Korean Job Discussion Forums

krats1976 · Joined: 14 May 2003

My folks send me stuff from time to time and if the customs form indicates it's anything expensive, they've opened it. Otherwise it comes nice and taped up, just like it left my Mamma's hands.

I'm not sure if I have the same luck--as the shipper that is. I shipped a box to myself when I was in Utah over Christmas. I know I shipped it slow, but they said 4-6 weeks and it's been more and no box. I have a feeling it's sitting at customs while they try to figure out what to make of it... Laughing

Homer · Guest

Real Reality,

Ever try to get things done in the real world instead of just posting endless stats about Korea?

How do you think problems get solved RR? By complaining on a web-based discussion board or by actually doing something about it?

There are no garanteed results of course but what will you get if you just whine?
Nothing, nada, zip....

But RR, thanks for the kind words.....

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

Re: packages left open.

This may not be the fault of the post office (entirely anyways).

Caught some guy going through one of my packages that he'd ripped open. Some people who live in an apartment building with you might just be curious. Fortunately for him, he could run like a jackrabbit.

Guri Guy · Joined: 07 Sep 2003 Location: Bamboo Island

Tiberious aka Sparkles · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: I'm one cool cat!

spectre · Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Location: Bundang

I had my parents FedEx me my one nice Hugo Boss suit from home. Not only did those customs morons take a big knife a split the box in half (thereby adding a nice irreparable gash in the pants), and then stuff the suit back in the box (adding a lot of bad wrinkles) the jerks had the nerve to try to hit me up for tax, saying that the suit looked to be in new condition. Of course, everyone knows that no one in Korea would ever wear a new-looking suit... Jerks. Never got compensated either.

Barking Mad Lord Snapcase · Joined: 04 Nov 2003

Homer · Guest

Barking....that was funny.

Do you actually think that Korea is the only country that opens packages coming in from overseas? Laughing

Good one mate...that was hilarious.

As for their country and their rules...that applies to..and sit down barking as this might shock you...every country on the planet.

Heck...Canada has its rules, so does the U.S., France, the U.K., Australia, Japan, Thailand...starting to get the picture here?

My point was that instead of just whining about his ripped up package, the OP should try to do something about it, i.e. contact customs or the post office.....

This will not garantee results, but it will stand a better chance of getting somewhere then just complaining here.

As for admitting that Korea has a backwards and morally insipid postal system thats your opinion. Me, I never put that much thought into their postal system...or in any postal system for that matter....

rok_the-boat · Joined: 24 Jan 2004

I did complain recently- no effect. The poor girl atthe end of the phone line is the bottom rung.

I also once shouted (1998 or so) at someone in Incheon Post Office. Like, the postage on the parcel was over 100USD (it was heavy), and the buggers expected me to go and pick it up - lazy sods. Postage is paid for delivery is it not. Talk about stupid morons or what. The system has since changed - they deliver to my door after I pay tax thru the bank - before you had to go and do it in person - what a daft system that was (designed to deter imports). I like to think my complaint had some affect, no doubt along with 1000 others.

gochubandit · Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:47 pm Post subject:

rok_the-boat · Joined: 24 Jan 2004

Hey, maybe someone 'up there' is reading these posts. I just received mail from the UK - it is A4 in size, and looks as though it has been completely crumpled up into a little ball and half straightend out again. Looks like it has also been in water - shrunken slightly. Hell, it was posted 11th October 2004. Get real! I should get a photo of this!

Barking Mad Lord Snapcase · Joined: 04 Nov 2003

Homer · Guest

Barking,

I have indeed critized my own country. I also have my issues with certain practices here.

In this instance, my point is simple: complaining here and calling Korea a number of negative terms will solve nothing.

Instead, I suggested doing something about it.

