Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PCRamplified]

I've been browsing the "what do you wish you had packed?" threads and learned some things I suspected (shoes, bras) and other things that I wouldn't have know to pack a lot of (deodorant) but this has got me wondering what you wish you hadn't bothered to bring to Korea? What was just a waste of precious suitcase space? Is abc way cheaper in Korea, or is xyz just so much better there?

Share your wisdom. Let me know what not to waste space on.

[Patrick Bateman]

[Xuanzang]

I stuffed a pillow into my luggage. Better just to buy a pair from Costco. Towels can go too. Costco sells decent giant towels as well.

[Dr. Whom]

My girlfriend

[Drew345]

I brought some boots I really never wear.
If you haven't worn it in a while, leave it behind.

[air76]

The first time I came to Korea I brought a suitcase almost filled entirely with books as I had no idea about availability and wanted to have a year's worth if need be...granted, at that time there were fewer English books available and I lived in the boonies 5 hours from Seoul, and it's certainly cheaper to load up on $1 used books from home than to pay 15-20,000won a pop here....but you can get enough books here from the big cities or buying/trading/lending with other teachers.

While there is more available now than before....I would still load up on spices....whatever you like to cook with, bring it, because it might not be here.

Really though....Korea is so ridiculously easier to live in now that it isn't even funny....you can really get nearly everything here now, and while some stuff is slightly more expensive, you'll get by.

Even just 5 years ago you needed to really think about what you might not be able to get here....but now there are really only very few items.

Deodorant is readily available here now...but with VERY little variety....so bring it if you have a special brand you like.

Razors are expensive, so you can pack those to save money, but that's the only real reason.

Girls should bring tampons if they don't like plastic applicators.

Clothing is a must for non-Korean shaped people.....I think that this is #1, but I also have a hard time finding clothes in the US even, so my opinion is skewed.

Overall though...I think that the idea of packing all the stuff you need for Korea is an antiquated one. It used to be necessary, but now not so much. You could come with the clothes on your back and a credit card and you'd make do without having to get by without too many things that you are used to.

The truth is...this list is different for everyone...you'll know after 6 months the stuff you wish you'd packed....and so you pay a one off $50 shipping fee, have it sent over, and load up on that stuff again the next time you're home or in a civilized country on vacation.

[oldtactics]

I brought half a suitcase of toiletries that I didn't need.
Bring toothpaste from home if you like a certain kind, and anti-perspirant definitely, but everything else can be purchased here and isn't worth the space in your luggage. Shampoo, conditioner, makeup, hair products, razors, etc etc etc are all available everywhere.

edit: magazines too - they're heavy and just about every expat in Korea has a pile that they'll be happy to get rid of if you want to read something other than books. Bandi & Luni's also sells magazines (especially at COEX) and they have every topic that bookstores in NA have, including science & tech.

[winterfall]

[oldfatfarang]

I wish I hadn't brought an expensive rain coat and a sleeping bag. Both are always in/attached to my pack - but I sure haven't needed them in nearly 5 years in Korea.

[Steve_Rogers2008]

Condoms... more fun to go 'commando' and let the chips fall where they may. you'll be leaving the country in a year, tops, if ya want to, and if she's a native, just consider it your donation to the Europification of the nation.

it won't fly over well with her dad, but that's progress for ya...

[Konglishman]

I wish I had not packed an expensive purse that Korean friend of mine talked me into buying for her. Well, at least, she paid me pack, but it took up too much room.

[Steelrails]

My keys from back home.

Everything else I've used. My books are too specialized to find here, my clothes I all wear, and my toiletries I all used.

The only thing I regret is not bringing a good pair of jeans- I figured I was done with denim but you do need one handy pair, my olive drab vest for paintballin, and a bunch of health and beauty stuff- Conditioner and facial cream.

[jsk]

For me bringing more than 1 coat and 1 suit to Korea the first time I was here was a mistake. They take up a lot of space and I ended up not using the 2nd ones. Probably common sense but I was relatively new to traveling.

[cassimira]

I agree with a previous poster....I wish I hadn't brought so many pairs of shoes. Of course, i'm in the country, and don't go out much, so all my fancy shoes are languishing in the closet.

If you have small feet, Korea is inundated with shoes. Just bring your favorite two pairs.

I disagree that you can get almost everything you want here now, though.... if you are not in Seoul or one of the larger cities, it might mean an 1-3 hours bus/train ride to the nearest Emart for deodorant and tampons, etc. Exhausting. But if you're in Seoul, Cheongju, etc., you should be fine.

[air76]