Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nicam]

Despite spending hours pouring over these posts, I am still unsure if I will be able to buy clothing in Korea. I am small, only a US size 2, but relatively tall (about 5'8''). My arms and legs are long, and I am afraid things will be much too short.

I wear a size 9 shoe, so I have set shoes as a priority over clothing, but how much can you really shove into 2 suitcases?

It would help to know if clothing there actually fits taller people.

Also, is anyone over there getting their hair highlighted?

Thanks so much!

[plynx]

hi!

shirts won't be a problem for you if you live near seoul. i get really great deals on nice work shirts and lounge clothes for about $8-10 a shirt. they're the same products as at home, but bootleg - the tags have been torn off or they're reproduced in korea. i'm the same size as you, but about 6 inches shorter. you're jeans might be an issue, but the upside is that koreans wear very high heels most of the time, so the jeans come in longer lengths (32-34" inseam). you'll be able to find a good number of places with longer denim catered to those who wear heels, but it can get a bit pricey. i pay about $150-250 for my jeans, but you can get the knock-offs for about $30-50 in the markets. i wouldn't worry about it too much; if you're truly desperate, you can always order from home and have them sent (which i do most of the time - it'll run you about $80-100 to send about 20 pounds, which can include several pairs of jeans plus multiple pairs of shoes). just make sure to have the mailer write "USED GIFT" on the box to avoid customs fees. shoes are abundant, but are mostly cheaply made. size 9 is reasonable enough to find a few pairs to suit you. myeongdong has nicer shoes in all sizes, but are around the same prices as saks or neiman marcus in the states. when in doubt, ship from a trusted home store.

i also have my hair highlighted every month. there are a few good places to get it done. PM me if you want the numbers and addresses.

trust me, you'll have room in your suitcases to pack quite a bit. i had two checked bags (one very large, one medium) and two carry-ons (a wheeled suitcase and a computer bag), and i managed to fit everything i needed plus my queen sized bedding/shams (i really like my bedding . pack the necessities and have the rest mailed to you. remember, korea IS NOT a third world country and you can get ALL of your toiletries/hair care products/heavy beauty items/books, regardless of what people tell you.

[moosehead]

[peppermint]

Shoes won't be a problem? really? Me and my size 7.5s used to get chased out of shoe stores by ajuma permed harridans yelling " No Big Size! You Go!" from time to time.

[nicam]

Thanks so much plynx! Very helpful!

I tried to PM you, but I am not up to 25 posts yet.

[SunnyD]

Hi,

I lived on the south coast, nowhere near Seoul.

I'm 5'5.5" and my arms are on the short side.

For tops, I'm an XS or size 2. The tops I found always fit me just fine, but the sleeves would probably be too short for you. Also, the shops had tops/jackets/dresses that would be considered Medium back home. Not sure on the sleeve length on those. If you wear size 32 bras, A-C cups are readily available.

For pants/jeans I'm a standard 2. I have a butt/hips/thighs, so it was a little bit of a challenge to find pants roomy enough, even if they fit at the waist/hipbones. If you have thin thighs, no problem. I don't think length will be a problem. The girls wear heels, and pants to match. Basically, the closest thing to a 2 here is really more like a tight 3 or even a 1 back home. Korean girls have no butts.

For shoes, I'm 7.5/8. Biggest shoes I ever found were about an 8.

~sunnyd

[nomad-ish]

you'll definitely have no trouble fitting into things over in korea size-wise, and i think the length of the pants/jeans and long-sleeve shirts should be alright on you (i'm 5'10", so i find jeans on the short side, although i got desperate at one point and bought a pair!).

keep in mind though the fashion style in korea is considerably different than back home, i wouldn't plan on buying lots of stuff (unless of course you grow to really like the fashion there)

as for shoes, i'm a 9 1/2, and i've very easily been able to find flip-flops at e-mart and lots of great flats in itaewon (in seoul).

[plynx]

[MUOhio82]

I'm 5'10, wear a size 9 shoe, and weight 150.

For the life of me, I can't find ANYTHING that fits me. It's either too short, too tight, or too small.

Not sure you'd want to buy shoes here either though, they're the most hideous things I've ever seen. It's like a Korean won't wear something unless it's covered in sparkles, glitter, or something shiny.

Thankfully Old Navy and Gap ship here. But shopping here makes me cry, so I just stopped doing it.

[MollyBloom]

[Janny]

Can someone tell me the website / how to order overseas from Old Navy? That would be AWESOME!

[i4NI]

[MollyBloom]

[ciccone_youth]

[moosehead]