Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mervanm]

I was wondering if anyone had any input on the best way to use your bag space. What to bring, what to leave out, etc. Any general and/or specific comments will be highly appreciated.

[lifeinkorea]

Clothes, then books, and bathroom supplies to last a week at least until you can replace them when you come. After that, it's gravity, push, gravity, push.

Remember, there is a weight limit, so even if you have the space you may have to pay extra. In that case, space isn't the issue but shape of whatever you are packing. Do you have something like a computer or odd shaped you are worrying about?

Maybe one of the dumbest things I pack are those plastic coat hangers. I don't know why but I try to fit those in at the end

[hossenfeffer]

Deodorant. Bring as much as you can.

[SCAshley]

As far as heavy stuff like books, I would suggest a Kindle-they're not too expensive and then not only do you not have to waste space/weight on books, you can download new ones at your whim, for MUCH cheaper than you would find them here (if you could even find them here!).

[chungbukdo]

Kindle and external hard drive for books, cds, dvds, etc.

Winter clothes are heavy, and nice winter coats are somewhat expensive. I would pack those things. For many of us, shoes are also extremely large and heavy, and unavailable in Korea.

[shostahoosier]

[mervanm]

Thanks for the help. I actually do have a Kindle, so that is something that I will apparently benefit from. Deodorant also keeps popping up on the forums as something to certainly bring. Thanks for the help!

[nomad-ish]

i think clothes and shoes should be your number 1 priority. next, i agree with the other poster: bring enough shampoo/conditioner/etc. to just last your first week. i'd only bring one or two books though, even if you have a kindle. you'll be able to order books online, and you can also stock up on books at some english bookstores in seoul when you visit (if you're not moving there).

i'd also buy a big external hard drive and start downloading movies and tv shows to play off your computer when you arrive. chances are it'll take you a while to get your tv set up, and even then it's nice to have a good and portable movie library for now and the future (in fact, i've got some cords that allow me to project the movies from my external and computer onto a tv for movie nights with friends).

i guess it depends on where you're flying out of, but i find that the airlines always weigh the bags that i check-in, however my carry-on luggage was only weighed once in 6 years of fairly regular travel. now, i stick all my heaviest/breakable things in my carry-on and try not to look in pain at the airline counter. i know it sucks to be stuck with a heavy carry-on bag in the airport for a couple hours, but i think it's worth it. i'm not sure where you're from, you might want to just call the airline and casually ask about their weighing procedures.

[50ptoes]

I found some deodorant in Itaewon. It wasn't my first choice, but not a problem for me, as a female, at least.

I made the mistake of packing too many books last time.
I also packed too many pairs of shoes.
And 3 damn cameras.

I always leave some room for specialty food items you can't get in Korea. Maybe some spices or whatever it is you really like.