Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jo-z]

Greetings, everyone!

I am very excited about my upcoming trip to South Korea. I am also trying to keep my luggage within the required weight limits. Not so easy when going away for a long period of time and needing clothes for all occasions! Even worse when you are almost 6 feet (1,80 M) tall and worried about not being able to buy clothes at the other end! I know it's a bit of a long shot, but does anyone know of any stores that might sell clothes for tall people in South Korea? I will be staying in Mokpo, but will have the opportunity to visit Seoul on my way there as well as at other times over the duration.

Thanks!

[JeJuJitsu]

[ED209]

[crazylemongirl]

I'm 5'10" (177cm), and I think height is the least of your problems. Korean clothes on me tend to be very small through the bust and shoulders, large in the waist and small in the hips. They also don't tend to be made very well.

There are a few places that you can buy clothes, but I'd bring pants/jeans/shorts with you. Skirts and t-shirts aren't such big deal. Also unless you want to wear men's shoes, you'll have to bring your own shoes.

I do a lot of my shopping online as there are plenty of places that deliver to Korea. Either keep your orders under $150 or get someone to re-package least you get some nasty customs charges.

[bobbyhanlon]

i think you should bring enough clothes to last all year round with you. especially in a place far from seoul, i think its very unlikely you'll find clothes you want, and that fit your size. a 6 ft woman in korea is a rarity indeed..
i'm a 6'3 guy and i've managed to buy precisely one pair of trousers during my entire 3 years in korea. and as for shoes, forget it! seriously, bring all the clothes you need with you.

[uberscheisse]

my ex-gf was 6 feet tall and rather slim. she never had problems finding clothes that fit.

[Canadian Club]

[inspector gadget]

Some things may be hard to find but I think you will be okay. My Korean ex girlfriend is 5'11 and she seemed to do alright with the clothes and she lives in Gwangju which is an hour bus ride from Mokpo.

You may have trouble finding stuff in Mokpo but you will be in Gwangu often enough.

[ella]

I'm also 6'. That weight restriction on airlines should be based on height, I say! I brought three suitcases and maxed out the 50-pound limit on each. Hopefully I have enough clothing and shoes for four seasons allowing for wear and tear, especially working with kids. I plan to supplement with things I can buy online and have sent from home along the way.

It is a pain, though - I completely empathize.

[inseoul]

they cater for military people. itaewon, main shopping drag.

if you are taller than some of the army girls ive seen there i would very surprised.

also, a lot of the guys styles will do you fine, really. you will be size 100 or 105.

james.

[Demonicat]

I'm 6'4 at 115K as a guy, and I got some tips that made me able to survive.

1) Pants- no worries, trousers are good for both genders, they can be had a lotte mart (especially Seoul Stn), in many styles- cheaply. Also, Koreans like to think they are tall, so the legs are always cut ridiculously long (at 6'4 I still have to roll my cuffs sometimes).
2) Shirts- Get them custom made. Its better quality (by far), you can get fancy designs or whatever you want, and its damn near the same price as poorly fitting/made junk off the racks.
3) Shoes- These are the hard thing to find, gotta have moms send them as online apparently won't deliver shoes.

[awalk2remember]

Hi Jo-z,

So here's the deal...

Bring what you can, obviously...If you like to dress trendy for going out and the like, bring some cute clothes with you...You know, cute tops and pants for going out...There are some pretty cute clothes here for women, but oh yeah, they are designed for the small sized, small chested women here...

You won't have too much trouble finding some guys clothes because there are some tall and skinny guys here.
However, if you've got curves, that make finding clothes more difficult.

I am 5"7 and have bought sweaters here (cause it does get ca-ca-ca cold here !!!) but they were guys....
And if you are teaching in a hagwon or even a public school, depending on if they turn on the heat or not, it will be cold between classes.

Now, when it starts warming up, it gets bloody humid and hot here, so bring things that don't show your shoulders (god forbid) or cleavage for work.
You will have better luck buying those kinds of things where you are now, then in the land of the morining calm !!!

Also, stock up on deodorant (the kind you like) and other things that will give you comfort from home. I brought with me lots of my favorite makeup and toiletries.
Yes - you can find them here, but things from home are always comforting

Oh yeah, don't forget about some good bras and even a sports bra or two...they will come in handy if you go hiking on some of the numerous mountains.
That reminds me - a bathing suite that fits !!!!

Yup and shoes...
Okay...I have broken down and bought some mens Hush Puppies..

YOU WILL DOING A LOT OF WALKING...comfort and style are hard to come by here in a size greater than a women's 8.
I am an 8 1/2 so I prefer a size 255 which is rare in women's sizes.
And be careful because a lot of the shoes here for women have extremely pointed toes...Sure it looks great but for a women's N. American foot trying to squeeze into some of these shoes just isn't happening !!!

So, in a nutshell, trying to find women's clothes or clothe's that fit at all can be a challenge, but it can also be an adventure !!!

I cannot stresss how much walking you will be doing, so come prepared !!!!

And I say, if you pay a bit extra for luggage for the plane, that IS OKAY !!!It will mean that you are prepared for your adventure in Korea !!!

All the best

[Ramones]

Yes i agree we need to see you in a bikini perhaps to better answer your question. please post soon for a quicker answer.

[tiger fancini]

Tall people rule.... I'm 6'5.
Not much help to the OP as she's gonna be in Mokpo, but I find that Itaewon is the best place to go clothes shopping for me. I tried the dept. stores and regular shops first but was never able to find anything to fit properly. However, in Itaewon I've gotten a very nice fitting winter coat, jeans, and size 13 walking boots. Itaewon is also cheaper than regular shops in my experience.

[i_teach_esl]

man, y'all are tall... im 5'3"