Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Pateach]

Let's say you had it to do over again. Veterans, pretend you're a newbie, and you're moving to South Korea for a year. You'd be sure to bring that _____________ that you forgot, right?
South Korea isn't Mars, of course, but I'm wondering if there's something not on my recruiters packing list that I will wish I had come December. What are your suggestions as I pack to relocate to the area North West of Seoul?
Thanks So Much,
IrishAmerlteach

[anjucat]

1. croquet set.

2. bocce balls.

3. Well, as long as you've brought your croquet set and bocce balls, i think you're pretty much covered just about anywhere in the world, which means there is no number 3.

I hope i've helped. Enjoy your time here.

[WorldWide]

Dragon repellent

[Sleepy in Seoul]

Vegemite. If you don't want to use it, then I would be gracious enough to take it off your hands for a modest fee. But I wouldn't want to make you pay too much, of course.

Photos from home, a couple of your favourite books if you read a lot, real chocolate (I can only seem to find Korean wishy-washy chocolate, Japanese chocolate - better - or revolting chocolate-flavoured stuff from America) if you like that sort of thing. Hmm, what else? Real cold and flu medicine - the Korean versions work, but don't have the ingredients to make you feel better straight away.

If you are of a large size, bring a good selection of clothes. It is possible to find larger sizes here, but the selection is limited.

Deodorant, cheese, your favourite music, favourite movies etc.

Don't forget the Aeroguard. (Or the vegemite.)

[r.]

[alabamaman]

You may want to consider this for starters

Extra sealed transcripts
University Diplomas (2) *I currently have 3 originals
$1000 emergency cash
Debit card (I have 2)
1 year supply of medicine if it isn't supplied in South Korea


Contact Duff Recruiting. I've heard no negative press about him on Dave's ESL Cafe. I get the feeling your not very comfortable with your recruiter.

Michael Duffy,
General Manager,
Duff Recruiting.
Phone: 010-3354-4833
International Phone: +82 (0)10-3354-4833
Fax: +82 (0)55 285-2579
Address: 11 Namsan Sangga Suite 603, Nam Young Dong, Changwon City 641-802, Kyoung Sang Nam Do, South Korea.
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website: www.duffrecruiting.com

I know what I'm about to say doesn't have anything to do with your post, but this is worth hearing. Don't teach without an E2 Visa/proper work Visa when you come to South Korea because it's illegal. You could get deported, fined, and interrogated by Korean Immagration Officials. If your recruiter is telling you that it's okay to work while on an Tourist Visa, then move on to another one. Don't sign a crap contract before you come over. Wait until you get what you want! When you're offered a contract please post it in the Job Discussion Forum so we can help you. I, as well as other forum members, want to see you sign a good contract.

Best of luck,

alabamaman

[europe2seoul]

[Captain Corea]

Actually, the opposite is true for me; it wouldn't be "what would I have brought?" but rather" what would I have left at home?"

Seriously, for the most part I think I over packed. T-Shirts are a good example. I'm a jeans and T-shirt type of guy so of course that is what I brought. But my shirts form back home did not adjust to the hang drying very well so I ended up tossing most of them and buying all new (and cheap) ones here.

Lot's of examples like that.

[Moldy Rutabaga]

When I came here in '03 you were lucky to find a tin of beans. Now it's not as difficult to find things from home. Don't sweat it. As the other posters have suggested, bring sentimental things. I can only think of a few must-haves that you might want and can't get here.

English magazines & books
Decaffeinated tea/coffee
Honey (it's ridiculously expensive here--???)
Root beer
Asian spices and sauces that aren't Korean

Ken:>

[mole]

taco/chili seasoning's easy to pack and not so common here.

Don't be so worried about condoms. The pharmacists are aware of the anatomical differences and will hook you up.

EDIT:wasn't my intent to start a wang-wag-war. Supermarket condoms are kinda useless. And mostly strawberry. But at the pharmacies, Mama Tex, I believe are comfortable and high quality.

[Corporal]

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=2435

[Corporal]

nm

[Son Deureo!]

Dump your spice rack into your suitcase. Spices are light, but very hard to find here.

If your feet are US size 12 or bigger, a years supply of shoes plus slippers.

A frisbee. I like to play frisbee on the beach, but I can't find one here. And I lost the one I had. *sigh*

A computer (laptop is easiest). Internet service here is dirt cheap and fast, and you become very reliant on the net here. And no, PC bangs are not and adequate substitute.

Photos from home, they make great decorations for your apartment, to help alleviate your initial homesickness, and provide great conversation pieces.

A digital camera. They cost more here, and you'll be glad you have one.

Some basic knowledge of Korean. If you have a few weeks before you come, you can teach yourself how to read Korean script plus basic courtesies and other useful expressions. The sooner you start learning, the easier your life will be. Sogang University has a great online course here: http://korean.sogang.ac.kr/, and PM me if you want my guide to how to read Korean script.

An open mind.

A sense of humor.

[schwa]

Its really not so different here.

I see people at the airport arriving with a year's supply of everything & pity them lugging their ton of crap.

Come light & adapt.

[kiwiliz]

If you are going to be working outside of Seoul or any major city bring tea-bags.
I am living in a city of 150,000 people and I can't get english tea anywhere here....hence I go to Seoul once a month.
I also can't buy anything written in english here..or decent tasting margarine, another reason for the Seoul run.....but apart from that..most things are available here..oh except good condoms...mmm....can you fit in your bag ... a man who needs them!