Korean Job Discussion Forums

[machinoman]

I am heading into Seoul next month to start my first teaching contract. In planning what to bring, I have been thinking about what I wish I brought with me when I studied abroad in Tokyo for a year back in '07/'08. I made salsa pretty regularly, but had a hard time finding some key ingredients, namely cilantro and jalapenos.

I've decided bring some seeds to start up a little garden in my room. Is it safe to assume cilantro/coriander is not widely available (or cheap) in Seoul? I was never able to find fresh jalapenos in Tokyo either, although I am certain they were served in some restaurants. Are they common in convenience stores or supermarkets?

Are there other types of produce you have a hard time finding in the Seoul area? I'm going to ship a box of seeds and am looking for ideas on what to send.

[DeMayonnaise]

Is customs going to let you do that? Better say they're books or something or they will probably confiscate you. Usually agricultural stuff isn't allowed lest some invasive species mess things up (like the entire Australian continent or any fresh waterway in America filled with Zebra Mussels.)

[machinoman]

Yeah I'm a little worried about that too. My original plan was to hide it in my checked bag somewhere, but I don't want to risk getting caught. I thought it might be smarter to send a package with "Books, snacks, ect." to avoid the issue. Maybe I should just try to find seeds there...

[prideofidaho]

If you get here before August I will give you the seeds I have. I got them off another expat and was way too lazy to make something of them. There's cilantro, basil, some mint, etc.

[Lolimahro]

There is a big street in Namdaemun where you can find all kinds of gardening supplies - seeds, spades, pots, etc. Not sure about now but in the spring there should be plenty.

[lovebug]

we tried to grow some things last year, including cilantro. perhaps i have a brown thumb, but we couldn't even get the cilantro to sprout. (we were also growing basil and tomatoes and they at least sprouted). the pollution and really uneven rains (read:monsoon season) make things really difficult.
also, be aware that if you grow things in your room, a lot of officetels here face brick walls and whatnot and there's very little light that comes in.

on a positive note, a lot of us have rooftops that have space for growing things! if it's locked, have someone check with your landlord. ours gave us access no problem!

[dalem]

cilantro and spicy peppers are easy to find here in seoul, the grocery stores have them. Reliable tomatoes are not, but durring tomato harvest time they're pretty good. If it's just salsa, i've been making it here already. However, if you're in it for the gardening, there is a large garden center here in seoul, near Yangjae station. It is both a flower market and a greenhouse, and has SO much stuff. Really... it's huge. Worth checking out.