Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sapa]

I have been searching for things to pack and bring with me to Korea. Bringing a year's supply of deodorant seems to be mentioned time and time again. They must use deodrant in Korea surely, or is it just weak stuff or something? I use anti-perspirant, but don't really fancy packing loads of it.

I would like to ask the same for toothpaste too.

Fitted sheets? Large towels? Seen these three things mentioned alot too. I like both, can I really not find these in Seoul either?

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Fitted sheets aren't such a problem. I would bring a year's supply of deoderant and a large towel, however.

[Ginormousaurus]

As for deodorant it depends where you live. I live in Shinchon and there are a couple places that carry many western brands. There is also western toothpaste as well. So it is out there. If you're not picky about what you use, you can buy Korean toothpaste everywhere. I don't like the stuff though.

When I first came to Korea I brought a year supply of deodorant and it was great. I never had to even think about buying new stuff. I also had nearly a year supply of razor blades, too. If you have the space, it's not a bad idea to bring a ton of the brand you like. But if you can't, and you're living in Seoul, then don't worry about it. You can find everything you need here.

[Zaria32]

Deodorant isn't generally a problem. I like Korean toothpaste, but still try to screw the cap back on! (they snap on, not screw on, in Korea)

Only REALLY big stores (Cosco etc) have big bath towels...

[definitely maybe]

deodorant and toothpaste can be found, but at extortinate prices. it's your choice, but i don't like paying 7-9,000won or a small deodorant.

[scorpiocandy]

You shouldn't have any trouble finding deodorant, particularly if you live in Seoul.

I lived in a fairly small city for 2 years before I moved to Daegu and I found some even in my local supermarket.
I usually bring about 2 or 3 months' worth and after that just buy around here.

It is a bit more expensive than usual I think but I think a year's supply in your luggage may mess up your weight limit for the plane.

[OiGirl]

I am picky about my deodorant and toothpaste, and it's automatic to pack a year's worth.

I bought a fitted sheet in Korea for 40,000 won. I bought two Egyptian cotton fitted sheets at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $11 each. You don't have to bring them, but the thought of paying $40 for a single sheet sickens me.

[Bibbitybop]

Cucumbergirl is correct, it depends on what type of deodorant you want.

They sell the spray kind all over, in 7-11s and supermarkets.

It is easy to find the regular, stick deodorant in Seoul, but, it is usually antiperspirant/deodorant. For someone who doesn't like the chemicals in antiperspirant, it's best to import your own.

I go through 2 things of Speed Stick brand in a year, I use it every day, so packing a year's worth isn't a big deal.

Another place to look for your brand: Basement of the Doota mall in Dongdaemun.


For toothpaste, they sell Korean and Western brands all over the place, especially in department stores like Lotte Mart and Emart. Many Western brands, however, are written in Korean. Once again, a year's worth = about 3-4 tubes, not a big deal to bring.

[bobranger]

The antiperspirant/deodorant sprays are avalible but pricey. I too use the giant Speed Stick Sport MAX. Strong and lasts a long time. Two to three should last a year. Not my favorite smell but neither is B.O. .

[Pooty]

You won't find many places that carry the good western brands of spray deodorant. Last time I was home in March on a business trip, I bought 12 cans of Axe spray deodorant and 17 large bottles of the new body wash made by Old Spice Red Zone- very popular back home - they have about ten different scents. I go through one large bottle every month.










If anyone has seen these in Korea, I'd pay for directions to the store.

[sistersarah]

As others have said, I wouldn't weigh down your bags with deoderant. They've got stuff here. And this site:
http://livingwell2u.com/
there is speedstick, tag, axe, etc deoderants. Not bad prices.
On the left, click 미용/화장/목욕/건강, and then click 남성전용.


Costco has really nice big bath towels.

I bought my cotton fitted sheets online from gmarket.co.kr (came with two pillow cases) for 20,000 won. They're very nice.

[sistersarah]

[Suwon23]

I had quite a time finding American toothpaste, but now I'm hooked up. I think bringing a few months supply of toiletries is a good idea, just so you're not scrambling to find stuff before your supply runs out, but if you search you will eventually find everything you need. 20 million people can't be all wrong!

[westport]

Deoderant is becoming more readily available. Some of the supermarkets are now selling it.

[Freakstar]

I live in Seoul where I've had no problem finding deodorant or toothpaste. Like other people have claimed, if you will be living in a city with convenience stores, then no need to bring a year's supply - totally ridiculous and a waste of luggage space. But if you're picky about the brand of deodorant or toothpaste, then bring a few months' supply and then have your mom, friends send more to you with their care packages or when they come visit.