Korean Job Discussion Forums

[elliot79]

I'm wanting to bring my own pain killers and basic essentials.

i'm used to Paracetamol if i have a headache and would prefer to bring things like vicks, shampoo, plasters etc. just the basics.

so will my luggage be examined and questioned if i bring in such items?

and does medication show up on the scanners?

[akcrono]

I believe you're subject to random searches, but they simply dont have the manpower to thoroughly search every bag. I brought fireworks across the country (acidentally, my friend threw them in my suitcase) and had no problem.

[elliot79]

fireworks, whoah. i was also going to bring something called Kalms. just to help me relax, i imagine as excited as i am, i will also be a bit nervous.

i want to make sure i make a good impression on my employer and the students and do my job properly.

[elliot79]

or i could put them in my husband's suitcase? he won't be tecahing, just living with me.

[shifty]

[elliot79]

i don't regulaury suffer from them, it's just a caution. plus sometimes the fairer sex need them.

why not shampoo? it's not a dangerous item to bring. i'm just wanting to bring basic items to make the first few days easier and not having to worry about there being any toothpaste etc.

[shifty]

Terrorists like to fill innocuous looking bottles and tubes with things that allow them to meet up with 77 virgins.

You're gonna have to take a lot of paracetamol if that happens on your flight..

Check with your airline's website as to what you can bring on board.

[oldtactics]

If everything is in their original packages, with labels, you can bring any toiletries that you'd like. You can likely find all of them over here, but if you want to spend the weight/space, go for it.

[greasylake]

It is also advisable to pack any item that might look suspicous via x-ray machines (shampoo bottles)in an easily accessable part of your checked luggage, or pack it last so it is right on top when the bag is opened. That way if your bag is checked (because of an x-ray) it will be less invasive.

[ttompatz]

[NYC_Gal]

Medications are fine, but don't waste the space on shampoo. They have lush and other posh shops if you need something fancy. Do pack toothpaste if you're finicky, though.

Make sure the meds are sealed in original packages.

[northway]

From what I can tell, Korea really doesn't give a crap what you bring in so long as it's not recreational drugs.

[oldfatfarang]

I regularly bring pain meds (pills) and food sachets into Korea (departing from Bangkok). No problems. I just declare any meds on the customs form - and go through the red line at K customs.

Some officers check, others ask and then wave you through. Korea's not worried about anything except illegal drugs and diet pills. If you're bringing a year's supply of prescription meds - ensure you have the doctor's scrip with the medicine.

For some reason, my carry on pack is always searched before I board. I think my fishing reels show up as a bombo on the xray. Never fails to amuse.

Good luck.

[nobbyken]

You could also buy stuff in 'Duty Free' as you pass through the airport.
Duty Free staff take your boarding pass number and put the products in a clear securely sealed plastic bag. The weight wouldn't be part of your checked in allowance and will be OK in addition to your carry-on luggage. Your only allowed 1 litre of alcohol per passenger.
Many shampoos are sold in big bottles here(I'm a man, so shampoo is shampoo), but maybe you can only get mild painkillers here. The local combo paoinkiller is Tylenol and seems OK, but most pharmacies can give you different sorts for different pains and a quick and cheap visit to a doctor(small hospital) will get you a stronger dose if you need.
Western doctors will prescribe 30 days or so of meds, while Korean docs will give you 3-7 days worth. Cost for a week of regular meds may be $5 or so, with the visit to the doc to get a prescription about $2-$3.
Go back after a week if you need more or a change of prescription.

[northway]