Korean Job Discussion Forums

[RichardT]

I notice a lot of you guys talk about gaming. Several have mentioned arcades but many of you are talking about home consoles. I'm curious, did you buy your gear in Korea, or in the US and have it shipped? Did you own any of your games before leaving and either take them with you or have them shipped to you later? Do you have region problems with getting games coded for your system and what about plug adapters?

One thing I know is going to be hard for me to leave behind is my old Sega Genesis. Its my one truly materialistic hobby and I'm really going to miss it if I go.

[comm]

Why wouldn't you bring your genesis? My TV (that I don't use) has the standard "ANT IN" plug that the genesis uses, at least I think that's what it uses...

I mean, I brought a 17" gaming laptop WITH an industrial-grade cooling fan platform. Honestly though, it'd be more efficient to download an emulator for your computer and find a USB game controller you like. Then you could have hundreds of games rather than the few you can fit in your case.

[RichardT]

That's what I've been considering. I'm looking at a controller right now to see if I can get used to it. I have one but its designed like a PS2 controller which is fine but those games were designed for a linear button layout. Couldn't find an exact genesis 6-button but I found one meant to look like a saturn controller which is very very close. I am a stickler for original hardware and I do like having the cart in my hands, but more than likely emulation is what I'll do.

I'm just curious about you guys that have systems, especially the big boys like the PS3 and 360. Those things are heavy, the shipping and/or luggage cost must get crucial there. Plus is there any customs problems?

[crossmr]

When I came, I brought my Wii with me. It's a launch Wii and still going strong. I brought a spindle of games and what I've bought since I've been here I got online through play asia.

[Taya]

I brought my Wii and DSi over. I had to buy a power converter but other than that, it was easy to bring. I brought my games over too. The Wii is region-locked so I can't buy Korean games (without hacking the system) but I don't want to buy Korean games anyway.

Bring your Genesis!

[kimdeal54]

I brought a 15" gaming laptop with me.

I bought a PS2 here about five years ago, which was a bit of a waste, as it was a bit challenging to find games for it. But it was a slim one, so easy to transport.

This year, I bought a PS3 here, and I'm not regretting it at all. The game selection is decent, and online options for most games are great.

I'd say just bring your system. There shouldn't be any customs problems. The most I've carried into Korea included two external hard drives, two laptops, and the PS2. No worries.

[mattdsoares]

My parents came to visit a few months back and I had them bring my PS3 and a few games. I haven't bought any games in Korea, but I'm actually going to Yongsan after work today to try and find a US copy of the new Assassin's Creed.

[AustSaint]

I have a gaming laptop and I brought my Japanese PS3 with me, between the two of them my gaming time is pretty set.

[RichardT]

I have a wii also, and what I'd probably do is bring that and the controller for the emulator on my PC. Its sort of a double standard because on the one hand yes I'd miss the gear (although I'm getting quite used to playing on an emulator though I wish I had a bigger monitor) but at the same time I really don't want to lose any carts either.

[Taya]

Yeah cartridges are big so I can understand not wanting to bring them. I brought all 30 of my Wii games in a CD case so I don't need to worry about losing them or taking up too much space. DS games are small enough to fit them all in a small plastic bag but I'm worried that I'll lose one.

It would be cool to meet someone here with a retro console though!

[RichardT]

Well worst case scenario by the time I go, I'll have my emulation gear set up so that its indistinguishable and I'll probably entrust my collection to my brother. I'll definitely end up with two retro USB controllers to invite people over. Mind you I still have a decent while before I can go to Korea. But I might bring my wii. The CD case thing is a good idea and the wii is not a large console. The only pain is it has so many controllers. But those are pretty replaceable. Are wii accessories easy to come by there?

I really want to explore Korea's booming gaming market too and I know MMOs are huge there. Unfortunately with my current system the only thing I feel comfortable running here in the states that was made in Korea is Maple Story which frankly puts me to sleep. I'd love to play Vindictus though.

[vDroop]

[crossmr]

If you want to get into Korean games, follow the WWW link at the bottom of my post. I've written up sign-up guides for most Korean sites, as well as covered the most accessible games. Generally FPS, but a few others as well. I haven't found any way to swap out a language pack for any of the Korean games that are also available elsewhere (Aion, perfect world, age of conan, lotro, etc. )

The FPS are really easy as you basically need no korean skills at all, however MMORPGs can be really difficult depending on system. Something like AION really pulls you by the nose, but if the quests are kind of abstract it can be hard to figure out where you're supposed to go and what you're supposed to do.

[shinramyun]

It's pity that console gaming scene is really weak in korea. There are lot of talented korean game dev companies out there wasting their time and effort on creating basically same MMOs and online shooters.

[ShaunB]

I brought my 360 with me from South Africa. I left the power brick at home and bought a new one here (luckily SA and Korea use the same voltage).

I've only been here a short while, but I generally check online to see what games are region free and in English before buying locally, otherwise order a different version from playasia. But I'll eventually get an NTSC-J console.