Korean Job Discussion Forums

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

I'm sure there are threads about this topic, but I haven't time or patience to sift through them all. (If anyone has links, that would be great, too.)

I've heard that deodorant is hard to find, so I have seven bars of that. I've also brought several pairs of pants, shoes and shorts, as well as plenty of contact lenses and accompanying cleaning solution.

What other types of things do you personally wish that you would've brought with you?

Thanks,
Qinella

canuckistan · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:09 am Post subject:

More shampoo/conditioner. I tried so many--I have long curly hair, can't live without good conditioner...Korean shampoos can be harsh and the conditioners oily. Even though it says "Pantene" it's different stuff.

Manner of Speaking · Joined: 09 Jan 2003

If you're Canadian and have time, order two copies of your birth certificate and bring them with you. If you lose your passport or need to renew it, having these in your wallet will save you some time.

Jellypah · Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Location: ROK

I wouldn't worry about contact lenses or solution. You can get both here, no problem. I'm not sure how much they cost where you're from, but they're cheaper here than Japan. Glasses are a bargain!

If you're female, and you use them, bring tampons! I wish i would have brought more cold medications. I had some sent after. Working amongst kids can make you sick a lot. My pharmacist here is very nice, but he doesn't speak English. I act out coughing or sneezing, and he hooks me up, but even still, I don't know what it is I'm taking!

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

qinella, deodrant is sold in supermarket. Foreign shampoo etc can be found in costco - you know, the kirkland brand.

Otherwise, there are foreign stuff stores around town. PM me when you get here, I will get casey's moon to come out as well (long overdue meeting!)...

canadian_in_korea · Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Location: South Korea

I actually get my mom to send me all of the "women" things I need. Body lotion, body butter, deoporant, shaving cream etc. I have seen everything in the stores/markets here but not usually the brands I use or it is about 3-4 times more expensive than home. I have really sensitive skin so I have to be very careful what I use. Interestingly in the winter my scalp get very dry and I need a really good conditioner, I usually use Aussie three minute miracle every day. If I don't have that my scalp gets really itchy....but if I use the Korean shampoo Elastine its fine. Perhaps I'm just adjusting to it...who knows.. Razz

peppermint · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:37 pm Post subject:

Two things I always bring that take up very little space: spices and posters. Having something familiar on the walls makes a new place seem like home a lot faster. Allergy meds, a bottle of pepto bismol tablets ( food poisoning is disturbingly common here)

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

peppermint · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:27 pm Post subject:

I think every single foreigner I know in this country has had food poisoning at least once here, so it seems inevitable that you'll get it sooner or later.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

Peppermint, Carrefour sells a lot of spices. Failing that, Hannam supermarket.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

Bring Pepto-Bismol in pill form. You will get food poisoning sooner or later, and the food will be a little rough on the digestive system at first.

I second peppermint's suggestion, dump your spice rack into your suitcase. They're hard to find here.

Both of these take next to no space, and will be useful.