Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Beer Man]

I've been to Korea two times all ready, and believe it or not I brought cutlery with me both times. I was glad I did, 'cause of all the apartments I've lived in (3 in total), none of them had much more than a couple forks, spoons, a knife if I was lucky.

Unfortunately, when I left Korea the last time, I left my set of cutlery in the apartment. It was a dingy little town, a rough school, and the girl who was replacing didn't know what was in store for her, and if I had taken the cutlery she would have had one fork, one knife, and an assortment of chopsticks, so I felt bad about doing that and decided to leave it.

Now I'm getting ready to come back for a third time. I'm figuring out my packing, and am close to the 50lb limit for both bags. I'd love to bring some cutlery with me so I'm set when I arrive (I'm thinking: 4 large forks, 4 large spoons, and 4 knifes). They really weight a lot though.

I've never had to look for cutlery in Korea before, so I have no clue how easy it is to find. Do the Chunwon stores (Dollar Stores) sell it? I just want a cheap, decent enough set, just 4 large forks, 4 large spoons, 4 knifes, so when I'm cooking and eating at home I can enjoy my meals.

[Bibbitybop]

Is this serious???

[OiGirl]

I bought a few cheap forks at Daiso a few months ago. They are like the crappy stuff we use for camping in the US, but I'm sure you can do better for a price at a department store.

[MollyBloom]

I seriously wouldn't bring a thing. In my neighborhood (and others I have lived in) Emart and Kim's Club have wonderful cutlery and kitchen supplies. There are also smaller kitchen supply stores in neighborhoods. My street has 2! Just look around and save the weight.

[nobbyken]

How many can you use at one time?

[Lukychrm42]

Easy to find, but lousy quality if you're not careful. FX the 3000 won cleaver is 3000 for a reason.

[Beer Man]

Thanks for the replies. Not sure if I want to risk it, so I'll probably go through my luggage some more, see what I can jettison, hopefully find the room for a couple of pounds. I know I've got way too much clothing packed, and it adds up to weight.

I've got my eye on some cheap knifes/forks/spoons (packs of 4) at Walmart that would travel well, they don't look too heavy, and the price is right. It's just nice to be able to cook a good meal in your apartment and then eat it with a decent knife and fork.

[PRagic]

Learn to use chopsticks. Why some people make a go at living and working abroad is beyond reason.

You can pick up just about anything you need for the kitchen and kitchen table at COSTCO.

[bassexpander]

My wife and I just bought a nice set (made up of matching individual pieces) from a Samsung department store. We spent maybe 60,000 or so? They're quite nice. Spoon, fork, table knife -- five sets, or maybe 6.

The best deal on quality, sharp knives can be found at Costco in Seoul. You can get those German (or Swiss?) made ones with the funky red man on them.

[RACETRAITOR]

Fun fact: I mastered the use of chopsticks at a younger age than my Korean wife.

[PRagic]

You just set yourself up for one hell of a masturbation joke!

[Draz]

[Cheonmunka]

Man, it's really really difficult. I've had to use my fingers as I can't use chopsticks. Sometimes it's really hard because I had one of those sticky poo days and at the same time the waterworksmen turned off the mains, so in effect I had some really bad stinky fingers, unwashed with poo smudges on them and had to eat my rice with them and of course suck off the little pieces that stick to your fingers. I really wish I could at least find a spoon, let alone a fork. It just makes the taste of my rice, like, not good, you know?

[RACETRAITOR]

[Cheonmunka]

I do manage bowl ice cream though, digging with the chopsticks.

Pretty hard to have a hot coffee, though Racetraitor. I've given up on the morning coffee ... my hands go all red.

PS: Love the Op's avatar. Hey, just thought of something, buy a darned hat! That'll hold water! Yaheeayy!