Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rel]

Newbie question.

Will it be difficult to find western goods/products in cities with say around 1 million people?

What about the English level of the locals? Would I have problems communicating with them?

Thanks in advance.

[Teelo]

Most likely, yes, on both fronts.

[Modernist]

[Kimchifart]

[northway]

You'll be able to find Western goods wherever you are, but a city of one million people near Seoul will probably have a slightly better selection than one out in the provinces.

[lonestarteacher]

I live in a city with less than a 1/3 of a million and I am super pleased with the selection that I see. Others that have posted about the variety have a point, but Emart is definitely improving their Western goods that you can score.

[tardisrider]

"Western goods/products" is vague, so it's hard to know exactly what sorts of things you might be thinking of--but as others have said, you should not have too much trouble getting what you want if it's available in Seoul.

Also, as a newbie, you have to consider that some things might be available if you you know where to look--but you won't know where to look, at least at first. This is where friends and colleagues will be useful.

[alongway]

gmarket.
Most of the things you find in the emart/homeplus import section can be ordered directly from Gmarket, and often more reliably.

[Nismo]

I traveled down to Tongyeong (the sticks, with about 140K population) with a bit of nostalgic wanderlust about this time last year, and I was surprised to see my old local Emart stocked with a way better selection of imported beers and snacks than my current Homeplus in Seoul. They even had limes and avocados.

I'd say that you have a good chance of getting Western foods no matter where you live in South Korea, though the cost might be a little higher.

[Teelo]

I love how "140k population" is considered a "small city"

[yodanole]

If by western goods, you mean prepared or processed foods, like Cheerios and Chef Boyardee, then you will likely be disappointed. Personally, I missed the cornmeal/maseca. Plenty of Velveeta, Cheetos and Doritos though. And if you are a Spam afficionado, Korea may be second only to Hawaii.

I watch a lot of cooking shows, in which they make western food with things like fish, chicken, beef and pork. They also use fruits and vegetables combined with seasonings, herbs and spices. Whining about cheese or avocados no longer applies. Even asparagus these days. You can find recipes online. Your kitchen doesn't have to know it lives in Korea. Not a lie. Just an omission.

[No_hite_pls]

[Underwaterbob]

Vague question is vague.

I've been in the effective Korean boondocks for 8 years now and have no trouble finding any western goods/products I need. I doubt I could find my favorite shade of lipstick should I have one.

[sojusucks]

The closer you are to Seoul and/or a Costco the better for selection and prices of western food and bigger sizes. That's a fact.