Korean Job Discussion Forums

Bafsy · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Location: Sanbon

I'm leaving to come to SK in about a month, and after reading extensively through this site and others, I know enough to bring some frozen cheese and Kraft Dinner (for when homesickness eventually hits!)

Are there any other foods I should consider bringing along that are hard to find/ easy to transport?

This question is definitely open to Aussies, Brits and Americans, I just figured I'd have the same points of reference as other Canuks. (Lays Ketchup chips anyone?)

Any suggestions would be defintely appreciated!

Chloe11 · Joined: 23 Jul 2007

That depends... where in South Kore are you going?

Petey Wheatstraw · Joined: 28 Sep 2007

Try and think differently. Are KD and chips really something to be missed? Anyways, there are loads of junk foods over here. Yes, the lack of cheese is tough, but - is there any other way to put it? - you need to get over it. The world's most disgusting version of macaroni and cheese is not going to make it seem like home, even for a minute.

Bafsy · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Location: Sanbon

Chloe, I'll be near Seoul, so I know I'll be able to access pretty much anything for the right price.

Petey, I absolutely agree. I wouldn't let a lack of KD or cheese ruin what I'm sure will be a great experience. I plan on eating mainly Korean food, or some variation thereof, but it's always nice to have those little things that remind you of home on days when you get homesick without having to travel halfway across a country and pay loads for it.

I just thought if there was anything some of you found you really missed that I could easily pack, I might as well!

Thanks.

Chloe11 · Joined: 23 Jul 2007

The only things that I miss and haven't found yet (in Busan) are gravy and really good chicken noodle soup. Mind you, both of those things can actually be found, I'm told. Or made, I suppose.

crazy_arcade · Joined: 05 Nov 2006

My first time here I loaded up on a lot of stuff that turned out to be very readily available in the Seoul area.

I've stopped bringing cheese because I now have a costco membership but I used to always bring it.

Here's what I always bring:

-several kg's of high quality cofffee. The most expensive stuff in Canada goes for the same price as the cheapest (and disgusting quality) stuff here.

-spices and seasoning mixes. spices are becoming easier to find, however, they're a little expensive. All the basic ones are easy to come by. However, I usually bring spaghetti, taco and fajita seasoning. I also bring things like hollandaise mix, humous mix and so forth.

-vanilla (only because my mother buys it for me in Mexico). It costs a small fortune for real vanilla in Canada and a large fortune in Korea.

-syrup---I grew up with a specific brand of pancake syrup. When I get home sick I make pancakes and have it just like back home.

nomad-ish · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 3:26 pm Post subject:

i'd bring maybe a couple boxes of KD so when u first arrive and u're still figuring out where to go to buy stuff, u have something familiar to eat from home.

as for cheese, don't bother. in seoul it won't be hard to find, depending on the kind you're looking for. my homever recently started carrying some really good cheese.
u can find KD in seoul at the red door store in itaewon (search for past threads, it mentions directions & other stuff u can buy there, ex. nyquil, reese's pieces, salt&vinegar chips). i have never seen ketchup chips here.
prices aren't great, but i suggest u fill up your suitcase with things that are really hard to find...ie. clothes that fit and u like the style of, and personal items. people complain about the food quite a bit here, but there's a lot of really great stuff to eat too!

edit: one thing u should bring if u like it: tim hortons coffee

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

If you're close to Seoul, you will have access to lots of food. I wouldn't waste the weight on frozen cheese. You can get cheeses at costco, hannam supermarket, and tons of other places.

I second the seasonings. Seasoning mixes are hard to find here.

If you like Tim's coffee, bring some. Mostly what you get here is instant stuff. There are plenty of Starbuck's and Coffee Bean's though if that's your thing.

I've never seen ketchup chips here, anywhere. You can go to Hannam and the red door for salt and vinegar. I've also never seen dill pickle. But you'll find plenty of new "interesting" flavours of snacks here in Seoul to entice you.

I brought gum with me. I like a specific kind of excel (polar ice) which I can't get here. I also left when all the easter candy was coming out, so I brought a big bag of Cadbury mini eggs, cream eggs, and mini reese's cups.

Think of stuff that's small that will help you out. But don't waste your weight restrictions on cheese.

Beej · Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Location: Eungam Loop

Why are Canadians obsessed with Kraft Dinner (packaged Mac and cheese for the unknowing)? Its what welfare moms feed their 15 kids.

Bafsy · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Location: Sanbon

Thanks for all the tips, you've all been super helpful.

Haha, and I'd hardly call it obsessed, but KD is just a super easy comfort food. I probably only have it once every two months but it's just something you crave every once in a while.

twg · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Location: Getting some fresh air...

rhinocharge64 · Joined: 20 Sep 2006

Hey Brits and cow's intestines. Don't know what you're on mate but I wouldn't mind having some.

chevro1et · Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Location: Busan, ROK

+3 for spices/ seasoning mixes (taco/ fajita/ stir fry/ etc) and one thing that I really wanted but forgot, and can't seem to come across, is seasoning salt.

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

smurfetta · Joined: 03 Oct 2007

I second bringing a gravy mix with you like bisto and taco kits.

Other things I would bring are:

- Patak curry paste (I wish they weren't in glass jars.)
- Stuffing (You may be able to get it here but I haven't found it yet)
- HP sauce (I heard that you can get it here occassionally.)
- Custard
- Ju Jubes
- Twizzlers
- Licorice All sorts
- Wine gums
- Annie's Mexican flavoured shells (The healthy KD choice)

Oh, I could go on and on. Note: I'm pregnant so I am craving tons of stuff from home. I wish I hadn't read that post about dill pickle chips.

So, definitely, bring your favourite foods with you. Sure, you will be eating Korean food but after a while you will miss food from home. Trust me, it is worth the luggage space. Another option if you know your address is to mail on some food to yourself. My husband and I do that sometimes when we visit the UK or Canada. Also, tell your family that care packages are much appreciated!

Good luck on your move to Korea!