Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ginger7]

I'm leaving for Korea on Monday and am currently in the process of packing.

But how does one pack for an entire year? There's sooo much crap. And I think I bought too many toiletries out of fear that I won't have access to them. I at least want to bring a month's worth. I'll be in Daegu so I understand I will be able to find a lot of things there...

Should I just pay for the excess baggage fees or ask my parents to ship some clothes over at a later date? Is it easy to receive packages in Korea? I'm wondering which will be easier/cheaper.

Also, regarding carry-on bags, is solid deodorant allowed on the plane? I know gel is not allowed, but I cannot imagine at 20 hour trip without freshening up. It's bad enough I won't be able to bring lotion. How do you deal with such a long trip?

Packing is tricky.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[heydelores]

Hi ginger. Packing can be a challenge when it's your first move overseas. When I first came to Korea, I just paid the extra money to take my bag with me rather than trying to ship it. It's generally not a problem to receive packages in Korea, unless they're worth more than $100 (US) or contain something that probably shouldn't be sent in the mail anyway. HOWEVER, shipping from the US can be quite expensive, especially for something as big as a suitcase, unless you do it the really slow way. My advice is just to chip in the extra $150 or whatever at the airport and take everything with you. Then you have the peace of mind of knowing that you should have everything when you arrive.

[heydelores]

Also, be sure to weigh your suitcases. If you're packed really tightly, you may exceed the max weight limit for which there is an additional charge at the airport.

[hatter]

Well, for a year, packing is going to be tricky. I agree that you should bring everything...as long as you can get it from the airport to Daegu. Anything that is not gel is fine.

Oh, and if you can get a prescription for glasses, if you wear them, they are incredibly cheap in Korea. They have more glasses places than restaurants.

[Ya-ta Boy]

I can make one suggestion.

Bring your jacket with you and ship your heavy winter coat. It would arrive in late October, which SHOULD be OK. It usually stays pretty nice here until the end of October.

[xox]

if you can invest in vacuum seal bags. thats what I got to make everything fit. i just brought ones that had an airhole, and than take the vacuum to it makes a nice cushion for all your stuff. You'd rather have all the stuff you need rather than to be missing something.

[bombenhagen]

I just picked up a large hockey bag, how heavy would it have to be for them not to let it on the plane? I'm only using the one bag and don't care if I have to pay a bit to get it on, I just don't want to get turned away while checking in. Any ideas? Thanks.

[ginger7]

Brilliant! I'm going to buy some vacuum bags! Thanks so much for the reminder that those exist and work beyond infomercials.

Thanks for all of the other advice, too. I'm going to take everything with me and have my coat sent. Hooray!

[peacemaker]

If you want to know the exact dimensions, weights, etc. for what you will get charged for, what they will allow, etc, check the website of the airline you will be flying on.

[mindmetoo]

Get the space bags for sure. Get the ones you squeeze the air out of yourself. It takes a bit longer but it's doubtful you'll have a vacuum cleaner here in Korea and you can use them for the trip home or travel around the region.

Since you're coming in fall, mail your summer clothes to yourself. Mail them to your school. If you don't know the addy, just box it, get the postage, and then have your mom do it when you get in country.

[ajgeddes]