Korean Job Discussion Forums

[blunder1983]

Hi guys,

One of my winter classes will have the kids first doing a few exercises on clothing and accessories (they're girls) and then i'm having them design their own outfits and accessories, ideally using glue and material.

I need some old clothes/fabric samples or similar to give the kids something to cut and stick. Tactile learning

Any tips on where I can get some for as cheap as possible? I'm already out a bit as the school wont give me any cash for my lessons and I want to get them a game or too and make sweets with them.

[krats1976]

There's a HUGE textiles market at Dongdaemun. It's in the "Chain Store"... but I can't remember which exit it's at.

[moptop]

The textiles market is at Dongdaemun Stadium, exit 14. When you exit up top keep walking straight. You will pass Doota and Migliore department stores on the left. You will reach a big major intersection, which you then cross over. On the left side will be a long building with what looks like towels and comforters for sale. You can enter there if you like but it can be hard to reach the fabric section where everything good is. It's so huge that it can be very confusing.

I personally prefer to turn left BEFORE crossing the intersection. On the right will be the waterway reclamation project (a big trench down the middle of the street). Walk down the sidewalk for approx. 100 yards. On your right will be a walkway that crosses the trench. Walk over this and you should be almost at the opening to another street, a little to your right and straight ahead. On the corner are always a big bunch of bikes and scooters, and you will see sewing notions and trims. Cross the street from the walkway to the other side and walk down this road. About 50 feet down on the right hand side you will see a big loading zone that is not quite an alley and not quite a road. There is a big warehouse of a place that houses all the best fabrics, accessories, and notions that I have found.

You can go straight to the action by climbing up the steep metal staircase on the side of the building (unlabeled, but has pair of metal doors at the top, on the right side of the archway), or you can go straight through the archway and turn left or right through the main sets of glass doors. Many vendors on the bottom floors sell fur detailing, notions, ribbons, etc. On the second floor is the main fabric areas, from silk to cushion and curtain fabric, to hanbok material and everything in between. They are grouped in areas. The cotton is together, the polyester is together, the strech fabric is together, and the ribbon and elastics are in between. You will also find buttons and buckles on the first and second floor.

You may want to try the top floor. Find a staircase and keep climbing. it's a complete mecca for crafters. Buy some fishing line, clasps, pliars and beads and have kids make their own necklaces. There is material for making cellphone charms. Iron-on patches. Embroidery. Make your own belts. Window light catchers. Teddy bear makings. I spent hours there the first time. It's all super cheap because it's wholesale.

If you have any problems finding it, let me know, but it's not too difficult if you go straight and turn left at the major intersection past the department stores. I think it's closed Sunday, and only open until about 3 or 4pm on Saturday. I've gone at different times and there are always a few vendors open but for full effect I would suggest Saturday lunchtime.