Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shostahoosier]

I was wondering if it would be ok to bring some spices with me to Korea.

I will be up in the boonies/mountains (about 2 1/2 hours northeast of Seoul) and I'm not sure if I'll have ready access to the stores that many people mention on this board.

I would like to bring a few spices, some liquor, and some candy (for myself and my students).

Any recommendations on what I should bring and what I should leave (food or spice wise)?

[roadwork]

[Skippy]

The only food you can not bring is mostly just fresh food. So fresh meat or vegetables will likely get you in trouble. Processed, canned, bottled food should be no problems. As to spices unless it is really fresh you will be fine.

Also make sure you bring some of that special candy or treat that you like. Some treats and that you can not get in Korea are

Chips - Salt and Vingera, Dill Pickle, Ketchup, BBQ
Chocolate Bars - Reese Peanut Butter Cups, skors,
Energy Drinks - Red Bull, V, etc
Slim Jims

Good Luck

[kiwiinkorea]

I recently bought some cheese back from my vacation and it got inspected at customs but it was no problem to bring it in. Candy and stuff is fine.

[I'm no Picasso]

Koreans travel with kimchi and ramyeon all the time. They'll understand.

[roadwork]

[aussieb]

Does anybody know whether I could bring in frozen beef?

[Skippy]

As to the frozen beef. Likely not! Frozen is just fresh but really cold. But Korean customs at the airport is a crap shoot. Some times you can just walk by and other times they are on the ball. I mean those few times I walk by I had wished I had bought more booze at duty free. Of course the dark side of me had wondered if I could have smuggled some other stuff in.

[nfld_chingu]

They confiscated my shave gel at Incheon. They kept saying "You have many aerosol sprays" and wouldn't listen to me when I told them it wasn't aerosol.

On that note, does anyone know where you CAN get women's shave gel in Korea? I've never been able to find it. I don't like the smell of men's shaving cream.

[Illysook]

creme rinses are sold in giant bottles that it will take at least a whole year to use up and they make a nice shave lotion for the legs. A nice lathering of soap is fine for the armpits. I didn't even think to bring fancy shave gel. It's nice when you have it, but not a necessity.

[dazzed]

My cousin came for a visit few months ago and I asked her to bring me some Jerkey but she found out there's a restriction from taking on the plane to other countries especially to South Korea. So beef jerkey is out also. Bringing food from US restrictions are getting rediculous