Korean Job Discussion Forums

Geckoman · Joined: 07 Jun 2007

I will be going backpacking in Thailand, and perhaps some other countries in South East Asia, shortly.

I live in Seoul, South Korea. My home is near the Naksamday subway station.

So my question is:

Does anyone know of a good place to buy a large durable backpack that is good for these types of excursions?

Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Very Happy

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Try the camping supply stores along the street on the south side of the namdaemun market.

Geckoman · Joined: 07 Jun 2007

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

Uh... Itaewon?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

They opened a North Face store in Myeong Dong.

heydelores · Joined: 24 Apr 2006

There are some good backpacking and camping shops just outside Namdaemun Market. There are a couple routes to get there:

ROUTE 1
Take the subway to Hoehyeon station. Go out exit 6. Walk straight for a couple hundred meters. The stores are on your right.

ROUTE 2
If you're inside Namdaemun Market, follow signs on the ground for Gate 5 or 6.
If you go to Gate 6, step just outside the gate and turn left on the sidewalk. The shops are about 100 meters on your left.
If you go to Gate 5, step just outside the gate and turn right on the sidewalk. The shops are about 100 meters on your right.

I hope this helps!

wonkavision · Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Location: Seoul

my gf is also looking to go backpacking in a few months. the few stores here in Ilsan that we have stopped in have been ridiculously marked up, do you think would they be cheaper in Namdaemun? Basically what we are looking for is some sort of street market selling rucksacks, maybe even some stuff that isn't officially licensed and aimed at trendy rich old koreans. yes, i mean bootleg backpacks, although of course i realize we'd have to worry about shoddy quality. just thought i'd ask for her.

billyg · Joined: 16 Feb 2005

honestly, if you can take a makeshift bag or two, just to get your things to thailand, i would buy a bag there... even better if you go to vietnam, all the gear seemed to be a bit better there, and very very cheap in both places. you just have to make sure to pull hard on all the zippers, make sure all the stitching is doubled up. paid 15 bucks for a deluxe large lowe backpack that is as sturdy as ever. really glad i didn't drop the cash on something here.

if you do buy anything here, buy something super cheap, knowing that if it falls apart on you, you'll have plenty of replacements to choose from in se asia.