We seem to have crossed wires here Barking....

fusionbarnone · Joined: 31 May 2004

E.M.S., is the best way to send stuff. I get parcels every week sent to me from Korea(to China) and never have a problem. Which is surprising as I've even been able to side-step the local "finest" in paying "tribute" (call it as you will) and continue to get all manner of goodies in.

In Korea, if you have your consignments sent to an official sounding place/business, you'll avoid duty, etc. I've had scores of banned books(in many western countries outside the USA; charges and huge fines for such material) allowed in untouched via this route.

For commercial merchandise, get the company/person to describe "it" on the declaration as, "commercial sample", as the recorded value will be zero thus no duty payable.

Another way for "cooking from dear old mum" use old Amazon.com boxes and include a nice birthday card each time you have stuff sent to you. wrap it up tight though.

A friend of mine requested information from a US intelligence agency, can't remember what, but he always kept the card(cannot comply note) and envelope with the organisation's name /address, smack dab on top of his stuff in his backpack each time he came and went.

On one occasion I even used my Dr.(buy one for $450 bucks from a authentic brick and mortor uni in India) title for stuff sent to a hospital I was staying in. Although legal, included expensive pharmaceuticals, (western goods cost the earth here) etc, and a lovely birthday card ,with best wishes/get well, yada yada. Great for scanners should anyone in an official screening capacity get inquisitive.

Also, send people your address in Korean(get a Korean friend to type these up) addressed to your employment with your name in Korean too. Type up a batch of these address stickers and email em home.

However, dealing with banned or obviously illegal contraband is risky anywhere you are. You must'nt forget that you are living in a republic whose censor laws are stringent. I remember during my very first year working in Korea, a Korean friend (she asked me this knowing full well meat products were/are banned)asked me to bring back a range of salami sausages into Korea after my first contract was completed.

I would've done it too, until I checked with Korean customs before-hand.

fusionbarnone · Joined: 31 May 2004

E.M.S., is the best way to send stuff. I get parcels every week sent to me from Korea(to China) and never have a problem. Which is surprising as Have even been able to side-step the local "finest" (are always "on the make "apart from the cops you see on TV)in paying "tribute" (call it as you will) and continue to get all manner of goodie.

In Korea, if you have your consignments sent to an official sounding place/business, you'll avoid scrutiny/duty, etc, most times. I've had scores of banned books(in many western countries outside the USA; charges and huge fines for such material) allowed in untouched via this route.

For commercial merchandise, get the company/person to describe "it" on the declaration as, "commercial sample", as the recorded value will be zero thus, no duty payable.

Another way for having "gifts from dear old mum" sent to you, use old Amazon.com boxes and include a nice birthday card each time you have stuff sent to you. wrap it up tight though.

A friend of mine requested information from a US intelligence agency, can't remember what, but he always kept the card(cannot comply note) and envelope with the organisation's name /address, smack dab on top of his stuff in his backpack each time he came and went.(possibly to impress the screening people)

On one occasion using Dr.(buy one for $450 bucks from a authentic brick and mortor uni in India) title on the recipients information for stuff sent to a hospital I was staying in. Although legal, included expensive pharmaceuticals, (western goods cost the earth here) etc, and a lovely birthday card ,with best wishes/get well, yada yada. Great for scanners should anyone in an official screening capacity get inquisitive too.

Also you could, send people your address in Korean(get a Korean friend to type these up) addressed to your employment with your English name Jim Brown (aka; Brown Young Dong or whatever, your Korean co-workers have decided to call you)Son sang nim, in Korean too. Type up a batch of these address stickers and email em home.

However, dealing with banned or obviously illegal contraband is risky anywhere you are. You must'nt forget that you are living in a republic whose censor laws are stringent. I remember during my very first year working in Korea, a Korean friend (she asked me this knowing full well meat products were/are banned)asked me to bring back a range of salami sausages into Korea after my first contract was completed.

I would've done it too, until I checked with Korean customs before-hand.

Don't recieve or accept stuff for other people. Ever.