Korean Job Discussion Forums

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

Sorry to bother, but I am moving to Seoul soon and dont know much about the place, so here goes.

1. FOOD. Where do I do my weekly grocery shopping? Are supermarkets the thing or smaller stores more prominent.

2. DEODERANT. According to LP this is a hard-to-come-by item. Why is this so and what can I do to avoid spending all my wages on it (I sweat like a pig and work out alot)?

3. NIGHTLIFE. Man cannot live on bread alone. I am here without many friends and am a pretty sociable beast. Where do I go to meet nice young ladies (not the type you pay for) either Korean or Western (I dont discriminate) and/or see my favourite live sports (Rugby/Soccer)? Also, being Aussie, I am prone to monthly binge drinking, how do I go about it without breaking the bank (ie where are the cheap bars)?

Thanks

Jaga

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

Whitey Otez · Joined: 31 May 2003 Location: The suburbs of Seoul

First off, welcome to Korea. I hope you enjoy your stay as much as...no, make that MORE than most of these folks have.

1. FOOD. Seriously, you'll laugh at this once you get here. I find that a grocery store is cool if it's nearby, but you'll get most of your food from one of the literally thousands of mom-n-pop stores and restaurants. But, depending on your neighborhood, you'll find your balance of grocery stores and convenience stores and the occasional run to Costco and [the black market].

2. DEODORANT. I'm sure it's here, but I'm still working on the supply I brought from home. Pick your favorite and stock up, just in case. It's probably rare and/or expensive. Other people will give you more insight shortly regarding this, I'm sure. It's probably at Costco.

3. NIGHTLIFE. Newbie orientation takes place every night of the week in Itaewon. Ask around for Geckos, they love to show rugby and assorted other sports. There's a little something for everyone there, and after a few weekends there, you'll branch into the other areas of Seoul, some of which area frickin' amazing.

Enjoy!

Whitey Otez · Joined: 31 May 2003 Location: The suburbs of Seoul

I need to type faster, CLG beat me to a lot of similar answers!

Holyjoe · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Location: Away for a cuppa

As far as deodorant goes, your best bet is the Namdaemun market in one of the underground shopping areas. One big area is near the Namdaemun gate entrance (ie the old historic city wall gate end of the market), go downstairs and try the numerous places selling toiletries etc.

On the food point, it's possible you'll only have a gas range in your place so your options for cooking can be limited to stuff that's boilable/fryable/poachable etc. If you get an oven then you're one lucky devil.
It's the first thing I'll be insisting we buy after I get married and we're setting up house Smile