Korean Job Discussion Forums

[johnt11]

I am starting work at a school in incheon and flying out in 2 weeks.

The preparation is beginning and i am wondering what i need to bring that i would not have thought of.

I am 6ft 1 and have sizw 11 feet, will shoes and clothes be an issue? im thinking maybe.

I have also been ttold to bring deoderant. necessary or urban myth?

HELP ME!!!!

[cmr]

It's not a myth about deodorant; it is hard to find. I usually have a friend send me some; it's less trouble that way and I'm sure I get exactly what I want.

I cannot buy pants that fit me well in Korea. I got pants done in Itaewon, though ("Itaewon" is an area of Seoul that seems to have more foreigners than Koreans!) and that was the only time they were fine. If you want to get shirts, pants, or suits(haven't got any suits done there yet, though) tailor-made in Itaewon, it's not expensive and you're sure to get something that fits you well. Also, they deal with foreigners, and they usually can speak English. Going to Itaewon shoudln't be difficult from Incheon if you take the subway. Depending on where you live in Incheon, expect a 1.5-hour ride, maybe less. You can view an interactive subway map here: http://www.smrt.co.kr/english_smrt/index.jsp

Just thought about something. I didn't have to buy one here since I brought two with me, but it might be a good thing to bring a bathing suit. Since your username is johnt11, I guess you're a man; otherwise, bring bras! Girls complain a lot about that.

I've bought shoes in Seoul and they were always fine; although, I only need size 10. Perhaps size 11 shoes may be a little harder to find (I really don't know), but there are tall men in Korea as well, so it won't be impossible.

By the way, here they use different numbers for shoe sizes. I never remember what size I am here, something like 235 or 275.

If you smoke (I don't) and/or drink (I do! ) then you should get yourself something nice at the duty free store before you get here. I guess it's not necessary to tell you that, but just in case. As I said, I don't smoke, so I can't tell you anything about that. However, imported alcohol is usually expensive here.

I'm sure there will be some food that you'll eventually miss a lot. When that happens, you can try to ask on Dave's where you could get this or that, and you can always ask folks back home to send you stuff. I like cooking, but I can't always find what I need, or if I do it's really expensive.

Good luck!

[shrews68]

hi, a good selection of paper back books is worth a lot if you are much of a reader. swimming shorts as mentioned. a few copies of your university transcript if you decide to stay another year at a different school.

good luck

[cmr]

shrews68, if you happen to be in Seoul or have an opportunity to come once in a while, you can go to an English-only bookstore in Itaewon and get brand new or used books. They also carry a large selection of magazines. It's called Whatthebook and it's at the top of the infamous "hooker hill". They also have their website, but I think that it's only to get new books. I usually go there once every few months and buy a dozen used books or so. Their website is at www.whatthebook.com