Korean Job Discussion Forums

[canarsie]

Hi everyone, I am moving to Daegu in a week. I am a 22 year old female if it matters.

I tried searching this forum repeatedly (even tried with google) but it keeps coming up blank for me... not sure if it's my computer or Dave's.

I've read the stickies - definitely helpful. Does anyone have a packing list they used that they found helpful? I like lists. Or if you want to link me to some forum posts, I'd be really grateful - unfortunately, like I said, my search just goes to a blank screen. Reloading doesn't help.

If not - what do you think I didn't think of? How much clothing would you say is necessary? What does every list/site say that you think is NOT helpful?

Thanks!!

[Skippy]

Been covered before, various threads. Try a little harder look in the FAQ section and you will get some ideas.

try using with google site:forums.eslcafe.com/korea "What to bring"

[canarsie]

Thanks, I was searching 'packing list' in google and it didn't bring up nearly as many results as 'what to bring.' If anyone has a good list or insight feel free to continue posting - insite: for google definitely helps but I still cannot search Dave's

[Skippy]

If your really fat or big - extra clothes or shoes in your size.

[Pablo]

deodorant
toothpaste
flat sheets
vitamins

[canarsie]

a few specific questions:

can i get regular dental floss? I've read mixed things.
if i want to go snowboarding, can i rent everything i need? i was going to bring thermals anyway (in case it was cold) and 1 pair of ski socks - just in case.

[pkang0202]

[laynamarya]

Floss is easy to find, so I would not worry about that.

Snowboarding places have everything you need, and you can definitely buy thermals and ski socks here too. Usually you have to travel a bit to get to a decent ski resort; hopefully you will have some helpful coworkers who can advise you.

Clothes take up a lot of suitcase space, so try to minimize. It's still very wintry here, so bring at least a coat and scarf, but other than that, you won't need to bring tons of clothes, maybe a week's worth of low-key professional clothes should do it. You'll probably have a washing machine in your place, so you can do laundry after that.

Do you like cooking? If so, bring spices that you use often. You can get salt, pepper, bay leaves, chili powder, garlic powder, ginger, cinnamon, and rosemary everywhere, but I usually have to go out of my way to find things like vanilla extract, italian seasoning mixes, hoisin sauce, dill, etc.

Also, bring extra cash, if you can possibly do so. There will be a number of things you need to buy (dishes, drying racks, soap, cleaning supplies, etc), and there may be a significant delay before you are paid for the first time.

Good luck packing, and have a great time! I've only been to Daegu a couple times, but I like it a lot. Not too boring, not too stressful.

[canarsie]

[laynamarya]

I'd say around 1000 USD oughta do it. (I'm not sure which country you're from.) 500 is NOT going to be enough, in my rather disastrous personal experience.

Bring it in cash and exchange it at the airport in Korea (prior to exiting the security area). Be careful with your cash when you're traveling, but Korea is very very safe, so once you get here, you can worry a little less.

[pkang0202]

$1000 should be the MINIMUM.

When you get here, there is a lot of stuff you are gonna need to buy. Dishes, kitchenware, bath/bed stuff. Etc..etc...

Or, you can rough it and try to go without toilet paper, shampoo, soap, dishes, towels, toilet plunger, mop, pillow covers, blankets, cups, plates, bowls, forks, spoons, chopsticks, oven mits, spatula, pots, pans, shaving cream, razor, medicine, salt, pepper, basic spices, condiments, etc....

[Swampfox10mm]

You're 22?

Condoms. Lots and lots of condoms.

[canarsie]

So I'm trying to figure out which shoes to bring right now. I have a ton of shoes so I'm trying to limit how many I bring (and I probably won't buy any there as I am a US women's 9).

In Korea, how are these shoes perceived:
- flip-flops
- other open-toed sandals
- casual sneakers, not for athletics
- flats, worn without socks (is this an issue ever? not wearing socks?)
I know women wear a lot of heels and I also have boots and I'm not really curious about those. As well as a pair of sneakers which should serve me well on any adventurous trips I decide to take.

[SeoulNate]

They are perceived fine when outdoors in the summer, but I wouldnt plan on wearing flip flops or open toed shoes to work.

[canarsie]

So when you go somewhere and have to take your shoes off, and don't have socks, do you just go barefoot? I've spoken to some teachers at my hagwon and the foreign teachers leave their shoes on and do not change into slippers. My question is more for other places - or do places not make you take your shoes off? I know people do in their homes.