Korean Job Discussion Forums

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever

Anyone know anything about buying a suit? I don't know anything about quaity/materials/style and could use some help. In my guidebook it says that tailored suits can be bought for around 200,000 but I'm not sure where. My co-teacher recommends I look at the outlet stores here in Suwon because she says they have quality suits from around 150,000-300,000. I'm looking for a nice suit for upcoming interviews/work/wedding....sort of an all purpose stylish deal.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

okay...much depends on your size. If you are in the Korean size range you should have no problem buying off the rack.

If you are looking for a custom made suit try Itaewon in Seoul or Songtan south of Seoul about an hour from Nambu bus terminal Once you are at the Songtan bus terminal you just jump in a taxi and say Main Gate..3 minutes later you are there. You can get a custom made suit for about 200,00 or less. Shop around and pick the material and style you like.

Shutterfly · Joined: 02 Sep 2004 Location: Seoul

The most common place to get a tailored suit is itaewon, they know and work with westerners mostly. I know you can choose froma variety of fabrics and styles. Other than that, I stay away from itaewon. But you can get suits all oer the place here. But if you are not korean size, i suggest you get one custom made.

peppergirl · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

zappadelta · Joined: 31 Aug 2004

I also recommend the department stores. I am very picky, and every time I go to Itaewon, I see nothing but junk. Not only in clothes, but everything and everybody.

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever

well at 6ft, 160 lbs I've found that pretty much everything I've bought in places like Migliore has fit me perfectly. I'm thinking I will check out some places here in Suwon first and see if I can find something off the rack. Can someone recommend a specific fabric I should look for?

Swiss James · Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Location: Shanghai

fine wool is supposed to be the best, depends if you want something heavy or light though.

When I went to a department store, I tried on a jacket and the sales assistant started, err, assisting me.
I understood the first few (korean) things she said but after that was just nodding and smiling- before I knew it, she had the jacket all pinned up to make minor alterations, was being told to come back the following day to collect the suit, and had handed over my credit card.

Still, it's a nice suit.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I made a suit in Itaewon for about 250,000, if memory serves. The material was thin and cheap. I'm not thrilled with that.

Konundrum · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Boston

I second Grotto's "Songtan" reccomendation.
A friend had a great suit made there for 220 000...sharp as a tack.
I also know a guy who got a zoot suit made...I realize it wouldn't be appropriate for interviews and the like, but man! 23-ski-doo it was suh-weet.

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever

hmm...Songtan's not that far but I don't know the place at all. Where would I find a place there and how long does it take to get one made? Are they open late weekdays...I'd have to go after work at about 6 or so.

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

Dongdeamun, if you can speak any Korean (or have a k-friend) head there!

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever

I decided to get a suit made in Songtan because it's only a 15 minute sub ride from Suwon. 225,000 for a custom tailored three piece wool suit with shirt and tie so hopefully it'll turn out nice. God Songtan is a scummy hole tho!....I don't really want to go back there to pick up my suit. However, if the quality is there I think I'm gonna get another made because I've always wanted a 60's style mod suit.

Universalis · Joined: 17 Nov 2003 Location: Seoul

Try Mercury Tailor in Itaewon. They do quality work.

Just yesterday, I ordered a silk/wool blend light summer suit with what they call half-lining, making it lighter for summer. It's a bit pricier than I'm usually willing to pay (370,000W), but it's gonna look, as my commonwealth friends say, flash.

Brian

animalbirdfish · Joined: 04 Feb 2004

You'll probably pay a lot more up in Dongdaemun, but I'd say it's worth it. The quality of the suits in Itaewon sometimes leaves something to be desired. At all events, make sure you do your research and learn about types of fabric, stitching, etc.

Pulgasori · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: En Route to Daejeon

I bought a suit in Itaewon last summer at Dianne's, the name of my tailor was Bruce.

I managed to barter the suit down from his original quote of 220,000 down to 130,000 (with shirt, no tie)

The suit's been hellva functional. I've worn it about 60 times over the last year (working in a hotel) and it's held up great. I plan to see Bruce again this summer when I'm in Seoul again. This time I'll be willing to cough up a little more coin.