Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DebEVoyager]

Hi ya'll

I am getting ready to move to Korea and am looking at different duffle bags.

I am curious as to what sort of luggage would be recommended for the move - what did you use?

Do you think you should have brought more stuff - ie shoes- or less?

I have read many threads on WHAT to pack but not WHAT TO PACK IT IN.

I plan on bringing four seasons worth of clothing because I am tall and much larger than Korean women but I also don't want to be too excessive and pack for armageddon.

I am bringing weather appropriate shoes, clothing, a few towels, vitamins, deodorant, etc, etc.

I was considering buying two of these duffle bags - http://www.bigduffles.com/duffel%5Fbags/mother%5Fload%5F36/

Any suggestions? comments?

Thank you!

[Kikomom]

Sheets and a fluffy down comforter. Get some space bags to pack them in and they shrink down really small.

[guava]

I think you should buy two of those bags. Theres a buy two get one free and you can give me the free one, OK?

Actually I would avoid those bags because with a price like that they are surely inferior quality and you are likely to have your junk in a pile on the sidewalk when it breaks.

Just get one suitcase. There are several places in Itaewon that sell large sizes, some sell large sizes exclusively. You can also buy online, don't worry about it.

[tatertot]

These bags are supposed to be really great http://www.sierrasnowboard.com/Burton-Wheelie-Sub-Luggage-Bag-Snowboard-bags.asp. I've heard that they might be too big, though. They only cost a little bit more than the bag you show in your OP.

[saram_]

You really just need to bring the bare essentials..

Where will u be located? If it is Seoul, then just bring yourself really and whatever things you really like..

As long as you have some cash to live on when you arrive here you can get whatever you want nice and cheaply. The things you mentioned, towels, vitamins and deodorant are here in huge abundance as well as basically everything else you'd need(deodorant- I never understand how people say you can't get it anywhere, it is EVERYWHERE).


You wouldn't need more than one large suitcase really..

Perhaps clothes maybe a little problem...It depends though. Not sure how tall/large you are.
I think it may be a little harder for girls to find large clothes.. but not too difficult..

People complain about not getting their clothes size here but as a guy who is well over 6 feet and not really skinny I don't have many problems getting clothes here. I guarantee getting clothes here wont be such a big deal either..

The less you bring in your suitcase the better!

Don't get too worked up about what to or what not to bring. When you find yourself here and in need of something...go back on daves or ask your work cplleagues for advice.

Many people have been here ages and know the lie of the land well...

Enjoy!!

[Mr. Pink]

I bought two of these:
http://shop.samsonite.com/Samsonite-Detour-Over-Under-Duffle/dp/B000A3LFBK?ie=UTF8&refinementHistory=brandtextbin%2Csubjectbin%2Ccolor_map%2Cprice%2Csize_name&searchNodeID=2235763011&field_launch-date=-1y&class=quickView&searchRank=salesrank&searchPage=1&field_browse=2235763011&searchSize=12&id=Samsonite%20Detour%20Over%20Under%20Duffle&field_availability=-1

Good solid bag. A bit pricey, but I found it hard not packing over 23KG into each bag. In the end I think i was at 25kg each bag, but they didn't charge me extra.

[gossipgirlxoxo]

Just remember that whatever bag you bring you will have to store in your (most likely tiny) apartment all year. I found this really annoying in the past because there are sometimes no closets, the bed legs prevent it from going under the bed, and your nice suitcase can get stinky and mildewy in the summer if your place is not well-ventilated. Therefore I vote for anything that is strong, cheap and folds down. The last time I came back here I used those awful blue and white striped bags you get at the $2 shop I used 2 packed into each other and then taped around the outside for extra strength. They served me well, although I was not the most fashionable person at the airport. And they weigh next to nothing, so you can fit in even more of that crap that everyone wants to bring.
However, these bags have no wheels and don't take well to being dragged across the ground, so if you're not being picked up by someone, you may want to consider the logistics of moving such a bag (or bagS)around by yourself.
Good luck!

[DebEVoyager]

Thank you everybody for your insight, those links are great, I wish I could afford those bags! But everybody's info has helped my research this evening.

I also realized about storing the bags in a potentially (and more than likely) cramped space so I am much more interested in sturdy duffle bags. Also they seem to be lighter, which gives more weight for actual clothes, shoes, etc.

After researching actual lugguge companies and not just deal finder sites I decided to make a purchase of 1 large duffle from here http://www.luggage.com/International-Traveller-9389-X-QG1036.html


I just got one so I could pack it and gauge what my second bag would need to be - either another similar duffle or one with wheels

That is funny to hear about not needing to pack deodorant - but I will probably bring just a couple extra anyways - as for clothes and shoes and buying them there, I have a hard time finding proper fitting clothes in teh states even b/c I just seem to be out of average sphere on everything, as far as height, etc. I am not overweight or anything, just long and busty (not as great as some might think it is!). BTW - I anticipate living in Gangwon Do so I feel it may be pertinent to bring good gum boots, hiking boots, and snow boots - not to mention a good jacket and lots of layers - this will add to my packing weight

Thanks again ya'll!

I am still curious to hear what other people used to import themselves to Korea

[earthbound14]

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441772735&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302861417&bmUID=1261899846039

I just use simple duffle bags. Korean apartments are pretty small so I prefer the ones that can be stuffed under the bed after you get here. Other luggage takes up room on the veranda and gets all moldy after a year. Standard duffles are pretty cheap too. It's not like you plan to travel around and moving them with the airport carts and via bus or taxi is pretty damned easy. Good for moving your essentials around and great for hockey gear or climbing gear after.