Korean Job Discussion Forums

[otto]

I'm planning on doing several weeks of traveling in SE Asia this winter. I need a large, sturdy, hiking backpack to carry everything I'll need. Does anyone know where I could get one without spending a fortune on a sparkly brand new one in a store?

[Bibbitybop]

Yes, I do. Go to the Namdaemun market. It's a confusing set of alleys. The area you want is along the big street connecting Seoul, Myeongdong and Chungmuro stations. That's the south side of Namdaemun market. There are really cheap backpacks for sale on the street, but I recommend going into the hiking and camping stores along that street. You'll find all brands and sizes for the best retail price in the city.

You may also find some deals at Dongdaemun Stadium station, Dondaemun and west of Dongdaemun on the Cheonggyechon, but Namdaemun's stores are all together and easier to shop around from store to store.

[Shinnam]

If you really want to be cheap, there are two second hand markets that have lots of backpacks and just about anything else you need. Both markets are close to each other near Dong-dae mun. The first starts about 2 blocks east of the gate, along the Chuggye Chun and runs north and south to Dongmyo Station. Then there is the "Tok-gabi" Market. When the city tore down the stadium with the second hand shops they build a building and moved the vendors there. It is near Shin Suel Station on the blue line, there are signs that say Korean Folk market, If you go south of the stationn, towards the Chungye Chun, you should see the signs.
They have everything there from antique gongs to new adult toys.

[Hamlet]

Is Hanoi one of your first stops? I bought a great 60L North Face pack there for about USD 6. Sure, it's either an imitation or has been taken out the back door of the factory, but I'm not really bothered by that. I have jammed this pack full, taken it to Europe, climbed Suraksan, and Jiri San and have taken it camping on local beaches several times--it is dirty but showing no signs of unravelling!

For the price of even a cheap pack here, you could go to Hanoi empty handed and buy everything you need for your trip brand new!!! I mean everything! Deodorant costs about 50 cents. Good quality clothes are dirt cheap. Lonely Planet books are sold on the streets for about a buck!!

Good Luck....and have a great trip!

[otto]

oops - forgot to mention I'm in Busan!

I'll be going to Seoul at least one more time before the trip, and most likely flying out from Incheon, so I'll have a chance to stop by the places mentioned.

Good to know about the prices in Hanoi as well, any specific area of the city where these prices are to be found?

thanks for the help.