Korean Job Discussion Forums

UknowsI · Joined: 16 Apr 2009

I think you're bringing too many sweaters and jeans. Try to not bring many similar clothes with the same function. Bring at least one thin and one thick sweater. Just bring two pair of jeans but bring some other kinds of trousers too. I don't see any winter jacket on your list. I know some people don't like hats, but a winter hat is also very useful. Hats are easy to buy to Korea, so it's not necessary to buy in the US.

warmachinenkorea · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

6ft 150lbs shouldn't be a big problem. Your height might be the issue but your weight shouldn't.

Size 11 converts to about a 280-290 in Korean sizes. I think you could get shoes here without trouble. Will you like them? That's a different story.

uklathemock · Joined: 26 Dec 2009

Before you listen to the polar bear club, I wonder where some of these people were last winter...

Here are facts:

Seoul's temperature reached a six- year low Wednesday, following the heaviest snowfall South Korea has experienced on record last week, the country's weather agency said.
Temperature in Seoul was minus 15.3 degrees Celsius Wednesday morning,

I'm sorry. I think -15.3 Celsius is f-ing cold.
http://balita.ph/2010/01/13/seoul-records-lowest-temperature-in-six-years/

SeoulNate · Joined: 04 Jun 2010 Location: Hyehwa

ssuprnova · Joined: 17 Dec 2010 Location: Saigon

The simple answer, I think is to bring as much as you are able to.
Korean fashion is... well, let's just say it's peculiar.

Also, if you're used to quality brand names you're better off stocking up before you leave for Korea. Western brands are ridiculously expensive here, so even paying 100$ for an extra bag will pay off in the long run.

A piece of advice: bring a good pair of hiking shoes (pref. goretex). Chances are, you'll go hiking at least a few times during your stay and they are also great for walking to/from work in the winter and during the rainy season. Just keep a spare pair of regular shoes at work to change into.

valhor · Joined: 19 Sep 2011

Great advice, thanks a lot.

Just one day left, so I hope I have everything together I'll be needing.

DaHu · Joined: 09 Feb 2011

Squire · Joined: 26 Sep 2010 Location: Jeollanam-do

You haven't mentioned work clothes at all. You've got loads to wear at the weekend and in the evenings but nothing for work!

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

metalhead · Joined: 18 May 2010 Location: Toilet

First, will you be working in a public school, or a hakwon? Then, what age group? If it is a hakwon with young(er) kids, then casual wear is fine (trust me, those kids will pull on your clothes, try climbing on you etc).

Additionally, it depends on you as a person - do you prefer cold weather, or hot weather? I'm from South Africa and the winters here don't bother me (except that it makes my skin dry), but the summers here are hot and incredibly humid, which I struggle with more. Six sweaters seems like a bit much though; maybe a sweater or two and a hoodie (with zipper) or a nice jacket would be better, plus a decent coat for winter.

Remember too that not only is it hard to find sizes that fit here outside of pants/jeans but the style here is not something I would willingly pay for and wear. I order all my metal tees and long-sleeve tees online as I've never seen single t-shirt that I would want to wear here. It's hard finding a plain black t-shirt, really.

Three pairs of shoes is good, I would try and squeeze in four - maybe one nice pair for work/social functions like weddings, two pairs of sneakers, a decent pair of sandals for summer (you can get somewhat decent sandals in places like Songtan and Itaewon but Koreans don't really do summer wear).

Also, bring meds - as much of it as you can. The cold meds here are not good, and good luck trying to find decent painkillers. You will realize the importance of this when you get sick here (and you will) and have to teach while sick.

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

metalhead · Joined: 18 May 2010 Location: Toilet

fermentation · Joined: 22 Jun 2009

metalhead is spot on. Bring some painkillers and cold medicine. I regret not buying more aspirin from the US. The local stuff is more expensive and not as effective. Supplements like protein, omega-3 and vitamins are more expensive as well.

As for clothes, Korean fashion is deadset on things being tight as possible. Its difficult to find other styles. Everything is made to fit tall skinny people just right. Its generally more expensive as well. Unless you like that kind of stuff, you're better off bringing clothes from home.

I passed by a SPAO store a few days ago and their style seemed to be pretty normal(regular shirts and hoodies with none of the huge obnoxious pitures/labels) with decent prices. You could check them out.