deduction points.

Inspection Data

Most comprehensive inspection data: full mechanical systems, accident insurance history with repair costs, and body diagram images.

Best For

Best overall data quality. Ideal for buyers who want detailed inspection history.

Venues:BundangSihwaIncheonYangsan

SK Auction

SK옥션 · SK Group

Available

Available From: Jan 2026

Major used car auction platform operated by SK Group. Available both online and at physical locations.

Grading

The accident grade is based on panel replacement history; the separate exterior grade counts panels needing repair.

Inspection Data

Provides structured damage codes per panel (X, Q, P, M) and structural history codes (XX, W). No mechanical system data or accident insurance history.

Best For

Good for exterior damage detail. Exterior grade A–F directly indicates repair scope — straightforward for estimating reconditioning costs.

Venues:Cheonan

AJ Autohub

AJ오토허브 · AJ Networks

Available

Available From: Jan 2026

Auto auction and wholesale platform by AJ Networks, specializing in fleet and rental vehicle disposal.

Grading

The current accident grade reflects structural-panel replacement history only. Structural W findings and exterior-panel replacement do not change it. The exterior grade counts included panels needing repair.

Inspection Data

Provides government inspection records (validity, pass/fail items) and structured body panel checklist. Available on ~30% of listings.

Best For

Only source with official government inspection records. Fleet vehicles tend to have high mileage but documented service history.

Venues:Ansung

Lotte Auto Auction

롯데오토옥션 · Lotte Group

Available

Available From: Mar 2026

Auction service operated by Lotte Group, one of Korea's largest conglomerates.

Grading

A–F for both accident grade and exterior condition. Three-level functional status (Good / Normal / Needs Repair).

Inspection Data

Panel damage codes, frame classification, and functional system status.

Best For

Includes functional status ratings for mechanical systems.

Venues:Ansung

K Car Auction

K카 옥션 · K Car

Available

Available From: Mar 2026

K Car (formerly Encar Direct) is Korea’s largest direct-sale used car platform, now operating its own auction houses. Vehicles are primarily sourced from rental companies, leasing firms, and financial institutions.

Grading

Displays an accident letter and a numeric exterior score from 9 (best) to 1 (worst). Sharing a format with Glovis does not make the accident criteria identical.

Inspection Data

Provides evaluation score, body damage diagram, accident history, and detailed Korean-language inspection notes covering mechanical issues.

Best For

Strong supply of low-mileage rental/lease returns. Inspection notes are detailed but in Korean only. Weekly and daily auction formats available.

Venues:OsanSejong

Auction Statuses

Each listing shows the current result status of the auction.

Upcoming

Auction is scheduled but has not started yet.

Ongoing

Auction is currently live — bids are being placed now.

Sold

Vehicle was successfully sold at auction.

No Bid

Auction closed without a winning bid. Vehicle was not sold.

No Data

Auction result data is not yet available.

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One platform. Five auction houses. 99% of Korea's used car auctions.

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Information provided for reference. Always verify details with auction documentation.