Korean Job Discussion Forums

[IconsFanatic]

Should I bring the following, or wait until I arrive to buy 'em once in Korea:

-hydrogen peroxide
-an iron

If they're readily availble in the Morning Calm, I'd like to buy them there, especially an iron (which is a tad heavy).

[saw6436]

Both Irons and Hydrogen Peroxide are WIDELY avaliable. True, Korea is on the cusp between a 3rd World Country and a Developed one, but almost all daily conveniences are avaliable at a low price. My advice is to travel light but carry enough "personal hygene" products to last for your stay. Been here 5 years and do not have problems getting what I need. And I do not live in a major city. E-mail me direct if you have specific questions. [email protected] Pardon my spelling.

[IconsFanatic]

I usually consider hydrogen peroxide to be a personal hygene product... but I guess one not often used.

You say bring enough personal hygene products to last your entire stay... are you excluding peroxide?

I realize I should bring soap/razors/deodarant/etc., but would you recommend getting peroxide in Korea?

[Skippy]

You can get Hydrogen Peroxide but it will likely be in small bottle about 100ml. Not like getting it back home at London Drugs.

Do not really worry about soap and shampoo. You can get it korea. Some maybe quite harsh. So if you like a certain shampoo or conditioner bring some. Razors do not worry. Many stores sell Gillette razors like Mach 3. But Deoderant BRING. You may find some in Korea but expensive and never the brand you like. Other toiletries any medicines or cremes that you like. Stuff for Athletes foot is one to consider. If you plan to colour your hair bring your own.

Skippy the Evil Twin

[william beckerson]

Korean hair-coloring is designed for thick black Korean hair. I fear that if you're fair-haired like me, you will go bald from using it.

[Dazed and Confused]

[quote="william beckerson"]Korean hair-coloring is designed for thick black Korean hair. I fear that if you're fair-haired like me, you will go bald from using it.[/quote]

Sorry Will. B. but I think you mean coarse hair, not "thick hair". Thick refers to the number of actual hairs on one's head not the thickness of each hair. And just to let you know.....Korea does carry a small range of hair coloring products suitable for fair hair. Although finding a comptetent stylist to get the combination of color and peroxide right might be a bit tougher.

[princess]

[kim jong il]

it's so refreshing to be finally getting to the root (pardon the pun) of this common misconception. i have coarse hair folicles, but not many strands. people are always saying "jong il, you have thick hair". i try to correct them by informing them that i have coarse hair, but not thick hair, but to no avail. thanks guys, i feel so vindicated!

[Derrek]

Princess, please give me some hair!!!!!!!!!!

[batman]

I would bring deodorant because it is hideously expensive in this country (when you can find it).
Other personal products (like body lotion) also tend to be more expensive than back home but are easy to get at the local store.
I would skip on the iron because it is heavy and you can get a decent one her for about 25,000 won.
It used to be recommended that you bring a bath towel but even that is changing.
The shopping scene in Korea is changing at an evolutionary pace.
Things that I could not find last year or the year before are starting to pop up.
Still waiting on the root beer though.
Something I would recommend to bring (if you like cooking) is a selection of spices and seasonings.
Beyond that, reserve your luggage space for your clothing and a few personal effects that you can use to remind you of home (photographs, etc).
Also, perhaps the most important things to bring are an open-mind, a strong back and a good sense of humour.

[Dan]

speaking on hair and hair coloring. COULD MORE KOREAN WOMEN HAVE THE EXACT SAME HAIR STYLE?!?!??!

YOU KNOW THE ONE, REDDISH DYED AND JUST BELOW THE SHOULDERS LENGTH

i swear, i can't count the number of times i thought i recognized someone i knew from the back, only to discover a hideous troll from the front.... that was cruel

[Hotuk]

Truly cruel - and happens way too often - is seeing that hair-do, thinking "hey she's cute... nice body, too" then finding out she is really a he.

[sprite]

i paid 10 000 won for my iron. which i've used 4 times, as i generally dry clean stuff (cheap) and then hang it very carefully, or spend my cash on that what does not wrinkle.

(i'm selling my iron for 5000... takers??? also a very nice wardrobe...)

i brought a laptop from canada, meaning i can download all the music i want, and didn't have to bring a load of cd's this time. at home high-speed access, 25 000 won a month.
'
the body shop is here, although they do stock some different products. "venus" razors and dental floss are available in 24 hour convenience stores.
good luck!

[desultude]

I've asked elsewhere about tailor made clothes. I understand that it may be impossible to find clothes to fit me there- I'm not fat, just tall and not skinny. Does anyone have experience with having relatively everyday clothes made to order in Daegu? I leave in a couple of weeks, and am having a hard time finding and affording an entire year's worth of teaching clothes that will fit in the allowable luggage.

[sprite]

desultude, last time i was home i hit the second-hand shops. i pretty much wear an undershirt, light turtleneck, sweater, and nice slacks or skirt everyday in the winter.

point one: likely, nothing you bring will match korean fashions, so why bother trying?

two: undershirts and lightweight longjohns will keep you warm; some classrooms are not always heated properly. these items will also reduce the laundry frequency; korean washing machines don't have agitators, and they can be hard on clothes. (get a laundry bag here for your undies and delicates.)

as long as you have about 4 outfits, you should be fine until you can find a tailor you trust. you might want to bring patterns you like, but some tailors can also work from sight.

good luck!