Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

Last week, before I began my new job, I decided to purchase a couple suits to upgrade my professional image. I went to the local outlet mall and looked around with my Korean girlfriend in tow doing all the necessary haggling and translating. We eventually settled on one place where the suits looked well-made and reasonably priced.

We negotiated the purchase of two suits for 500,000 won. For those of you who don't know, you can often get a discount if you pay in cash and you have a Korean there to haggle for you.

Anyway, to get to the point, the guy told us they were 100% wool. I'm new to the whole suit thing, but I do know that wool is good thing. We left the store that night with one and went back two days later when the other, which was out of stock in my size, was delivered and tailored.

I wore the things outside and they seemed to "shine" a bit more than the ones I had tried on. They also seemed to draw chalkdust like magnets. A bit perplexed I looked at the garment tag and translated the Hangeul. The tag appears to read wool exterior and polyester lining.

I have another suit that I purchased at another store, the tag reads the same but without the "shine" or "dust magnet" issues.

The colors are dark enough that I don't look like a gangster wannabe but they really do draw dust, hair, etc. out of the air in a ridiculous way. Is there something I can do to remedy the situation?

caveat emptor ?

[Juregen]

I have noticed that Koreans like shiny suits. They should throw these people into jail.

Probably the wool has been cured with some chemical to make it more shiny, and attract chalk.

500.000 for a tailored suit is indeed a good bargain, if you feel comfortable wearing them, then don't worry.

[Rumple]

I would not say 500,000 is a good deal for a suit in Korea, unless the fabric is English or Italian, and not Chinese with a fake English/Italian selvedge.

However, you said you got two suits, and 250,000 is an okay price for a suit (with Chinese or Korean material) if the craftsmanship is decent. Problem is, that's hard to tell unless you educate yourself on the internet, and know what questions to ask.