Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ronnie555]

I'm 6'2 225 (muscle not fat). Will I be able to find ANYTHING that fits? shoe size 13 or 14 (American sizes). Trying to decide how much clothes to bring. Obviously I'll have to bring a ton if I can't buy any. But are there at least a few places in Seoul or Busan that sell large clothing? usually in America I have to be XL or XXL shirts, 34/34 pants, etc.

[rumdiary]

I'm 6'4" and 245 and I could find stuff in Itaewon, but the selection isn't great. Especially for shoes. 12 is the cutoff for many shops. You can find 13's but they will probably have one or two pairs of basketball shoes and maybe one or two casual shoes to chose from. I bought a pair just to wear to work and I actually threw them away when I came home because they were pretty ugly. I brought a years supply of socks and underwear so I can't help you there. I bought some jeans and paid at least double what I would have paid in the U.S. I had shirts made in Itaewon as well. Paid about $30 each (had six made) and I was very pleased with what I got. The stuff is there but if you're even a little bit picky about what you wear you probably won't be too happy with it.

[yeti08]

Agreed ^

I have not found anything that is both a reasonable price and fits well. I am 6'6" (199cm) and 218lbs (99kg) I also wear a size 13 shoe. Good luck is what I say. Itaewon is your best bet, but like the previous poster said it's few and far between. I am struggling because I want a new pair of shoes, but I am picky. A friend in coming in June and I will be having him bring me clothes (can't wait).

Darn skinny twerps!

[wesharris]

At 6'2 250 lbs, with A size 15 shoe. In Itaewon, I can find shoes. Just have to browse and look a bit.
_+_+
Wes

[fustiancorduroy]

I'm 6'4" and 250 pounds. I wear XL/XXL shirts, 42-inch pants, and size 14 shoes.

Itaewon is the best place to go, but know that most of the clothes they have in those sizes tends to be more hip-hop style. While I certainly like my G-Unit jeans, not everyone might be into them.

Having said that, there is a place called NY Outlet that sells clothes imported from US department stores at steeply discounted prices. They carry a wide range of shirts and pants there, and occasionally have nice shoes, too. In fact, I bought my most recent sneakers, a fly pair of Marc Eckos, for only 70,000 won (originally $100 US). So, there are some deals to be found on nice, larger-size clothing.

[Lolimahro]

As others have mentioned, there are a number of "big size" clothing stores in Itaewon.

There's also a "plus size" clothing section on gmarket. I haven't looked at the men's clothing much, so I'm not sure how helpful it will be, but here's the link:
http://www.gmarket.co.kr/challenge_eng/neo_category/category.asp?gdlc_cd=100000063

good luck!

[Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida]

There might still be a place on Texas Street across from Busan Station.

[Daniel_D]

I find it easier to just get stuff tailored. I am a similar size to you, and the big size clothes are too expensive and more of a hip hop style. Try a tailor. If you can find an honest one, he can hook you up no problem. Shoes... yah those are always an issue. I'm glad the shipping from many online stores is reasonable.

[Old Gil]

You can bring a pair of shoes and have them re make it for you, same with pants, shirts, etc, at a pretty comparable price.

[mcviking]

If your in Busan go to Texas Street ( but selection isn't great) or nampodong, NOT Nopodong in the international market there is some big stores without the annoying Russian sails ladies and ridiculous prices for ugly clothes.

[warmachinenkorea]

Nothing in Daegu and everyone says Itaewon, but all I found was styles that are well not for me. I might try Busan though.
6'4 300 42 waist and 52 chest 14 4E shoe

[air76]

You can find clothes and shoes in Itaewon, but undoubtedly every single thing you buy will be a different style than you normally wear. I've kind of got used to wearing polyester dragon shirts, but I would highly recommend that you just bring enough clothes that you don't have to do any shopping in Korea.

If you're on a tight budget, check out this place:

www.sierratradingpost.com

They've got a lot of big/tall clothes, and if you shop around you can get some amazing deals.

[cangel]

Man, y'all some big _ _ _ people. Me, too...

Anyway, Itaewon blows. The fashion, as a previous poster mentioned, is hip hop, and the "wetsern" looking clothes aren't cut for people of any height. The shirts are always too short.

I dearly love Eddie Bauer. They ship to Korea (usually within 1 business week) and you can always Google 'Eddie Bauer online coupon' and get a 20-30% price down coupon - which usually covers shipping.

[bassexpander]

The shoes in Itaewon often have no arch support.

[PaperTiger]

Most of the shoes in Itaewon are cheap Chinese knockoffs that people still ask full price for. The store on the main drag that appears to have good dress/semi-casual shoes (red sign) charges a minimum of 90,000 won for shoes that have been glued together and won't last more than three months. Just buy your shoes back in North American or where ever you come from.

Find a good tailor and just have your stuff made there. Most of the clothes in Itaewon are cheap knockoffs that won't last more than a few months between the crappy washing machines and the tap water that damn near burns holes in clothes.

Buying anything in Itaewon (aside from booze and grub) is essentially an investment in garbage. Bring what you need or have it mailed to you.