Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mervanm]

I am leaving to go over to Korea in a couple of weeks. I was unsure as to if I need to bring a suit, or should I wait and buy one there?

I assume I will need one sometime, but if I can wait and purchase one over that would be preferable.

Sometimes people say that they wear one on the first day of classes, but others dont. Any help would be great.

Thank you!

[cragesmure]

It's an interesting question. I've never worn a suit in my life. If you want to buy one, I'd say wait until you come over and work for a bit, then take you first holiday to Hong Kong or the like and get one made up for a fraction of the price. Having said that, I think people will treat you differently if you are dressed well, more so in Korea. It's certainly not necessary. If you are just cruising around having a laugh, I wouldn't buy one before you come over. If you are looking to make a career out of the place you will be working, there's no harm in getting one early and looking sharp from day 1.

[jvalmer]

I'd say bring one just in case. Some schools all the men will be wearing suits in the colder months, in others male teachers come in wearing jeans.

[mervanm]

Thank you the responses. It sounds as though purchasing a suit before I leave can do no harm. But, buying only one seeing as I can go to HK and get one made up for less. Thank you for the help!

[cyui]

Are you bigger? If so, I advice you to buy a suit in the states as your only option in Korea will be "polyester mess"

Suits are a comfortable "throwing on" wardrobe essential; not to metion thier easy easy dry cleaning matience ( super cheap in Korea)!

Just make sure to buy the jacket-pant set together ( I made the once of just buying the pants and though it workable..HELL NO!!)

[Skipperoo]

What kind of price can you look at for getting a suit made up in Korea? I'm guessing it's a far cry from the bargains of Bangkok.

[whiteshoes]

[lonestarteacher]

This thread is pretty informative. I'm glad to know that
A) Dry cleaning is affordable
B) Suits aren't required but they aren't uncommon and
C) Hong Kong is the place to go in order to get suits

For the people that go to Hong Kong in order to get suits what is the turn around time on them?

How much does it typically cost to get to Hong Kong?

[northway]

[lonestarteacher]

[Hotpants]

For the cost of the airfare to go out of Korea to purchase a suit, I can't see how you're saving money ...

If you have a nice suit at home, bring it with you. (Afterall, it's not going to any use sitting in your closet on the other side of the world.) There are special events held by lots of schools that could warrant dressing really smartly for that day. Also, if you ever get to interview for a uni or corporate gig here, a suit is imperative. In addition, I've had quite a few invites to coworker weddings, and it was handy to have a suit to wear for those so that I looked like I was making an effort. Apart from that, you will be wearing smart casual for the rest of the time.

Korean clothes are generally short legged and tops don't cover the waist. If you're a largish size, you'll have little luck buying decent, comfortable clothes here.

[freddy teacher]

im not even going to bother reading the whole thread. bottom line, if ur a man, u need a suit.

you might not need to wear it more than a couple times, but you still will need one at some point in your contract. (first day at work, friend's wedding, work dinner, parent-teacher interview, etc...)

if you are not picky about you're suits, u can get them as cheap as 250,000w in korea. I do recommend paying at least 500,000w for something with better material...

[marsavalanche]

Is this thread serious?

Don't bring a suit. You don't need it. And it isn't worth hauling around in your luggage for something you'll need once if that.

[willteachforfood]

[northway]

Even if you work at a hagwon you should have a suit in case of special occasions, i.e. parents' days or marketing events.