Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Emark]

DON'T go to any of the shady shops in Itaewon.

I bought a suit 2 months ago.

First I went to some "outlet" stores and found nothing that actually fit me. I'm not fat, but my girthy chest and 17" pythons are not Korean style.

I thought I'd get a deal in Itaewon, but when I looked at the stitching I was shocked! 1 stitch every 5mm or so is hardly durable. They wanted 350,000+

So I went to Dongdaemoon. I found a guy that sized me up visually and took something off the rack that fit perfectly on the first try. The stuff was well made and no scarfing on the fabric quality or stitching. Best thing was, it was just 220,000! He sent me to the next floor to a lady that hemmed my pants in under 5 minutes. I was in and out with my sit in less than 30 minutes.

Here's the man's store. If you have a K-friend to assist you (or if you can find him on your own) that will make suiting up easier for you.

Jeong Ju Co. 02-2279-3145 011-746-9143
Seoul, Jung-gu, Pyeonghwa market, 1st floor, store number 202, 203.

Good Luck.

[geldedgoat]

I don't know about that particular store, but Emark's general advice - to get a nice off-the-rack suit and have it adjusted by a seamstress for better fit - is probably the best way to go in Korea. The custom suits you get in Itaewon, Dongdaemun, and *just about anywhere else aren't as custom as you might think. Yes, the suit is cut to fit you, but it's cut from a pre-designed pattern that may or may not fit your build well. It might not mean a worse fit for everybody, but it does mean that you're likely paying extra for a service that you really aren't receiving. If you can find a nice suit store, go in, get a suit that fits well, and then have it altered. You'll save yourself time and money.

*There are a couple stores that actually do real custom suits, but the prices are much, much higher (starting at over 2,000,000, if I recall). I know there's one in the COEX, and I've heard they make extremely nice suits (but again, they're expensive).

Oh, but I do recommend getting a couple custom shirts. I've been to Hamilton Shirt's several times, and I've always been happy with the results. They've got a couple stores around Seoul, but the only one I've been to is the one in Itaewon.

[Underwaterbob]

25? You're permitted to be a manchild.

I've bought at Paris Tailor in Itaewon. It's not cheap, but you'll get a damn nice suit out of the deal.

[Bloopity Bloop]

AW, POOP!

Wish I had read Emark's advice earlier. After work, I rushed out to Itaewon yesterday, got measured, and put an order in for a suit. 380k for the jacket + pants. I went with a solid charcoal 2-button.

Gonna get fitted today, let's see how it turns out. I may post a picture if it turns out well.

It was an absolutely pleasant experience, though. I ended up going to Dynasty Tailors as per a friend's recommendation. The guy spoke perfect English (lived in Michigan for 7 years) and seems to have been in the biz for a few years longer than I've been alive.

In any case, thanks to everyone for the advice. I will be much more informed about this stuff the next time I need grown up clothes.

[JustinC]

Have a great time at the wedding !

[thatkidpercy]

[pegasus64128]

[Modernist]

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

[andrewchon]

OP: Did you get neckties, belt, socks and shoes that matches with your suit?

[itistime]

"Your belt (you'll need a belt) should be the same color as your shoes. "

This is absolutely essential. Have fun at your wedding.