Korean Job Discussion Forums

Tundra_Creature · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Location: Canada

Sorry if you're all really getting sick of these questions... but you guys do seem to be the most active Korean forum with some pretty good information. But you know, if I get the 'research more', I don't blame you guys either. I'll also try to keep the 'repeat questions' to a minimum.

I'm going to be arriving in Korea at the end of August for a student exchange program at one of the universities here. I'll be staying here for a semester, possibly two, so I figure I best prepare myself for the long haul.

Anyway, here are my quetions.

-I read that the power supply is different in Korea than back here in Canada. I was wondering about plug or power converters for my laptop and camera. My laptop is pretty much brand new whilst my camera is about 2 years old. Will I need them? Don't bother? Wait until I come over?

-I'm half white, half black (Yeah, yea I know, not politically correct terms in the least), so my hair isn't all that easy to manage. I know there's supposed to be some sort of store in Itaewon for black hair, but should I just stock up here instead?

-Deodorent. Is it still as tough to get as they say it is?

-I know it snows in Korea, but just how cold does it actually get? I'm pretty used to -30C + during the winters from back home, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that Incheon doesn't get that cold. So, I'm guessing a parka would be too much. What sort of coat would be good to bring? Should I just by one there?

-Ah... shoes. Still gotta be less than a size 8 (women's) to fit in them?

*Lady Question* Guys might not want to read. Highlight if you wish to read

-I want to assume that all tampons, pads and the likes are the same everywhere in the world, but I want to be on the safe side. A pads avaiable for those of us who are on the heavy side during the time of the month?

*End Lady Question*

Anyway, that's about it. Thanks in advance.

mayorgc · Joined: 19 Oct 2008

Korea runs on 240v i think. so if you check your appliances and electronics, it should say something like 120v-240v. N.America runs on 120v, so if your appliance only has 120v on it, then you can't plug it into Korean outlets. But i'm gonna guess that both are gonna be good to go in Korea, once u buy a 1 dollar plug adapter.

If you're here for less than a year, the you might as well stock up in Canada. How much product could you possibly need for less than a year?

Same with the deodorant. If you're worried about it, bring a stick, it should last the year. I don't see much of it around, but I don't look for it either.

And last winter, it got to be around -10 I think. It's basically just as cold as Vancouver, but with less snow.

Tundra_Creature · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Location: Canada

Thanks for the input and info. Smile

Yeah, I guess stock up isn't really the right word I was looking for, but more "What can I afford to leave at home?" You know, like I wouldn't really bother brining mouthwash or something when I could probably just get it at the corner store.

roadballmint · Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Location: Seoul, Korea

Janny · Joined: 02 Jul 2008 Location: all over the place

"...the power supply...''

For electronics, you're OK for voltage. But you will need a physical converter. Meaning the prongs we plug into the wall are differently shaped (Korea has round prongs, while Canada uses the thin rectangular). It's a small, cheap thing to buy, plug it into the wall, done)

"I'm half white, half black ... so my hair ..."

Yes, stock up on your favorite products. After some scouting, you'll find stuff here that works. But it's an unpredictable (and frustrating) search. Itaewon is your best bet, for sure. And my experience with hair salons here has NOT been good.

"Deodorent. Is it still as tough to get as they say it is?"

It's not TOUGH, but the stuff here is weak (You can find most brands, but it's always so ...old and busted. Dusty, like from 1997). And it's always baby powder scent (I like unscented) or something yukky. And sooo expensive. Bring lots. You're lucky you're coming at the end of August. You will miss the crappiest time of year in Korea...summer. It's super humid. Sweat sweat sweat. I don't even wear make-up in the summer here. It just sweats off in a couple hours. If you have bad skin keep that in mind. September - November is lovely however.

"...What sort of coat would be good to bring? Should I just by one there?"

DON'T bring one now, it's summer and it'll take up too much room in your suitcase. You can definitely find one here. Yes, it gets pretty cold. Frigid, dry air. We bundle up completely with boots, hats, scarves, the whole bit.

"Ah... shoes. Still gotta be less than a size 8 (women's) to fit in them?"

If you're a size 7 shoe or smaller, don't bring shoes. It'll take up too much room in your suitcase. Although, the shoes here are ugly (frou-frou, frills, sparkle, strappy, click-clack click-clack, bad 80's) Again, with some searching you can find suitable shoes.

