Korean Job Discussion Forums

mikesaidyes · Joined: 26 Apr 2011 Location: Sanbon, South Korea

My big move is two weeks away. Just curious... anything I should just buy there because it's cheaper and I can save space?

OR What should I stock up on?

I'm thinking deodorant is the main one to stock up on. I don't take vitamins. Are razor blades just ass expensive? What about like toothpaste or lotion?

Any other oddities that I've missed that I should bring (that I wouldn't think to)?

Thanks!

Oh and if you're in Sanbon, where are you and I going to go hang out!?!

-Michael

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

mikesaidyes · Joined: 26 Apr 2011 Location: Sanbon, South Korea

Thanks!

I don't really cook with many spices anyway, so I think I'll survive haha.

Are said toiletries really expensive, though?

nukeday · Joined: 13 May 2010

the only thing i'd worry about is deodorant. bring a few sticks.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 6:29 pm Post subject:

I've been paying about 9,000 won lately for deodorant. It can creep down to 7,000 won. Mid-range stuff back home that might cost anywhere between $3-5, been a while so I don't remember.

ttompatz is right about toiletries, I wouldn't worry unless you require a specific brand. Vitamins, that's the only thing that is ridiculously overpriced here compared to the US. The same thing they sell at Wal-Mart for $5 can be like 30,000 won here.

Bring plenty of clothes because a lot of the stuff here is designed for a different body type. I have a problem in the shoulders and with arm length on dress shirts, too tight there. That, pants, warm coat for the winter, a few pairs of good shoes if you're over size 10.

Swampfox10mm · Joined: 24 Mar 2011

Better bring some TP, as using the dried tree bark can get uncomfortable.

marsavalanche · Joined: 27 Aug 2010 Location: where pretty lies perish

if youre a guy and play sports like i do bring no less than 10 sticks of deoderant.

i cant stand the toothoaste here so i bring my own.

i also bring redbull... so your favorite snack or drink you wont find here would be nice

marsavalanche · Joined: 27 Aug 2010 Location: where pretty lies perish

thegadfly · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

I just bought a package of Mach 3 razors at E-mart -- 9 blades plus the handle thingy for 17,900 won (8 blades plus one already on the handle)...I bought them because the 8-pack was 19,000 won. I was paying $24 in the US for the 8-pack of razors....

Q-tips, deodorant, and OTC medicines that I prefer for colds are pretty much all I stock up on nowadays...and cotton swabs ARE available...I just prefer the Q-tip brand....

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

Deodorant is the big one, for me. I use Axe and I haven't seen it outside of the foreign markets in Itaewon, where it costs quite a bit more than it does back home.

Razors are about the same price as back home, perhaps a bit more expensive. There's a selection comparable to that in the States, for what it's worth.

There's a limited variety of toothpaste with fluoride, so if you're picky, you might want to bring your own.

Condoms: Korean condoms aren't quite as spacious as what you're used to. You'll want to bring some.

I'm a big advocate of bringing cheese, as it's quite a bit more expensive in Korea and can be frozen easily.

tukmax · Joined: 06 Jul 2010

Shoes if you are bigger than a US size 10. Likewise clothing if you are even somewhat of a big guy in the chest/shoulders. Deodorant.

As for vitamins etc most of the teachers I know, myself included, just order everything from a site called www.iherb.com and have it shipped to Korea.
Iherb is pretty awesome, the prices are cheap, they have a large inventory, and shipping to korea starts at $7 and arrives very fast. I ordered on a Sunday and the big package with protein powder, vitamins, etc. was at my desk in work the following Thursday. Also, if you use the discount coupon code KOR909 you save $5 off your first order.