"...pads avaiable...?"

Yes, Korean ladies like to use pads. Thick, huge ones, as well as pantiliners. Tampons, harder to come by. It's another thing I get sent from home.

I also recommend you bring a pillow. Korean pillows are those big, huge, rigid foam types. Or small, hard neck-support jobs. Just..strange and uncomfortable in my opinion.

If you are larger than size 10, bring LOTS of clothes. I cannot overstate this. Korean ladies are thin and narrow. There is no room given for bust or butt. I have wide shoulders and a short waist, and CANNOT fit into shirts properly at all. Seriously, bring clothes.

Other things to bring...powdered sauce mixes for pasta, gravy and stirfry. Easy to pack and sooo appreciated when you get tired of spicy / boiled meat and kimbab. Also, don't worry about make-up or beauty products (except your hair stuff). Lots of that stuff here, Koreans love make-up. That's what comes to mind for me right now. Good luck, and congrats on a great adventure forthcoming!

Tundra_Creature · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Location: Canada

Tundra_Creature · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Location: Canada

renrats · Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Location: Carolinas

Thanks for posting this! I've found that these questions have been answered on the forum before, but not since 2003. It's nice to read something that's up to date.

I'm not in Korea yet (I'll move to Daegu in July), but I've heard that bras are also hard to find if you're over a certain size. I don't know what size, but it's something to think about! Anyone know what sizes are hard to find?

About how much can one expect to pay for a winter coat in Korea? Nothing too fancy, just something practical. Also, are the other winter accessories expensive (boots, gloves, hats, etc.)?

Tundra_Creature · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Location: Canada

I was reading that if you're an over 32 in pants size and over a B cup in bra size, it'll be harder to get clothes. I'll assume thats the approximate.

I'd actually like to know the prices of winter gear as well. I can imagine you can get some that are cheap and other expensive like anywhere else.

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

Holy ****...you and me are the only half white black folks here...

For starters, don't take a job in Incheon, everyone I know who did regrets it and wished they to Seoul instead...if you can pull out now, do it...it looks close to seoul, but that commute will suck.

You'll have a blast, but try for seoul....and no, they're not racist despite what some white dudes here will tell you.

There are places in itaewon....quite a few africans live there so there are places to get your hair done right.

Winter is cold, but not THAT cold....you'll be fine is your used to -30'c

Tundra_Creature · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Location: Canada

Janny · Joined: 02 Jul 2008 Location: all over the place

Hey...about the cost of a winter coat...it can go from $40 to $200 or more. Like anywhere, it depends on the quality. But you will find something reasonable and wearable. There's a wide variety of styles and I've been satisfied with buying jackets and other winter gear here in Seoul.

Tundra_Creature · Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Location: Canada

40 bucks ain't too shabby at all, actually. I'll have to check out the styles once I get there.

Kikomom · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 6:37 pm Post subject:

Think about looking in the men's or boy's shoe section for sneakers, sandals, boots for winter. Some styles are pretty gender neutral and they might even fit better if you need a wide size. A Ladies size 10 would probably be a boy's or men's 8.

katepult · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 6:55 pm Post subject:

The power supply is different, you'll need an adapter for your plug for your computer, or you can buy the cord that attaches to the converter box in Seoul. Most rechargeable cameras have the converter too, so you'll probably just need the part that changes the plug.

Bring your own hair products, but there are also some hairstylists in Itaewon that specialize in black hair.

Deodorant isn't so easy to find outside of Seoul, but in Seoul you can find it at the underground market in Namdaemun market. There are regular brands - Lady Speed Stick, Dove, Degree, Old Spice, etc.

Coming over as a student, I'd bring a winter jacket. They can get fairly expensive, $100 and up. It's worth the space in your suitcase. If you bring an older one, you can dump it at the end of the year. I have a fleece and then another jacket, then I can layer them and use them with more versatility.

Women's shoes over size 8 are hard to find, but you can get athletic and hiking shoes in men's sizes. They are pretty gender neutral.

Tampons are actually pretty easy to find, though most Korean women prefer pads. Tampons are a bit expensive. Playtex and a Korean brand called Tempo are commonly available, but not in massive boxes.

(I've lived here for almost 5 years, if it can be found in Korea, I usually know where.)